58 32 1900 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/7ce2c4853add666aeded0aa5410219b4.pdf 5aac2007c75d86357bd76cbbc3a6b46f PDF Text Text FEBRUARY 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 2 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Matson ConRo Lurline Joins Jones Act Fleet Seafarers are sailing aboard the new combination container roll-on/roll-off vessel Lurline, a union-built ship which was delivered to Matson Dec. 26. The SIU represents steward department mariners on the Lurline, which is sailing in the Jones Act trade. Page 3. (Photo courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO) Relief Supplies Donated, Shipped to Puerto Rico Initial relief supplies for Puerto Rico were loaded aboard the SIU-crewed Crowley vessel Taino on Jan. 14 in Jacksonville, Florida. Donations came in through the hiring hall, while Crowley donated use and transport of the 20-foot container. The relief items, including pallets of water, were delivered later in the week as the territory dealt with damage from recent earthquakes. As noted by SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins, “This is a team effort between the union, Crowley and the Greater South Florida Maritime Trades Council (part of the Maritime Trades Department).” Pictured aboard the Taino are (from left) Recertified Bosun Donley Johnson, ABM Juan Negron, QMED Sherrod Frazier, SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson, AB Sonny Perez, QEE Carlos Parrilla and ABM Arthur Patterson. Rescues at Sea Pages 2, 5 Bisso Pact Approved Page 4 Tax Tips for 2020 Pages 13-16 �President’s Report Generosity of Seafarers Continues Our members individually and our union as a whole regularly step up to assist others, and such behavior once again proved evident during the holidays and into the early part of the new year. Most recently, Seafarers teamed up with one of our contracted operators (Crowley Maritime) and the Greater South Florida Maritime Trades Council (part of the Maritime Trades Department) for donations and shipments of relief supplies to Puerto Rico. This will not be a one-time outreach by the SIU as the territory recovers from yet another natural disaster (in this case, earthquakes). As we showed following Hurricane Maria in 2017, we will do everything possible to help our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters rebuild and recover. Leading up to Christmas, the SIU also participated in traditional community outreach from coast to coast. As reported elsewhere in this edition, those activities included toy drives in Tacoma, Washington; Jersey City, New Jersey; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Tacoma project directly benefits U.S. military families, and it’s something we’ve done since 2007. All of those efforts are done from the heart. We are part of the community wherever we live and work, and we’re Michael Sacco happy to provide a boost to others, whether it involves a simple donation or something far more complex, like our annual participation in “Paint Tacoma Beautiful” during the summer. It’s who we are. New Tonnage Something else that hasn’t changed is the influx of new tonnage to the American-flag fleet. At press time, the SIU welcomed the reflagging of the tanker Maersk Misaki under the Stars and Stripes. A few weeks earlier, Matson took delivery of its brand new union-built ConRo Lurline. These developments followed the flag-ins of the Marine Personnel and Provisioning containership Rio Grande Express and three car carriers operated by TOTE for American Roll-on/Roll-Off Carrier. And in case you missed our “decade in review” coverage, it’s worth repeating that in the past 10 years, the SIU welcomed well over 100 new ships, tugs, ferries and other vessels. Some were brand new, some were flag-ins, and they landed in different segments of our fleet (deep sea, inland, Great Lakes). But they all signify jobs and job security for SIU members. Election Day Whether you can’t get enough political news or you’ve tried to unplug or you’re somewhere in between, you undoubtedly know that 2020 is an election year. As always, the race for the White House will get most of the headlines, but there are also 35 Senate seats up for grabs (counting two special elections), and of course all of the positions in the House are on the ballot every two years. States will conduct legislative elections and 11 of them will elect governors. And then there are all sorts of local races. As always, I encourage all Seafarers to support pro-maritime, pro-worker candidates, regardless of political party. Make sure you’re registered to vote, attend your union meetings, and keep an eye on the LOG and on our website. At minimum, we’ll have information about SIU-backed candidates available at the hiring halls. (This is also an election year for the SIU, and I encourage you to exercise your right to cast a ballot. Future editions of the LOG will contain voting procedures and eligibility rules.) You all understand that our industry is heavily regulated, and we depend on political backing for survival. With that in mind, if you can spare the time, please pitch in however possible – block walks, phone banks, handing out leaflets, etc. If you haven’t heard from your hall as Election Day nears, check with them. It’s also important to contribute to SPAD, the SIU’s voluntary political action fund. SPAD helps us help you. Fourth Arm of Defense Ready Although tensions in the Middle East have de-escalated as of this writing, I know that all of our crews sailing overseas are staying alert and ready while maintaining their usual professionalism. This is particularly important in light of a mid-January safety bulletin from the U.S. Maritime Administration for commercial ships in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. We are working with our contracted operators and with the Military Sealift Command to help ensure prompt communications, maximum safety and full preparedness in any circumstance. Meanwhile, I salute our Seafarers for staying focused on the tasks at hand. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 2 February 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, 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, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. The Maersk Kinloss deck crew includes, from left to right: AB Khaled Mohamed, AB John Worae, AB Tino Guity, Recertified Bosun Rufino Giray and AB Celso Zuniga Sr. Maersk Kinloss Rescues 3 Though not meant as a holiday gift, the selflessness of the SIU-crewed Maersk Kinloss was gratefully received by three adrift individuals one week before Christmas. On Dec. 18, the Kinloss rescued three fishermen who had been adrift in what appeared to be a large plastic septic tank. They had been clinging to life for almost three weeks in the Arabian Sea following the loss of their fishing boat. The rescue began after dinner, a few hours before the crew was set to maneuver into Salalah, Oman. The bridge crew spotted the floating tank after one of the stranded fishermen managed to attract their attention with a flashlight. The crew of the Kinloss mobilized to rescue the fishermen before their makeshift vessel capsized. “I got called by the captain and got down to the gangway,” said Recertified Bosun Rufino Giray. “We saw the plastic canister they were riding.... I rigged the port-side ladder and was in the front of the line to pick them up.” The SIU members aboard the Kinloss included Bosun Giray, ABs David Fridstrom, Tino Guity, Khaled Mohamed, Miguelito Salada, John Worae and Celso Zuniga, QE4 Cirico Geonanga, QEE Julian Avila, GUDE Solomon Godwin, Steward/Baker Caezar Mercado, Chief Cook Gertrudis Arzu and SA Melvin Ellis. The containership’s owner and operating company, SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL), informed U.S. Navy Central Command it had rescued the men, who’d been stranded at sea for weeks, according to a Navy news release. “The rescue,” the statement reads, “is an example of professional mariners rendering assistance to others in distress at sea, a responsibility and mis- sion that we in the U.S. Navy share and take very seriously.” The vessel’s captain noted that the crew of the Kinloss had just practiced a man-overboard/Williamson turn as part of a drill two days before. That refresher came in handy and the crew managed to maneuver the vessel within a few meters of the floating tank as several engineers joined the rescue team on deck. A life ring was deployed and the fishermen were able to climb the pilot ladder with some assistance. The tank capsized during the rescue, but all three fishermen were successfully rescued. They were medically treated, clothed and fed, and later transferred to the Omani Coast Guard MLL Vice President of Labor and Marine Standards Ed Hanley stated, “Rendering assistance to save lives if possible is not only international law and custom of the sea, but it is also the right thing to do. “Sadly, the Iranians said that in the course of being adrift over 19 days, several other ships had stopped, provided them with food and water, but refused to take them aboard. Whether this was to avoid the cost of delays associated with rescue efforts or for other reasons, we can never know.” Giray concluded, “Helping other people at sea when they get stranded is important. When I saw their faces, they knelt down on deck and were obviously really happy they were still alive. Nineteen days at sea in those conditions is not fun at all.... The ABs that I was working with, they’re professional and they were a big help.” He also credited the training he received at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education as being a key component to the success of the rescue. SIU Jobs Secure in ATC Sale Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) in late December announced an agreement to purchase three U.S.-flagged crude oil carrier vessels operated by Alaska Tanker Company LLC (ATC). OSG is a founding member of ATC with an existing 37.5% ownership interest. As part of the above transaction, OSG will also acquire the remaining 62.5% interest of ATC that it does not own. Completion of the transaction is subject to approval of the U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Coast Guard and other regulatory agencies. ATC is an SIU-contracted business and all SIU shipboard jobs will be maintained as ATC becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of OSG. The three operating vessels affected, all of which sail in the Jones Act trade, are the Alaskan Legend, Alaskan Navigator and Alaskan Explorer (pictured late last year at the end of a scheduled shipyard period in Singapore). A fourth vessel, the Alaska Frontier, currently in lay-up in Malaysia, is not included in the transaction announced in December. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG February 2020 �Congress Extends U.S. Maritime Security Program 2019 Ends with Flurry of Legislative Victories for Industry Before members of Congress left Washington late last year to head home for the holidays, the House and Senate both passed major spending bills, which were signed by President Trump, that contain significant wins for the U.S.-flag maritime industry. Within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2020 was an SIU-backed component extending the Maritime Security Program (MSP) by 10 years, through fiscal year 2035. Additionally, the MSP stipend was boosted to $5.3 million per vessel beginning in 2022, followed by gradual increases to $6.8 million in 2032. Enacted in 1996, the MSP ensures that the Defense Department has access to a fleet of U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flagged, militarily useful vessels in times of war or national emergency. In exchange, U.S.-flag companies whose ships are enrolled in the program receive an annual stipend. The MSP and its related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement have saved the federal government billions of dollars that would be needed to replicate its efforts. Sixty ships currently are included in the MSP, and Congress still must approve the stipends annually. Moreover, the NDAA authorized an MSP-like cable ship program beginning in fiscal year 2021. It provides a $5 million per-vessel stipend for two privately owned cable installation vessels. A program involving U.S.-flag tankers also may be on the horizon thanks to the recently enacted legislation. The Defense bill mandates a report on American-flag tanker vessel capacity from the Secretary of Defense. The report will be created in conjunction with the Secretary of Transportation. Also within the NDAA is language aimed at making the transition from the U.S. Coast Guard to the U.S. Merchant Marine easier. It includes a study on the availability of Jones Act vessels for offshore wind farm work. A second and much larger appro- “What we and the rest of maritime labor were able to accomplish in 2019 is nothing short of incredible. In a year where everyone has been complaining about gridlock, and with Democrats and Republicans fighting on almost every issue, we were able to get significant victories that provide job security and stability for our membership and keep America safe ... ” - Brian Schoeneman, SIU Political and Legislative Director priations bill (which covers the federal government through September 2020) reauthorized the U.S. Export-Import Bank for seven years. Cargo generated by Ex-Im Bank funds must be moved overseas on U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flagged vessels. It permitted the bank’s board to authorize loans in the event it lacks a quorum. The package also included $1.7 billion for the Food for Peace Program (PL 480). Fifty percent of the cargo must be moved aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flagged vessels. The fiscal year 2020 bill contained New Jobs Aboard M/V Winters Seafarers are sailing aboard Sealift Inc.’s cargo ship M/V Maj. Richard Winters, which entered the fleet last year. Sealift purchased the vessel and reflagged it in Port Arthur, Texas. The 350-foot-long ship is sailing in North Atlantic trades. Pictured from left to right outside the vessel (photo above) are SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes and AB Elvin Ruiz. Pictured from left in the photo below are SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala, OMU Vincent Hall, Sykes, Ruiz, OMU Thomas Zamora and Steward/Baker Lonnie Myers. February 2020 more than $75 million for the construction of a new larger lock within the Soo Locks system between Lake Superior and the rest of the Great Lakes. Presently, only one of the three operational locks – the Poe Lock – can handle the longest thousand-footers that ply the Lakes. Maritime and business experts have conjectured for years that if the Poe Lock (built in 1968) ever became disabled for an extended time during the sailing season, it could lead to an economic disaster for that U.S.-Canadian area. The Lake Carriers’ Association, which represents the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, reported the Soo Locks is responsible for 87,000 American jobs, paying $6.4 billion in salaries and generating $17.4 billion in economic activity in the U.S. Complementing the new resources will be $52 million provided by the state of Michigan in 2018 as well as $32 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2019 discretionary work funds. Jim Weakley, president of the asso- ciation, stated, “These funds will lay the groundwork for the next big step – the construction of the lock chamber. With continued efficient funding, the construction of the new lock could be complete in as little as seven years.” Congress authorized construction of a new lock in 1986, but funding was never granted. In 2015, the Department of Homeland Security pointed out a 2007 Army Corps of Engineers study stating there was no need for a second Poe-sized lock contained flawed data. In addition, the appropriations legislation had good news for many unions. It repealed the so-called “Cadillac” tax on quality health care coverage that could have adversely affected millions of union members and their families. It also provided funding for the American Miners Act that secures the pensions and health care for thousands of Mine Workers and their families. “What we and the rest of maritime labor were able to accomplish in 2019 is nothing short of incredible,” said Brian Schoeneman, the SIU’s Political and Legislative Director. “In a year where everyone has been complaining about gridlock, and with Democrats and Republicans fighting on almost every issue, we were able to get significant victories that provide job security and stability for our membership and keep America safe. These wins demonstrate that the SIU’s bipartisan approach, made possible through the membership’s support for SPAD, can get things done even in the toughest political environments.” ConRo Lurline Joins Matson’s SIU Fleet The period between Christmas and New Year’s Day typically is slow in many workplaces, but not for Seafarers who are sailing aboard Matson’s newest ship. The combination container roll-on/roll-off (ConRo) vessel Lurline was delivered Dec. 26, and SIU members climbed the gangway a day later. The union represents steward department mariners on the Lurline, which is sailing in the Jones Act trade. “What better way to kick off 2020 than with new jobs on a new ship?” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “As always, I am fully confident that the members aboard the Lurline will rise to the occasion and will do a typically outstanding job.” Built buy union workers in San Diego at General Dynamics NASSCO, the Lurline is 870 feet long and has a beam of 114 feet. The ship has a deep draft of 38 feet and weighs in at more than 50,000 metric tons. It is one of Matson’s fastest vessels, with a top speed of 23 knots, helping ensure on-time deliveries in Hawaii from the company’s three West Coast terminals in Seattle, Oakland and Long Beach, California. Recertified Steward Stephen Valencia said from aboard the vessel, “Things are going very well. We have a three-person steward department. The galley is very modern and functional, and the vessel overall is one of the most modern ships in the American fleet. Matson went all-out.” Valencia particularly complimented the living quarters. “The staterooms are the finest and most comfortable I’ve seen on a ship,” he said. “You have your own room, your own TV, your own bathroom. When I first started sailing (in 1974), there were four guys to a room and the bathroom was down the hall.” Billed as the largest American-built ConRo, it’s the sixth Matson vessel named Lurline, dating to 1887. NASSCO also is building a second ConRo for Matson; that ship is expected to enter service in the third quarter of this year. “We are proud to deliver the lead ship of the Kanaloa Class,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “It is an honor for our design and production teams to work on the latest Jones Act vessels that will support our customers and the communities they serve.” According to Matson, “Both new Kanaloa Class vessels will have an enclosed garage with room for approximately 500 vehicles, plus ample space for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo. They will also feature stateof-the-art green technology, including a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks, fresh water ballast systems and the first Tier 3 dual fuel engines to be deployed in containerships serving West Coast ports. Both new vessels will enter service fully compliant with new International Maritime Organization (IMO) emission regulations going into effect January 1, 2020.” Under the latest IMO requirements for engine manufacturers, Tier 3 engines reduce the levels of particulate emissions by 40 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 20 percent, as compared to Tier 2 standards. The Jones Act requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. The century-old law, which has extensive bipartisan support, helps protect U.S. national, economic and homeland security. A newer study by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the nation’s freight cabotage law helps sustain nearly 650,000 American jobs while contributing $154 billion to the nation’s economic growth annually. The new ship is pictured during its christening last summer. The Lurline was delivered to Matson on Dec. 26. Seafarers LOG 3 �Gathering at the conclusion of negotiations are (from left) Seafarer Kevin Wells, Bisso Operations Manager Timothy Michel, Seafarer Jacob Toler, Bisso President Matthew Holzhalb, Bisso CFO Casey Willis, Bisso VP Mike Vitt, SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook and Seafarers Todd Rabalais and Nick Narvaez. Bisso Crews Ratify Three-Year Contract SIU boatmen employed by E.N. Bisso & Son have approved a new three-year contract highlighted by annual wage increases. Negotiations took place Nov. 19-20 in Kenner, Louisiana, followed by ratification on the boats Nov. 20-29. The pact was approved by an overwhelming majority, according to SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, who headed up the union’s negotiating committee. Rounding out the SIU bargaining group were Engineer Todd Rabalais, Wheelman Nick Narvaez, Deckhand Jacob Toler and Engineer Kevin Wells. The contract covers 70 Seafarers who operate the company’s 13 boats in ship-docking and offshore towing. The agreement maintains health benefits at the top level (Core Plus), adds a holiday, and boosts vacation days for longer-tenured employees. It also increases incentive pay with certain manning scales. Wells stated, “Negotiations went well and everybody is pleased with the outcome. As far as the SIU and E.N. Bisso, I’m pretty sure we’re going to have a bright future together – move forward and continue to get better.” He added, “Bisso was willing to listen; it wasn’t a fight. They understand what we needed, and their willingness to work with the SIU and the employees were the best parts of the experience. The future looks bright, and also, hats off to Chris. He worked hard and did an excellent job.” Narvaez said the contract’s highlights included getting an extra holiday and increased pay for wheelmen. He described the negotiating sessions as “cordial, professional. Everything went okay.” Westbrook credited the committee for its work. “We set out with some specific objectives and were able to attain them,” he said. “We collected suggestion forms from the members along with delegate election sheets, and put a clear proposal forward. This was really a fantastic committee; they did a tremendous job putting the issues on the table and making valid points.” Westbrook continued, “The contract shows that the company really appreciates the value of tenure and the stability of the workforce. They used to have a lot of turnover, but they’re now on par with our other inland companies in terms of employee retention. Bisso did a great job stepping up to the plate to really show they value the employees and they want to retain and attract qualified, professional mariners. You’ve got to applaud them for that.” Pictured from left are members Kevin Wells, Dickie Valois and Farryl Wiggins, SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook and members Matthew Holmes, Jacob Toler, Cale Carlson and Zach Norris. Retired Port Agent Bensman Passes Away at 90 Retired Port Agent Donald Bensman 4 Seafarers LOG When Donald Bensman retired from sailing in late 1992, the former SIU port agent and organizer offered two messages to new members of the union. First, he said, don’t take for granted all the benefits of union representation. And second, remember the importance of the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Bensman passed away Dec. 5 at a medical rehabilitation center in Maumee, Ohio. He was 90. “He worked hard to try to make other people’s lives better,” said his son, Jonathan. “He would help anybody at any time.” Bensman remained politically active following his retirement, especially in the Lucas County, Ohio, Democratic Party. “He paid attention to everything from the local precincts to the White House,” U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) told the Toledo Blade. “Donald was an extraordinary labor leader and patriot. He knew the Great Lakes and championed their cause throughout his life. He tried to make a difference in the lives of working men and women across our region.” Bensman entered the maritime industry at age 15 – he started sailing on the Great Lakes in 1945. His career spanned nearly half a century, only interrupted by service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and included substantial time both as an engine department mariner and as a union representative. Bensman was part of the SIU’s early organizing efforts on the Lakes; he helped bring American Steamship Company, Reiss, and Kinsman Marine Transport (among others) under the SIU umbrella. He became the union’s port agent in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1962 and helped establish AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Port Councils in the Cleveland, Detroit, and Toledo, Ohio, metro areas. He returned to sailing in the mid-1970s; his last vessel was the Paul Thayer. When Bensman visited SIU headquarters upon his retirement, he reflected on the progress made by maritime unions throughout the years. “A lot of people forget how rotten the companies were back then (before significant numbers of mariners gained union representation),” he said. “A lot of new members don’t understand that and don’t know what we fought for.” For example, Bensman said the pre-union era was one of firings on the spot for little or no reason. No seaman had a right to a grievance procedure or fair hearing. He also said it was a period of almost legalized blackballing. During that same interview, he was asked what advice he would give to a person entering the union. He replied, “Get an education. The greatest legacy (the late SIU President) Paul Hall and others left this union is the school in Piney Point. That is the only reason we are alive as a union – because we have stayed up-to-date in technology advances and we train people to stay that way.” Bensman was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Patsy, in 2012. Survivors include two children, a brother and two grandchildren. February 2020 �Maersk Columbus Crew Helps Save 11 The SIU-crewed Maersk Columbus recently played a vital role in a successful search-and-rescue mission off the coast of Spain. SIU members teamed up with mariners from the MEBA and MM&P to assist 11 Algerian individuals (including a small child and an infant) who were in a small rubber boat, trying to sail to Spain. The mariners received a thank-you letter from the Spanish Maritime Safety Agency that read in part, “We would like to express our deepest appreciation for the assistance that your vessel, M/V Maersk Columbus provided to MCC Almeria to locate a small rubber boat with several persons on board…. The actions of [your] Master and the Crew are keeping with the highest traditions of Maritime Search and Rescue. We are pleased to convey our special thanks to you and your crew for a job well done.” Maersk Columbus vessel master Capt. John C. Finney provided the following recap: On November 30, 2019 at about 2000 hours, the Maersk Columbus received a radio call from RCC ALMERIA in Spain, asking if we could assist in a search for a small boat, with unknown persons aboard. All hands were mustered, and the ship turned about, to begin the search. Extra lookouts were posted and bridge wing search lights were manned. A SAR aircraft gave us a bearing from our position to the last suspected position of the small craft. With the engine room now fully manned, the Captain began slowing the ship as we came about onto the search course. The SAR aircraft was instrumental in locating the craft, as the craft had no lights showing, and the night was very dark. Suddenly, small flashing lights were seen off the ship’s port bow. The craft turned out to be a small black rubber boat, with 11 persons on board, including one small child and one infant. They had managed to use their cellphones as lights to attract our attention. First, the ship was slowed and maneuvered into hailing distance of the small boat. The Chief Mate, being fluent in Arabic, was sent down to main deck to try and establish communication with the people in the boat, and to get an accurate count of persons on board. We reported back to RCC ALMERIA our findings. The Chief Mate was able to determine that all persons were Algerian, and discovered that they had “lost their way” as they were attempting to cross the Med from Algeria to Many of the Maersk Columbus mariners are pictured above. Spain. The Mate could see that they had food, water, and fuel on board the small boat, and that the boat was not taking on water. At first, the RCC asked if we could launch our Rescue boat and take the persons on board. Due to the rough conditions, the Captain advised the RCC that launching the rescue boat would put more people at risk. The RCC advised that there was a Spanish patrol boat in the area, but it was involved in another rescue several miles to the north, and that it would be close to an hour before they could assist. The captain informed the RCC that we would remain on station alongside the small boat until the patrol arrived. The RCC concurred, and proceeded to keep the ship informed of the patrol boat’s ETA to our position. The ship’s crew kept search lights manned and on the small boat, and the Chief Mate stayed on deck to assure them that help was on the way. The Captain had the Mate tell them that we would not leave them, that we would stay as long as it took for the patrol boat to arrive. The Captain maneuvered the ship to create a lee off the port side, and instructed the Mate to tell the person in charge on the little boat to stay in the lee, and to stay right alongside the ship. The Spanish patrol boat arrived on scene at about 2120 hours, and proceeded to take all persons from the small boat on board the patrol boat. Once all persons were safely on board the patrol boat, RCC AMERIA was notified, and at about 2145 hours, we were released to continue on to our next port of call. MM&P members on board: Capt. John Finney, C/M Marwan Elsamny, 2/M Greg Danaher, 3/M Cassandra Clark. MEBA members on board: C/E Jon Schmidt, 1/E Frank Whelpley, 2/E Julianne Cona, 3/E Seth Kaye. SIU members on board: Recertified Bosun Ion Irimia, Daymen Eduardo Barlas and Sacarias Suazo, ABs Jerzy Marciniak, Marcos Santos Gamboa, and Jose Calix, Electrician Tousif Ahmed, QMED George Santiago, DEU Amado Laboriel-Reyes, Chief Steward Fernando Lopes, Chief Cook Adele Messina, and SA Angel Corchado. Submitted on behalf of the Officers and Crew of the MV MAERSK COLUMBUS. Respectfully, Capt. John C. Finney Master, MAERSK COLUMBUS The Algerians (photo at right) are shown alongside the SIU-crewed ship and being pulled to safety by a Spanish patrol boat (above). February 2020 Seafarers LOG 5 �Former DOL Deputy Lauds SIU, Paul Hall Center Seth Harris, former Acting U.S. Secretary and Deputy U.S. Secretary of Labor, gave testimony to the House Education and Labor Committee Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment in December 2019. During that testimony, Harris cited the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education as an example of what union training schools can do for the global workforce. As Harris said in his testimony, “The success of registered apprenticeships and other labor-management training and job placement programs do not just happen to include unions. They are successful because of unions.” He then offered a few reasons for this, including higher union member wages and workplace accountability when it comes to investments in training. “I can offer evidence based on my own experience working for the Seafarers Inter- national Union in the 1980s,” he continued. (Harris was a field representative for the SIU during that timeframe.) “The SIU is a union of merchant mariners. Young people from around the country, most of whom may not be prospects for traditional higher education, enroll in the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Maryland. The Lundeberg School is … financed by the companies whose employees it represents. He then described the apprentice program and the options for upgrading – “known in the workforce development world as upskilling or reskilling,” Harris said. “Many members plan their careers around upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. Then, with a new credential in hand, they know they can ship out in a higherskilled, better-paying job for another period of several months, and then return to Piney Point to earn another specialized credential.” Later in his testimony, he lauded the career paths available to Seafarers. “SIU members do not have to guess which skills and credentials to pursue,” Harris stated. “They know exactly what skills and credentials they need to make themselves more valuable to their employers. Their union and the employers with which it works have solved this problem. SIU members also do not navigate career pathways on their own. They had clear and well-established career pathways even before the phrase ‘career pathways’ had been coined. Those career pathways have been married to a skills acquisition curriculum. As a result, SIU members know exactly how they can climb career ladders by acquiring welldefined competencies and credentials.” He added, “Most fundamentally, if job training is about upward mobility, then it is a core and necessary part of unions’ mission. Simply, if we had more unions and union members, we have would have more workers able to access successful skills and knowledge acquisition programs to advance up well-defined and rational career ladders.” Harris also backed House legislation that aims to boost America’s working families: the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. “The PRO Act would help to reverse the long-term decline in union density and give workers a free and fair choice to organize a union and bargain collectively with their employers about skills acquisition, career pathways, and many other issues,” Harris testified. “That is the promise of the National Labor Relations Act. The PRO Act will help us to achieve that promise.” U.S. Senate Passes Bill Honoring Maritime Briefs World War II Merchant Mariners The U.S. Senate – by unanimous consent – passed the Merchant Mariners Congressional Gold Medal Act with a minor language amendment on Dec. 19. Having been passed unanimously by the House of Representatives on Sept. 19, the bill now returns to the House for one more vote (expected to be a formality) before it is sent to the White House for the president’s signature. The legislation, sponsored in the House by Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) and in the Senate by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), authorizes the creation of a gold medal to honor the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II. The medal would be displayed in the American Merchant Marine Museum at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York. Duplicates then would be struck and made available to the public. The SIU and the Transportation Institute, alongside a number of other backers, took lead roles in obtaining co-sponsors for both the House and Senate bills. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in wartime service during World War II. “Despite their loyalty and patriotic services and commitment to the United States, our World War II Mer- chant Mariners didn’t receive their veteran status until nearly 40 years after the war had ended,” Murkowski said. “The merchant mariners provided crucial services during World War II by transporting soldiers, tanks, airplanes, ammunition, fuel and food to aid soldiers on the front lines. This legislation recognizes the unsung heroes of the World War II conflict, for their loyalty and bravery, as they risked their lives to keep the Allied troops properly equipped. I’m thankful my Senate colleagues recognize the importance of honoring the brave merchant mariners for their pivotal role in our nation’s history and their efforts in defense of freedom.” The House version of the bill was initially co-sponsored by Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Rep. Susan Brooks (R-Indiana). In the Senate, the bill was initially co-sponsored by Sen. Angus King, Jr. (I-Maine), Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island). The bill eventually gathered 72 co-sponsors in the Senate and 302 in the House. “The time has come for our nation to provide a well-deserved thank you and honor the remaining U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II with a Congressional Gold Medal,” said Christian Yuhas, vice president of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV). The AMMV helped champion this bill, as well as similar legislation in the past. Yuhas continued, “This group of unsung heroes nobly served our country by operating the ships that transported critical supplies to front lines of the war, and in doing so suffered a casualty rate higher than any other branch of the military. In fact, one out of every 26 casualties during World War II was a volunteer merchant mariner. America would not be the great nation it is today without their valiant service of yesterday. I urge Congress to support this important bill and recognize this dwindling group of merchant marine veterans from World War II that have served our nation so admirably.” Despite seeing action and danger across the globe during the war, merchant mariners were excluded from any type of veterans’ status until 1988. Even then, mariners received a fraction of what others who served during World War II obtained. There are approximately 4,000 World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners alive today, according to Murkowski’s office. VERTREP in the Atlantic Sealif t Awarded Contract, SIU Retains Jobs SIU-contracted Sealift, Inc., has been awarded a new $7.9 million contract to continue operating the U.S. Army ammunition prepositioning vessel M/V LTC John U.D. Page. The contract can be extended through November 15, 2024. The ship is owned by Military Sealift Command, and will continue to employ SIU members in every department. Random Drug Testing Rate Set for 2020 The Coast Guard has set the minimum random drug testing rate for calendar year 2020 at 50 percent for covered crew members. The Coast Guard requires marine employers to establish random drug testing programs for covered crew members in accordance with 46 CFR 16.230. As stated by the Coast Guard, the purpose of setting a minimum random drug testing rate is to promote maritime safety by establishing an effective deterrent to drug misuse within the maritime workforce. Extension of Qualified Assessor Requirements The Coast Guard has issued an update to the requirements for Qualified Assessor (QA), and addressed the potentially inadequate amount of approved QAs available to sign off on Assessments of Competence for STCW endorsements. As stated in a recent news release, “The Coast Guard is aware that as a result of the limited number of approved QAs, there may be a hardship on mariners trying to complete STCW assessments after December 31, 2019. In consideration of this, the Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 19-14 until December 31, 2021.” Additionally, mariners are encouraged to obtain approval as a QA in accordance with 46 CFR 10.405(a). T-AGOS Extension Requires Addit ional Medicine on Deployment In an SIU contract extension covering T-AGOS vessels, all crew are now required to carry enough of their prescribed drugs to last 60 days beyond the length of the deployment. As stated in the contract, “The Medical Department Representative (MDR) will review crew, embarked personnel medical records, and verify that all personnel have arrived with deployment plus sixtyday supply of all required prescription medications onboard ship at the time of assignment.... The member should also bring spare glasses or contact lens on the ship during assignments.” The USNS William McLean (foreground), crewed by CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division, delivers cargo to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan via a Sea Hawk helicopter in the Atlantic. The vertical replenishment took place Dec. 31. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kathryn E. Macdonald) 6 Seafarers LOG USMMI Reaches Safety Milestone U.S Marine Management Inc. (USMMI), a subsidiary of SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited, has reported attaining a significant safety goal. It’s been one year since they last experienced a lost-time accident (LTA) aboard any of the vessels they own or operate for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. According to Maersk Line, Limited’s Contracting and Procurement Senior Director David Sloane, “This is evidence that our Safety Management System is effective and that our policies and procedures as implemented match our goal of ensuring that all of our mariners go home to their families injury-free after they complete their shipboard assignments.” February 2020 �Members Ring in Holidays at Halls The union’s tradition of hosting winter holiday events for members and their families at the hiring halls dates back almost to the SIU’s founding in 1938. The custom continued late last year at numerous halls, as did the SIU’s practice of contributing to their communities. For instance, members donated toys and other items in Jersey City, New Jersey, and in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to community Baltimore service organizations who in turn assist local families. (See related story, back page.) The photos on these two pages were taken at the following halls: Houston; Fort Lauderdale; Baltimore; Mobile, Alabama; Jersey City; and Jacksonville, Florida. Additional snapshots from these gatherings and others are available on the SIU’s Facebook page (@SeafarersInternational). Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (second from left) and guests Retired Recertified Steward Denis Burke, Patrolman J.B. Niday, Recertified Bosun Emanuel Gazzier SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Port Agent John Hoskins, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi Fort Lauderdale AB Ahmed Mohamad Seafarers generously stepped up with these donations to LifeNet4Families, which aids citizens of Broward County, Florida. Administrative Assistant Brenda Janne (right) and granddaughter Mia QMED Tim Chestnut (foreground), AB Ahmed Mohamad February 2020 Loading the donated items are (from left) Pumpman Dan Coffey, Chief Cook Jorge Ellis and a LifeNet staff member. OMU Hipolita Roches (not pictured) also assisted. Jersey City Seafarers, officials, staff and guests gather near a few of the donations that were sent to LSA Family Health Service, a neighborhood-based nonprofit founded by The Little Sisters of the Assumption in 1958. For more holiday photos from union hiring halls, see next page. Seafarers LOG 7 �More Holiday Activities Photos from SIU Hiring Halls Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson (center) welcomes pensioner Leon Butler (right) and Leon’s wife, Elizabeth. Brother Butler is still going strong at age 92. Winners of the “ugly sweater” contest, from left: SA Nala Johnson (first place) and TOTE crewing specialists Ella Holman (second) and Shawn Conway (third). Chief Storekeeper Renee Clayton, Safety Director Joseph Koncul, Recertified Bosun Evan Bradley Personnel from the local Seafarers-contracted health clinic Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White (standing) welcomes guests. QMED Robert Pendarvis (left) and his son. 8 Seafarers LOG Port Agent Jimmy White (standing) chats with visitors. February 2020 �GRASSROOTS IN HOUSTON – Numerous Seafarers volunteered to support labor-backed candidates ahead of Election Day 2019. Among other activities, they worked phone banks, assisted people in getting to the polls, and helped with the Election Day operations themselves. A few of the SIU personnel are pictured in the group photo above. The snapshot at left includes (from left) SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo. Turner was reelected. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD SAGAMORE – This snapshot was taken Dec. 10 in Concord, California, shortly after the Sealift Inc. vessel returned from Korea. Pictured from left are Bosun Isaac Amissah, Steward Isabel Miranda, SIU Oakland Port Agent Nick Marrone II, Chief Cook Tkeyah Elliot, SA Ahmed Haridy, AB Moussa Hamdy, OS Rahsean Sharp, (rear) OS Angel Pagan, Oiler Antonio De Luna and Oiler Jeffrey Hamer. WITH MEMBERS IN JERSEY – Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and shore gang members Mike Penkwitz, Jimmy Niotis, George DiCanio and Gus Guerra. ABOARD CAPE HUDSON – Steward/Baker Joseph Hernandez focuses on the task at hand aboard the Matsonoperated vessel, on the West Coast. ABOARD HORIZON ENTERPRISE – Pictured on the Sunrise Operations vessel on the West Coast are OMU Benny Orosco, SIU Oakland Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, AB Andrei Tretyak, Chief Cook Joseph Gallo, retiring Recertified Steward Raymond Garcia, oncoming Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi, SA Steven Wasch, QEE Carlos Guzman and ABM Robert Goldson. NY WATERWAY EMPHASIZES SAFETY – Last November, Seafarers employed by NY Waterway completed an eight-hour class titled Vessel Personnel With Designated Security Duties (VPDSD). The course was run by an instructor from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. It took place at the company’s facilities in Weehawken, New Jersey. Approximately 150 Seafarers completed the class; many are pictured above. February 2020 Seafarers LOG 9 �CAPE VINCENT ACTIVATES – The photo at right was taken during the Patriot ship’s activation late last year, during a port of call stop in Souda Bay, Greece. Starting fourth from left are: Chief Cook Laura McBroom, Electrician Glenn Snow, Recertified Steward Rocky Dupraw, (front) SA Cathleen Dell, SA Kianda Caridine and MM&P Capt. Carbone. At the far right is 3/M Sergio Robles. Other personnel in the photo include security and intelligence team members. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ALASKAN EXPLORER – Recertified Bosun Carlos Loureiro provided these photos of the ATC vessel, taken during and after a recent shipyard period in Singapore. Pictured in the photo at left (from left) in the galley are Chief Cook Roberto Martinez, the bosun and Chief Steward Justo Reyes. SA David Simon is in the individual shot at right, while the group photo below in the crew mess includes AB Bronislaw Kuchczynski, AB Hussein Mohsen, GUDE Mused Saleh, AB Domingo Cazon, AB Lenny Soriano and AB Charles Ford. ABOARD USNS WRIGHT – Pictured aboard the Crowley-operated ship in Philadelphia are (standing, from left) SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray, Chief Cook Kenneth Kelly, Bosun Tom Moore, SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice, GUDE Martin Arcenio, GVA Dennis Saggese and (front) QEE Gary Torres. FULL BOOK ON THE LAKES – Inland member Taylor Walkowiak (right) receives his full book aboard the ITB Clyde S. VanEnkevort. He’s pictured with SIU Algonac Safety Director Gerret Jarman in Toledo, Ohio. ABOARD USNS MENDONCA – Seafarers and AMO officers team up for lifeboat inspections aboard the U.S. Marine Management ship in Newport News, Virginia. Boats were lowered, and crew members then entered them and conducted on/offload releases and exercised the engines. One participant said temperatures were in the thirties, and the testing was “cold but successful.” Pictured are Chief Mate Jonathan Leck, Third Mate John Joseph Arnold, Third Mate Terrance Franklin, AB Antonio Jones and AB Walter Bonifacio. ABOARD USNS BOWDITCH – Members pause from enjoying a cookout aboard the Ocean Shipholdings-operated vessel. Thanks to AB Melvin Kennedy for the photo. 10 Seafarers LOG February 2020 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS MENDONCA – Vessel master Capt. Jennifer L. Senner commended the work of (photo above, from left) Chief Steward Eileen Mendiola and Chief Cook Garry Brandon, who put out an exceptionally good Christmas spread (a few days early) aboard the U.S. Marine Management ship. “They did a fantastic job,” noted Senner. HEAVENLY DESSERTS – Chief Steward Michael Sanders and some of his culinary delights are pictured aboard the USNS Maury (Ocean Shipholding). Sanders (Piney Point Apprentice Class 673) sails from the port of St. Louis, and his father (Michael, now retired) sailed as an SIU tugboat captain. He says he’s learned a lot about his trade by upgrading back at the Paul Hall Center and eventually hopes to open and operate his own restaurant/bar. With Seafarers Aboard USNS William Button – The deck gang (photo at immediate left) is pictured on Christmas Day aboard the Crowley-operated ship. That’s Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson at front left, who noted, “We went into the New Year with great food. Thanks to the steward department for a good spread.” He and Chief Steward Edwin Bonefont also commended SA Latara Rengifo (that’s her in the photo directly below) for a job well done and for her interest in upgrading. Pictured from left in the group photo at bottom left are Chief Cook James Martin, Bonefont, SA Kenisha Neal, SA Jasmine Donahue, Rengifo and SA Jcorei Williams. February 2020 Seafarers LOG 11 �U.S. Coast Guard Announces Regional Exam Center Changes Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) on Jan. 15 issued the following notice. It’s available on the NMC website and in the Labor/Maritime News section of the SIU website. The online version of the announcement contains related links. 2020 Mariner Examination Process Updates In an effort to provide consistent, quality customer service to all mariners, the National Maritime Center (NMC) is implementing the following changes at all Regional Examination Centers (RECs). These changes take effect Monday, April 6, 2020: n Walk-in services for examinations will no longer be offered. All examinations must be scheduled at least 2 business days in advance. After receiving a letter from the NMC indicating you are approved to test, schedule an examination appointment by: 1. Using the Schedule Exam/ REC Appointment link on the Examinations page of the NMC Website. 2. Calling the NMC Contact Center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). 3. Contacting the NMC Contact Center by chat. n All RECs will have two examination periods daily, a 3 ½-hour a.m. (morning) session and a 3 ½-hour p.m. (afternoon) session with a minimum ½-hour break between sessions. See the REC webpage for specific hours. n Mariners who finish a module early may take additional mod- ules during an examination period but will not be given additional time to complete the extra modules. Requests for additional modules during a specific examination period are coordinated with the REC staff at the time of examination. n There will be no changes to the First Class Pilot examination process. n Appointments are highly recommended for all other services. See the REC webpage for facility access requirements. Should you have any questions or concerns visit the Examinations or Frequently Asked Questions webpages, or contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, by using the NMC online chat system,or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). With Seafarers Aboard USNS Stockham Members are pictured aboard the Crowley-operated ship late last year in Yeosu, South Korea. Annual Funding Notice for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2018 and ending July 31, 2019 (the “2018 Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the 2018 Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2018 Plan Year August 1, 2018 Over 100% $105,673,021 $97,021,217 2017 Plan Year August 1, 2017 Over 100% $104,556,811 $90,405,432 2016 Plan Year August 1, 2016 Over 100% $104,135,946 $91,445,010 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31, 2019 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2018 annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2020. July 31, 2019 Fair Market Value of Assets $104,089,292 July 31, 2018 $105,757,360 July 31, 2017 $104,354,750 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2018 Plan Year. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 2,180. Of this number, 854 were current employees, 1,006 were retired and receiving benefits, and 320 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan, and may agree through collective bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the 2018 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 4.1% 12 Seafarers LOG 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): 5. Real estate (other than employer real property): 6. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 7. Other 0.9% 0.3% 19.1% 9.0% 62.2% 4.4% Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the U.S. Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling (202) 693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2016 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available now. The annual report for the 2017 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration in May 2019. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at (415) 764-4993 or the address above if you want information about your accrued benefits. Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC 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 notice of its status 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, including loss of a lump sum option. This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. 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 $600, 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 ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 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). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee 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. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/miltiemployer. Please contact your employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, (415) 7644993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number or “EIN” is 94-6061923. February 2020 �Whats New for the 2020 Tax Filing Season Following are some of the changes that took effect in 2019 and 2020, along with provisions that remain in effect from 2018. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your return. Due date of return - File Form 1040 by April 15, 2020. Exemptions - For tax years 2018-2025, the deduction for the personal exemption is reduced to zero. Standard Deductions – The standard deduction for married couples filing a joint return has increased to $24,400 for 2019. The standard deduction for single individuals and married couples filing separate returns has increased to $12,200 for 2019. The standard deduction for heads of household increased to $18,350 for 2019. The additional standard deduction for people who have reached age 65 (or who are blind) is $1,300 for married taxpayers or $1,650 for unmarried taxpayers. Itemized Deductions – Before 2018, an individual’s itemized deductions were reduced by 3% of the amount adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeded certain threshold amounts. This phaseout of itemized deductions was eliminated by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), and therefore does not apply to 2019. State Itemized Deductions - The TCJA modified or eliminated several popular itemized deductions. It is important to note that although the federal deductions have been adjusted, you may still qualify for deductions at the state level. Medical Care Itemized Deduction Threshold - Unreimbursed medical expenses may be claimed as an itemized deduction to the extent they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income. The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2019 extended this threshold, eliminating the initial increase to 10% of AGI 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. The maximum amount of income you can earn and credit available increased for 2019: n Credit of $6,557 if you have three or more qualifying children and you earn less than $50,162 ($55,952 if married filing jointly) n Credit of $5,828 if you have two qualifying children and you earn less than $46,703 ($52,493 if married filing jointly) n Credit of $3,526 if you have one qualifying child and you earn less than $41,094 ($46,884 if married filing jointly), or n Credit of $529 if you do not have a qualifying child and you earn less than $15,570 ($21,370 if married filing jointly) For tax years beginning after 2015 – a SSN is not valid for EIC purposes unless it was issued on or before the due date of the return. For Tax years beginning after 2017, you may be able to qualify for the EIC under the rules for taxpayers without a qualifying child if you have a qualifying child for the EIC who is claimed as a qualifying child by another taxpayer. Social Security and Medicare Taxes - The maximum amount of wages subject to the Social Security tax for 2019 is $132,900. There is no limit on the amount of wages subject to the Medicare tax. In 2019, hospital insurance tax in addition to the Medicare tax will be an additional 0.9% tax on wages that exceed the following threshold amounts: $250,000 for married filing jointly, $125,000 for married filing separately, and $200,000 for all others. This additional assessment also applies to selfemployed workers. For 2020, the maximum amount of wages subject to Social Security tax is $137,700. Self-Employment Tax Rate and Deduction – The FICA portion of the selfemployment tax is 12.4% in 2019. The Medicare portion of the SE tax is 2.9% not including the 0.9% additional tax on the February 2020 amounts above the applicable thresholds as noted above. The SE tax rate for 2020 is 15.3%, and the deduction is equal to onehalf of self-employment tax. Capital Gains and Losses - Continuing from 2012, you must report your capital gains and losses on Form 8949 and report the totals on Schedule D. If you sold a covered security in 2019, your broker will report the cost basis on your Form 1099-B. Refer to the IRS website at www.irs.gov/ form8949 for additional information and other new developments affecting this form and Schedule D. Personal Casualty and Theft Loss Deduction: For years 2018-2025, the personal casualty and theft loss deduction is eliminated, except for personal casualty losses incurred in a federally declared disaster. The loss is reported on Form 4684 (Casualty and Theft Losses), Part A. A casualty loss equals the lesser of the adjusted basis in the property before the casualty, or the decrease in fair market value of the property as a result of the casualty. Qualified Dividend and Capital Gains Tax Rate – In 2019, the tax rate on longterm gains and qualified dividends is 20% for income that exceeds the following thresholds: n $488,850 for married filing jointly and surviving spouses n $461,700 for head of household n $244,425 for married filing separately n $434,550 for single The tax rate on long-term gains and qualified dividends is 15% for income that is within following range: n $78,751 - $488,850 for married filing jointly and surviving spouses n $52,751 - $461,700 for head of household n $39,376 - $244,425 for married filing separately n $39,376 - $434,550 for single The tax rate on long-term gains and qualified dividends is 0% for income that is below the following thresholds: n $78,750 for married filing jointly and surviving spouses n $52,750 for head of household n $39,375 for married filing separately n $39,375 for single In 2019, capital gain income will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax for income that exceeds the threshold amounts listed in the next section. Medicare Tax on Investment Income – In 2019, a tax equal to 3.8% of the lesser of the individual’s net investment income for the year or the amount the individual’s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the threshold amount. The threshold amounts for the additional Medicare tax are as follows: n $250,000 for married filing jointly and surviving spouses n $125,000 for married filing separately n $200,000 for all others Investment income reduced by deductions properly allocable to that income is net investment income. Investment income includes income interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rents and net gain from disposition of property, other than such income derived in the ordinary course of a trade or business. However, income from a trade or business that is a passive activity and from a trade or business of trading in financial instruments or commodities is included in investment income. Modified adjusted gross income for the purpose of calculating the additional Medicare tax is a person’s adjusted gross income with the foreign earned income exclusion or foreign housing exclusion added back in. Adoption credit - The maximum adoption credit has increased to $14,080 per child with adjusted gross income phase out starting at $211,160. The credit is nonrefundable. Any unused credit can be carried forward for five years. In general, the adoption credit is based on the reasonable and necessary expenses related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs, attorney’s fees and travel expenses. Income limits and other special rules apply. In addition to filling out Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, eligible taxpayers must include with their 2019 tax returns one or more adoption-related documents. Child Tax Credit - The maximum child tax credit for tax year 2019 is $2,000 per child. The child tax credit starts to be reduced when income reaches the following levels: n $200,000 for married couples filing separately n $200,000 for single, head of household, and qualifying widow(er) filers, and n $400,000 for married couples filing jointly The TCJA eliminated the exemption deduction for dependents for year 2019. Therefore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent does not entitle that parent to an exemption deduction; however, it does make the noncustodial parent eligible for the child tax credit with respect to the child. In the phase-out range, the child tax credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of income above these threshold amounts. The child tax credit is generally nonrefundable credit that is limited to regular tax liability plus alternative minimum tax liability. However, a portion of the credit is refundable for certain taxpayers (see Form 8812 and IRS Pub. 972). Effective from 2016: Taxpayers cannot claim the Child Tax Credit for any tax year if the individual or a qualifying child did not have an individual SSN issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. For tax years beginning after 2015 – the Child Tax Credit is not allowed for (1) two tax years after a final determination of reckless or intentional disregard of rules and regulations or (2) 10 tax years after a final determination of fraud. If the Child Tax Credit is denied due to failure to supply required information to the IRS, no Child Tax Credit is allowed for any later tax year unless the taxpayer supplies the needed information. Additional (Refundable) Child Tax Credit – This credit is for certain individuals who get less than the full amount of the child tax credit. The additional child tax credit may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax. Child and Dependent Care Credit - For 2019, there is a credit equal to the amount of qualified expenses multiplied by an applicable percentage determined by the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. The maximum amount of qualified expenses to which the credit may be applied is $3,000 for cost to care for one child under the age of 13 or up to $6,000 for two or more children, so that the parents can either go to work or be in the process of looking for work. There must be earned income in order to take the credit (the credit amount has not changed). The American Opportunity Tax Credit - For tax year 2019, the maximum credit amount can be up to $2,500 and up to 40% of that credit amount may be refundable. The credit applies to the first 4 years of post-secondary education in a degree or certificate program. The credit is calculated by taking 100% of the first $2,000 of qualified tuition and related educational expenses and 25% of the next $2,000 of such expenses. The credit is gradually reduced if your Modified AGI is: n $90,000 for Single, Head of Household, and Qualifying Widow(er) n $180,000 for Married Filing Jointly Taxpayers cannot claim the American Opportunity Credit for any tax year if the individual or a student did not have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. For Tax years beginning after 2015, the American Opportunity Credit is not allowed for (1) two tax years after a final determination of reckless or inten- tional disregard of rules and regulations or (2) 10 tax years after a final determination of fraud. If the American Opportunity Credit is denied due to failure to supply required information to the IRS, no American Opportunity Credit is allowed for any later tax year unless the taxpayer supplies the needed information. Taxpayers must report the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the educational institution to which payments were made. Lifetime Learning Credit - For tax year 2019, the maximum credit amount per tax return can be up to $2,000. The credit is calculated by taking 20% of the educational expenses on the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses. The credit is gradually reduced if your Modified AGI exceeds $58,000 ($116,000 if married filing joint return) and is completely eliminated if your Modified AGI exceeds $68,000 ($136,000 if married filing joint return). The credit cannot be claimed if your filing status is “married filing separately”. There is no limit on the number of years for which the credit can be claimed for each student. Form 1098-T Required to Claim Certain Education Incentives – Taxpayers must receive a form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from educational institutions to claim the American opportunity credit, the Lifetime Learning tax credit or the above-theline deduction for qualified tuition and fees. Tuition and Fees Deductions – The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2019 extended this deduction through 2020. The deduction is not allowed for Married Filing Separately filers or for any taxpayer who qualifies as a dependent (whether or not claimed) on another taxpayer’s tax return. The tuition and fees deduction may not be claimed if an education credit is claimed for the same student in the same year [IRC Sec. 222 (c)(2)(A)]. Expanded Definition of Qualified Expenses for Qualified Tuition Programs - Qualified higher education expenses generally include tuition, fees, and related expenses such as books and supplies. The expenses must be for the student pursuing a degree, certificate, or similar program, at an eligible educational institution. An eligible educational institution includes most colleges, universities, and certain vocational schools. 529 Plan Qualified Education Expenses – The TCJA changed the definition of qualified higher education expense. For purposes of the 529 plan rules, qualified higher education expenses now include expenses for tuition for attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious school [IRC Secs. 529(c)(7) and 530(b)(3)(B)]. Cash distributions from all 529 plans are limited to $10,000 for elementary and secondary school tuition per tax year, per-student. [IRC Sec.529(e)(3) (A)]. Educator Expenses – The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended the above-the-line deduction for eligible elementary and secondary school teachers of up to $250 per year ($500 if you and your spouse were both eligible educators) for expenses paid or incurred for books, certain supplies, computer and other equipment, and supplementary materials used in the classroom. For tax years beginning after 2015, eligible expenses also include expenses for professional development courses the educator takes related to the curriculum he/she teaches or to the student he/she teaches. State & Local Sales and Use Tax Deduction – For 2019, the itemized deduction for state and local taxes is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS) of the aggregate of (1) state and local property taxes and (2) state and local income, war profits and excess profits taxes (or sales taxes in lieu of income, etc. taxes) paid or accrued in the tax year Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 13 �2020 Tax Tips Continued from Page 13 Individual Retirement Accounts Education IRAs (Coverdell Education Savings Account) - Taxpayers can contribute a maximum of $2,000 cash each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The dollar limit is phased out for married individuals filing jointly with modified adjusted gross income between $190,000 and $220,000, and between $95,000 and $110,000 for single filers. The contribution is not deductible. Traditional IRAs - For 2019, the contribution limit to a traditional IRA is the lesser of $6,000 or your compensation. For taxpayers age 50 or older as of year-end, an additional catch-up contribution of up to $1,000 is allowed. Thus, the 2019 contribution limit for these taxpayers is the lesser of $7,000 or your compensation. For the deduction, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phase-out range in 2019 is $64,000-$74,000 for single and head of household, $103,000-$123,000 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying widow(er), and less than $10,000 for married individuals filing separate returns when a taxpayer is covered by an employer’s retirement plan at any time during the year. Roth IRAs - The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is the lesser of $6,000 (increased to $7,000 for taxpayers age 50 or older at year end) or your compensation. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single and head of household taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $122,000 and $137,000, for joint filers and qualifying widow(er) with an AGI between $193,000 and $203,000, and married filing separate filers with an AGI between $0 an $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. Special Charitable Contributions for Certain IRA Owners - The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 permanently extends the Qualified Charitable Distributions. It offers older owners of IRAs a different way to give to charity. An IRA owner age 70 and one-half or older can directly transfer, taxfree, up to $100,000 per year to eligible charities. Known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), this option is available for distributions from IRAs, regardless of whether the owners itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible to be treated as a qualified charitable distribution. To qualify, the funds must be contributed directly by the IRA trustee to an eligible charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the transfer. Not all charities are eligible. For example, donor-advised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible recipients. Remember to check eligibility of the charity before requesting a QCD. All QCDs from an IRA to eligible charities are counted in determining whether the owner has met the IRA’s required minimum distribution. Where individuals have made nondeductible contributions to their traditional IRAs, a special rule treats QCD amounts as coming first from taxable funds, instead of proportionately from taxable and nontaxable funds, as would be the case with regular distributions. Foreign Financial Assets - If you had foreign financial assets in 2019, you may have to file Form 8938 with your return. In addition, a separate FBAR document must be e-filed by April 15, 2020 if the aggregate value of the foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 in any time during the calendar year. Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer Credit - The first-time homebuyer 14 Seafarers LOG credit is not available for homes purchased in 2019. However, taxpayers who claimed the credit, which was available for homes purchased during 2008-2011, may have to repay (recapture) their credits. Mortgage Insurance Premiums – The deduction for mortgage insurance premiums (PMI) has now been extended by the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2019 through 2020. This allows a taxpayer whose income is below certain thresholds to deduct the cost of premiums on mortgage insurance purchased in connection with acquisition indebtedness on a taxpayer’s principal residence. The deduction is reduced by 10% for every $1,000 by which the taxpayer’s AGI exceeds $100,000. Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit – For property placed in service after December 31, 2016 and before January 1, 2022, the credit is available only for eligible solar electric property and solar water heating property. The credit is equal to 30 percent of the cost of eligible property placed in service in 2018 or 2019; 26 percent of the cost of the property placed in 2020; and 22 percent of the cost of property placed in service in 2021. Standard mileage rates - The standard mileage rate for 2019 is 58 cents per mile for business miles driven and was increased to 20 cents per mile for medical or moving expenses. The rate for providing services for a charity is set by statute and equals 14 cents per mile. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion – For tax year 2019, the maximum foreign earned income exclusion amount is $105,900. This amount is up $2,000 from tax year 2018. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption – In 2019, the AMT exemption amounts increased to $111,700 for married filing jointly, $55,850 for married filing separately, and $71,700 for other filers. The AMT exemption begins to phase out at $1,020,600 for married filing jointly and $510,300 for other filers. Health Care Coverage – For 2019, you no longer need to either make a shared responsibility payment or file Form 8965 if you don’t have essential health care coverage for part or all of 2019. The “Full-year health care coverage or exempt” box has been removed from Form 1040. Premium Tax Credit – Individuals with low to moderate income who get health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace may be eligible for this refundable credit. Individuals who are eligible for PTC need to meet the following requirements: n Purchased coverage in the Marketplace for someone in their tax family (taxpayer, spouse, if married filing jointly and dependents for which a personal exemption is claimed) for a month that person was not eligible for minimum essential coverage (other than coverage in the individual market). n Have household income at least 100%, but no more than 400% of the federal poverty line for taxpayer’s family size. Exception: In some cases, taxpayers with household income less than 100% of the federal poverty line can take the credit. n If married, individuals must file a joint return. Note: Exceptions apply to victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment and to individuals who are considered unmarried. n Cannot be claimed as a dependent by another person. Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) – The Health care tax credit is a tax credit that pays a percentage of health insurance premiums for certain eligible taxpayers and their qualifying family members. The Health Coverage Tax credit is a separate tax credit with different eligibility rules than the premium tax credit. Affordable Care Act – Several very important provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that affect individuals and businesses first became effective in 2015. The Employer Shared Responsibility provision of the Affordable Care Act requires employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees to either offer minimum essential coverage that is “affordable” and that provides “minimum value” to their full-time employees and their dependents, or potentially make an employer shared responsibility payment to the IRS. Transit Benefits – The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended transit benefits. These include van pool benefits, transit passes and qualified parking. For 2019, the monthly exclusion amount has increased to $265. Earned Income Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit – IRS Refund Claim – The IRS has additional time to review refund claims based on the Earned Income Credit or the refundable portion of the additional Child Tax Credit in order to reduce fraud and improper payments. No credit or refund for an overpayment shall be made to a taxpayer before February 15 following the close of the tax year, if the taxpayer claimed the Earned Income Credit or additional Child Tax Credit. Rollovers to SIMPLE IRAs – For rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015, distributions from employer sponsored retirement plans and traditional IRAs may be rolled over into a SIMPLE IRA, as long as the SIMPLE IRA has been open for at least two years. Tax Rates for 2019 – For 2019, there is a 37% bracket (for single individuals at $510,301, head of household at $510,301, married filing jointly at $612,351 and married filing separately at $306,176). Trusts and estates will hit the 37% bracket at $12,750. The rate for capital gains and qualified dividends is 20% if the income is in excess of the threshold amount: n $510,300 for single individuals n $510,300 for heads of household n $612,350 for married filing joint n $306,175 for married filing separately Exclusion of Cancellation of Indebtedness on Principal Residence – Cancellation of indebtedness income is generally includible in income. However, income from cancellation of debt on a qualified principal residence, of up to $2 million, may be excludable. This was extended by the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2019 for discharges of indebtedness before January 1, 2021. Uniform Definition of a Qualifying Child -To be claimed as a qualifying child, the person must meet four criteria: n Relationship - the person must be your child, step child, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild or nephew). n Residence - for more than half the year, the person must have the same residence as you do. n Age - the person must be under age 19 at the end of the year, or under age 24 and be a full-time student for at least five months out of the year, or any age and totally and permanently disabled. n Support - the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. What’s New for 2019 – Right before the year end, the House and Senate passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020. The new Act provides several fixes to the Tax Cuts and Job Act. The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) - The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22, 2017. Described as the largest major tax reform in over three decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax provisions that impact individuals and businesses. See some additional changes in the tax provisions still in effect for 2019 below: n Miscellaneous Deductions - Jobrelated expenses, as well as other miscellaneous itemized deductions that were previously subject to the 2%-of-adjustedgross-income floor, are no longer deductible for tax year 2019. The eliminated deductions include expenses for tax preparation, union dues, and investment fees. n Kiddie Tax - The new kiddie tax in Sec. 1(j)(4) introduced by the TCJA was repealed by the Consolidated Appropria- tions Act, 2020. The taxable income of a child attributable to earned income is taxed under the rates for single individuals, and taxable income of a child attributable to net unearned income has been reverted back to being taxed at the parents’ tax rate. This change is effective for tax years that begin after December 31, 2019. n Mortgage Interest Deduction - The deduction for mortgage interest is limited to underlying indebtedness of up to $750,000 ($375,000 for MFS). The deduction for interest on home equity indebtedness is eliminated. The new lower limit doesn’t apply to any acquisition indebtedness incurred on or before December 15, 2017. n Charitable Contribution Deduction - The limitation under IRC Sec. 170(b) for cash contributions to public charities and certain private foundations is 60%. Contributions exceeding the limitation are generally allowed to be carried forward and deducted for up to five years, subject to the later year’s ceiling. n Gambling Losses - All deductions for expenses incurred in carrying out wagering transactions, and not just gambling losses, are deductible only to the extent of gambling winnings. n Deduction for Qualified Business Income - An individual generally may deduct 20% of qualified business income from a partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship, as well as 20% of aggregate qualified REIT dividends and qualified publicly traded partnership income. The 20% deduction is not allowed in computing AGI, but rather is allowed as a deduction reducing taxable income. A limitation based on W-2 wages paid or capital investment is phased in for MFJ taxpayers with taxable income of $321,400 or more ($160,700 for other individuals). A disallowance of the deduction with respect to specified service trades or businesses also is phased in above these threshold amounts of taxable income. n Moving Expenses – Moving expenses are no longer deductible unless you are a member of the armed forces on active duty (and their spouse and dependents) who moved pursuant to a military order and incident to a permanent change of station. Additional Provisions Made by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020: Individual Extenders n Medical and Dental Expense Deduction – AGI floor remains at 7.5% instead of increasing to 10% n Above-the-line deduction for Tuition and Fees n Mortgage Insurance Premiums (PMI) treated as deductible qualified residence interest n Qualified residence indebtedness exclusion from gross income The SECURE Act includes significant changes for IRAs, 401(k) plans, and introduces a new pooled multiple employer plan IRA Changes: n The starting age for individuals to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) has been increased to 72 years old from 70 ½ years old. This is effective for individuals turning 72 years old January 1, 2020 or later n The 70 ½ age limit for contributions to an IRA has been eliminated for taxable years after December 31, 2019 n Non-spouse individuals who inherit an IRA after December 31, 2019 must withdraw the balance within 10 years, subject to certain exceptions. 401(k) Changes: n Long-term, part-time employees may now qualify to participate in elective deferral plans in plan years beginning after December 31, 2020 n Early withdrawal penalty exemption of $5,000 for qualified birth or adoption distributions in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019 n Included in compensation for purposes of determining retirement plan Continued on next page February 2020 �2020 Tax Tips Continued from Page 14 contributions are taxable non-tuition fellowships/stipends and nontaxable “difficulty of care payments” earned by home healthcare workers in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019 n Increased cap to encourage higher auto-enrollments in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019 The Disaster Act, officially titled the “Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act of 2019,” provides relief for taxpayers affected by disasters in 2018 through 30 days following the date of the enactment of the Disaster Act. New laws resulting from The Disaster Act are listed below. n Use of Retirement Funds – To allow for the re-contribution of retirement plan withdrawals for home purchases canceled due to eligible disasters and provide flexibility for loans from retirement plans for qualified hurricane relief, there is now an exception to the 10% early retirement plan withdrawal penalty for qualified disaster relief distributions. The amount cannot exceed $100,000 in qualified hurricane distributions cumulatively. (Disaster Act Sec. 202) n Employee Retention Credit – The newly created “2018 through 2019 qualified disaster employee retention credit” allows for a tax credit equal to 40% of wages (up to $6,000/employee) paid by disaster-affected employers to employees from a core disaster area. This credit applies to wages paid regardless of where the services associated with those wages were performed. The credit should be taken as a current year business credit under Code Sec. 38(b). (Disaster Act Sec. 203) Other Disaster-Related Tax Relief - Per the Disaster Act Sec. 204, other disaster-related tax relief items include the following n Temporary suspension of limitations on charitable contributions associated with qualified disaster relief n For personal casualty losses, The Disaster Act eliminates the current requirements that personal uncompensated casualty losses must exceed 10% of AGI to qualify for deduction. Also, the taxpayer is not required to itemize deductions to qualify for this relief n Taxpayers in designated disaster areas may use the immediately preceding year to determine the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit Automatic Extension of Filing Deadline – Any individual with a principal place of abode in a disaster area is granted an automatic 60-day extension with regard to any tax filing. This applies to federally declared disasters declared after the date of the enactment of the Disaster Act. (Disaster Act Sec. 205) Other Credits affected by The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act of 2019 n Alternative Fuel Refueling Property Credit – An individual taxpayer may claim a 30% credit for the cost of installing non-hydrogen alternative vehicle refueling property at the taxpayer’s principal residence. This credit has been extended to include property placed in service before January 1, 2021. n Nonbusiness Energy Property – A credit is allowed for 10% of the amounts paid/incurred by the taxpayer for qualified energy improvements of principal residences (windows, doors, skylights, and roofs). Taxpayers can take $50-$300 fixed dollar amount credits allowed for energyefficient property including furnaces, boilers, biomass stoves, heat pumps, water heaters, central air conditioners, and circulating fans, which are subject to a lifetime cap of $500. This credit has been extended through 2020. n Energy Efficient Homes Credit – An eligible contractor may claim a tax Tax Tips for Members How to Prepare A Tax Return Step 1. Get all records together. n Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099 n Itemized deductions and tax credits n Medical and dental payment records n Charitable contributions n Real estate and personal property tax receipts n Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or n Home equity loan n 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. 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 website 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 1099-R 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 February 2020 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 1-888872-9829 or 1-888-729-1040 or visit websites www.officialpayments.com/ fed 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 21b, 21c and 21d on their Form 1040. Line 21b is for the bank’s routing number. Line 21c indicates the type of account, and line 21d 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. Beginning in 2009, an individual that prepares his or her own return can access most commonly used Federal tax forms from the IRS website and website at: www.irs.gov. What Are Considered Deductions and Credits Personal Exemption Amount: The TCJA eliminated the exemption deduction for dependents for years 2018-2025. Therefore, releasing the de- credit of $1,000 or $2,000 for the construction or manufacture of a new energy efficient home that meets qualifying criteria. The credit is available on homes acquired before January 1, 2021. n Qualified Fuel Cell Motor Vehicles – Extended through 2020, a credit of between $4,000 and $40,000, depending on the weight of the vehicle, is available for the purchase of qualified fuel cell motor vehicles. Depending on fuel efficiency, other vehicles may qualify for an additional $1,000 to $4,000 credit. n 2-Wheeled Plug-In Electric Vehicle Credit – Capped at $2,500, the 10% credit for highway-capable, two-wheeled plugin electric vehicles has been extended for vehicles acquired prior to January 1, 2021. To qualify, battery capacity within the vehicle must be greater than or equal to 2.5 kilowatts/hour. n Your Online Account – In order for you to access your online account, you must authenticate your identity. To securely log in to your federal tax account, go to IRS.gov/Account. View the amount you owe, review 24 months of payment history, access online payment options, and create or modify an online payment agreement. You can also access your tax records online. n Consumer Alert - The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the alert for emails and phone calls they may receive which claim to come from the IRS or other federal agencies and which mention their tax refund. These are almost certainly a scam whose purpose is to obtain personal and financial information — such as name, Social Security number, bank account and credit card or even PIN numbers — from taxpayers which can be used by the scammers to commit identity theft. The emails and calls usually state that the IRS needs the information to process a refund or deposit it into the taxpayer’s bank account. The emails often contain links or attachments to what appears to be the IRS webpendency exemption to the noncustodial parent does not entitle that parent to an exemption deduction; however, it does make the noncustodial parent eligible for the child tax credit with respect to the child. Standard Deduction: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, which increased for married couples filing jointly in 2019 at $24,400. The standard deduction for single individuals and married couples filing separate returns also increased in 2019 at $12,200. The standard deduction for heads of household increased to $18,350 for 2019. State & Local Sales and Use Tax Deduction – For 2019, the itemized deduction for state and local taxes is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS) of the aggregate of (1) state and local property taxes and (2) state and local income, war profits and excess profits taxes (or sales taxes in lieu of income, etc. taxes) paid or accrued in the tax year. Charitable Contribution Deduction: The limitation under IRC Sec. 170(b) for cash contributions to public charities and certain private foundations is 60% of an individual’s contribution base. The contribution base is an individual’s adjusted gross income (AGI), not including the charitable deduction or any net operating loss (NOL) carrybacks. The percentage limit depends on the aggregate contributions of the spouses if married filing jointly. Contributions exceeding the limitation are generally allowed to be carried forward and deducted for up to five years, subject to the later year’s ceiling. Personal Interest Deductions: For 2019, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards, personal loans and tax deficiencies. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Deduct all your home mortgage site or an IRS “refund application form.” However genuine in appearance, these phonies are designed to elicit the information the scammers are looking for. The IRS does not send taxpayers emails about their tax accounts. Also, the IRS does not request detailed personal information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward the message to: phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration toll-free at 1-800366-4484 or TTY/TDD 1-800-877-8339. You can forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at: spam@uce. gov or contact them at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). Visit IRS.gov and enter “identity theft” in the search box to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk. If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, etc., contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039. For more information, see Publication 4535, Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance. Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the National Taxpayer Advocate helpline toll free case intake line at 1-877-777-4778. Away 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. interest depending on the date of your mortgage, the amount of the mortgage and how the proceeds were used. Interest paid on investments is also 100 percent deductible but limited to the amount of investment income earned each year. Any excess can be carried forward to the next year. Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, including working dues, are no longer deductible for 2018-2025. 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% of Adjusted Gross Income: The TCJA suspended the deduction for miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to the 2%-of-AGI limit for 2018-2025 [IRC Sec. 67(g)]. Therefore, these expenses are not deductible in 2019. Miscellaneous itemized deductions not subject to the 2%-of-AGI limit remain deductible on Schedule A. Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 15 �Tax Tips For Members Continued from Page 14 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. 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. Other Tax Information Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as 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. If you file your return electronically you may be able to make your payment electronically. 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 2018, 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: n Jones Act settlements for lost wages n Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy n Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid n Canceled debts n State income tax refunds n Rents n Repayments n Royalties n Unemployment benefits n Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts n Endowments n Original Issue Discount n Distributions from self-employed plans n Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services) n Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act n Lump-sum distributions n Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securi- Where To Get Information General Information: 1-800-8291040 may be called for general information between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. your local time. Publications: Call 1-800-8293676 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. 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 website 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 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. Standard Deductions This is the standard deduction chart for most people. The additional standard deduction for people who have reached age 65 (or who are blind) is $1,300 for married taxpayers or $1,650 for unmarried taxpayers. Filing Status Standard Deducton Single and Married filing separate.......................................................$12,200 Married couples filing a joint return ...................................................$24,400 Heads of household .............................................................................$18,350. ties, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains) n Accumulation distributions from trusts n Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings) n Earned income from sources outside the United States n Director’s fees n Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate n Embezzled or other illegal income n Social Security benefits Which Income Need Not Be Reported The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: n Benefits from government welfare programs n Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, and medical costs n Maintenance and Cure n Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness n Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans Administration n Child support n Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed n Dividends on veterans’ life insurance n Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death n 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 n Certain amounts received as a scholarship Filing an Extension Taxpayers can get an automatic 6-month extension if, no later than April 15, 2020, 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 If taxpayers have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the website 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, intercostal, 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. SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a 16 Seafarers LOG child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www.seafarers.org, under “Member Benefits-Seafarers Benefit Plans-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at (800) 252-4674. February 2020 �School Still Offers Culinary 2.0 The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continues to offer Culinary 2.0 classes designed to help students boost their skills while complying with a new rule that took effect at the beginning of 2020. Completing the coursework also is intended to aid individual shipping opportunities. Shipping Rule 5.A.(6), which went into effect January 1, 2020, states, “Within each class of seniority in the Steward Department, priority shall be given to those seamen who possess an advanced Culinary 2.0 certificate from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, in the event such program is being offered and that the seaman is registered in Group I, Steward Department.” While every new member of the steward department who completes their apprenticeship at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship will have successfully passed Culinary 2.0, it’s important to remem- ber that those already sailing as chief cooks and chief stewards must also take the coursework in order to exercise preference and priority beginning next year (unless they have received training after January 1, 2017 at the Piney Point, Maryland-based campus). For those seamen currently employed as permanent stewards aboard commercial vessels, they must attend Culinary 2.0 in order to maintain their current employment status. For those already sailing as chief cooks and chief stewards, there are two new revalidation courses that have been designed to ensure a consistent level of culinary training and efficiency: Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 and Orientation/ Assessment Chief Cook 2.0. The courses are being offered regularly, but spaces are limited, so members are encouraged to plan ahead and enroll as soon as possible. For more information, contact your port agent and/ or the school’s admissions office. February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point....................................Monday: February 3, March 2 Algonac...............................................Friday: February 7, March 6 Baltimore.....................................Thursday: February 6, March 5 Guam..........................................Thursday: February 20, March 19 Honolulu..........................................Friday: February 14, March 13 Houston............................................Monday: February 10, March 9 Jacksonville...............................Thursday: February 6, March 5 Joliet...........................................Thursday: February 13, March 12 Mobile...................................Wednesday: February 12, March 11 New Orleans..................................Tuesday: February 11, March 10 Jersey City.....................................Tuesday: February 4, March 3 Norfolk........................................Thursday: February 6, March 5 Oakland...................................Thursday: February 13, March 12 Philadelphia..........................Wednesday: February 5, March 4 Port Everglades..........................Thursday: February 13, March 12 San Juan....................................Thursday: February 6, March 5 St. Louis......................................Friday: February 14, March 13 Tacoma.......................................Friday: February 21, March 20 Wilmington.....................*Tuesday: February18, Monday: March 16 *Wilmington changes due to Presidents’ Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Another New Ship SPAD Works For You Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD February 2020 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Dec. 16-Jan. 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Jan. 15. Total Registered Total Shipped Port All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 30 1 5 27 8 10 10 49 35 30 4 12 23 14 4 3 9 18 0 30 322 7 1 2 10 0 3 0 15 18 14 1 5 13 7 3 5 5 13 0 7 129 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 1 1 16 1 0 8 14 14 13 1 2 14 7 2 3 3 11 0 10 124 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS All Groups A B Registered on Beach 0 1 1 4 0 0 0 4 4 2 0 1 3 3 3 0 0 3 1 3 33 Deck Department 6 5 1 0 1 1 16 9 7 0 11 2 5 0 30 16 27 15 25 8 2 0 10 0 11 14 8 3 0 5 0 3 5 4 18 7 2 1 22 7 207 100 C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 7 2 4 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 26 5 0 2 11 1 7 0 13 15 14 1 2 14 6 3 1 1 10 1 10 117 41 1 5 42 6 19 15 84 54 62 2 17 33 17 6 4 16 42 5 57 528 12 1 2 19 1 6 5 32 37 21 4 7 19 6 5 7 6 16 2 13 221 2 2 1 4 0 2 0 3 6 3 0 0 7 3 3 1 0 7 3 7 54 1 1 2 5 1 5 5 8 14 7 1 5 9 1 1 2 5 5 0 5 83 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 3 0 2 1 0 5 1 2 23 Engine Department 3 0 1 1 0 2 10 3 0 0 1 1 11 2 12 6 17 10 11 4 0 0 3 4 5 8 2 4 2 0 2 0 3 0 6 2 0 1 10 4 99 52 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 15 0 1 0 2 0 2 1 6 11 4 0 4 8 2 2 0 1 3 0 4 51 6 1 5 18 1 3 18 30 31 19 2 5 24 11 4 1 6 26 2 14 227 2 1 2 10 1 5 8 12 23 13 2 7 25 5 2 3 8 10 2 16 157 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 4 0 2 6 1 1 0 0 6 1 4 34 5 0 2 9 1 6 5 14 24 8 1 4 9 22 3 2 4 10 3 22 154 1 0 1 3 1 2 5 8 7 0 1 3 14 4 1 9 2 2 0 6 70 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 7 Steward Department 5 1 0 1 3 0 9 4 0 0 2 1 6 1 11 5 25 3 9 2 1 0 7 1 15 9 16 4 0 0 2 4 4 1 10 2 2 0 12 4 139 43 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 1 4 0 2 6 5 12 1 0 3 8 5 0 3 0 3 1 7 62 7 0 1 18 3 7 10 37 36 16 0 5 18 32 3 3 4 16 4 36 256 3 1 1 5 1 3 4 10 15 0 2 9 14 7 1 5 5 2 0 23 111 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 14 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 5 0 1 17 10 1 2 5 2 1 5 12 24 14 1 0 13 19 2 0 1 12 0 19 143 12 0 2 4 1 1 2 9 30 8 2 1 24 4 1 12 3 8 0 14 138 Entry Department 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 1 0 0 2 7 2 18 0 9 0 1 1 0 0 6 1 5 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 7 0 1 0 7 6 74 5 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 16 2 0 0 7 0 0 8 0 2 0 5 49 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 9 4 1 0 3 3 0 5 1 4 0 0 35 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 7 0 5 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 5 0 4 29 11 3 3 7 1 3 8 27 43 24 0 0 22 27 1 0 0 21 0 40 241 21 0 2 5 4 2 3 16 47 11 4 1 41 15 1 4 2 16 1 28 224 GRAND TOTAL: 617 425 201 95 265 1,040 730 326 451 269 Seafarers LOG 17 �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 Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by members at the hiring hall in Mobile, Alabama. Question: Why did you decide to become a mariner? Curtis Snow Chief Cook I did it for the traveling, and the whole experience. The sailing, meeting new people and exploring the world. It’s everything I thought it would be, and I can’t wait to get out there and see more of the world. Charles Kennedy Pumpman I wanted to go see the world when I started, that was my main reason. And that turned into a full career. I’m set to retire soon, and it’s been a good career. I’ve met a lot of good people in the union, and I’m glad I joined the SIU. Nassor James AB I was in the Navy prior to this career, and during a vertical replenishment, the MSC ship pulled up, and I saw that the guys on board had beards. I asked them how they managed that, and they said that they were merchant mariners. I looked into it, and joined the SIU once I got out of the Navy. Arthur Patterson AB I wanted to travel, see the world a little bit. It’s a great opportunity for a guy from Detroit, where most of us go work at the auto plants. I’ve been doing this since 1993, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 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 Dana Naze Recertified Bosun I started out on harbor tugs in Mobile when I was 18 or 19. A lot of the guys I worked with had sailed deep sea, and told me all about it. I tried it out, and I fell in love with it. And I’ve been sailing deep sea for 33 years. Norman Lucas AB I just wanted to change my life. I was getting in trouble back in the days, and the union saved my life. When I joined the union, all my troubles started to go away. The union saved my life. Pics 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 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 Retired Recertified Steward Ron Malozi submitted these photos and the write-up that follows. That’s him in the trainee uniform in Piney Point, looking at the camera. He’s also second from right (seated) in the group photo. Malozi started his career as a trainee in Class 379, in 1983. “The ship pictured was the S.S. Inger, a grain ship, and was my third vessel after leaving school. We started in Los Angeles, going east to Panama, then to Kenya to offload grain, then to Hawaii and back to L.A. We circled the globe on that trip and it took four months. When I was young, I wanted to leave my small town in Maryland and travel the globe. With the SIU, I’ve been all over Europe, parts of the Middle East, Africa, Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Panama … and too many more places to list. I also worked four years for Trans World Airlines, as an international flight attendant, so my wish to travel truly was fulfilled. Thanks, SIU, for a great career and for the many great memories. I retired in 2002 after 20 years of service.” 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 18 Seafarers LOG February 2020 �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 MARIA AUSTRIA Sister Maria Austria, 65, joined the SIU in 1991, when she sailed on the Independence. She shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Sister Austria last sailed on the China. She resides in San Bruno, California. GREGORIO BLANCO Brother Gregorio Blanco, 73, began his career with the Seafarers in 1977, initially sailing on the Walter Rice. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Blanco most recently sailed on the Maersk Hartford. He calls Bronx, New York, home. LONNIE CARTER Brother Lonnie Carter, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Monticello. He worked in the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Carter’s final vessel was the Horizon Reliance. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri. CIRILO CENTENO Brother Cirilo Centeno, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1989, initially shipping aboard the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Centeno most recently sailed on the USNS Regulus and makes his home in Houston. JAMES CLARK Brother James Clark, 79, signed on with the union in 1999 when he sailed on the USNS Bellatrix. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Clark last sailed on the Maersk Pittsburgh and lives in Boise, Idaho. QUINTIN HERRERA Brother Quintin Herrera, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1990 when he worked with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. February 2020 A deck department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Herrera’s last ship was the Philadelphia Express. He is a resident of Carolina, Puerto Rico. LEWIS JOHANSON Brother Lewis Johanson, 70, started sailing with the union in 1991, initially shipping aboard the USNS Harkness. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Johanson last shipped on the Midnight Sun. He resides in Belfair, Washington. JOHN LAMPRECHT Brother John Lamprecht, 63, joined the union in 1974. His first vessel was the Explorer and he primarily sailed in the deck department. Brother Lamprecht upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed aboard the Garden State before settling in La Caruna, Spain. RONALD LUPINACCI Brother Ronald Lupinacci, 75, started shipping with the SIU in 1990. He was a steward department member and first sailed aboard the Constellation. Brother Lupinacci upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the Prestige New York and resides in Darlington, Pennsylvania. ROMUALD MARLINSKI Brother Romuald Marlinski, 71, signed on with the SIU in 2003 when he shipped on the Cape Decision. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and sailed in the engine department. Brother Marlinski’s final vessel was the Honor. He lives in Willis, Texas. aboard the John Penn. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Pagan was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides in Riverside, California. EDWARD PORTER Brother Edward Porter, 62, began his SIU career in 1979, initially shipping on the H Atlantic. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and primarily sailed in the steward department. Brother Porter’s final vessel was the Maersk Pittsburgh. He is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. WILLIAM STOLTZ BRUCE BEAM Brother Bruce Bream, 68, joined the union in 2004. An engine department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2008. Brother Beam worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He lives in La Marque, Texas. JUAN CHEVALIER Brother Juan Chevalier, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1991. He began his career with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. A deck department member, Brother Chevalier upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2001. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation and makes his home in Carolina, Puerto Rico. WILLIAM WATTERSON DANIEL ENGLUND Brother William Watterson, 65, began sailing with the union in 2000, first shipping aboard the American Merlin. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Watterson last sailed on the Stephen W. Pless and settled in Edenton, North Carolina. Brother Daniel Englund, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1999 when he sailed on the USNS Pathfinder. A deck department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Englund was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides in Casa Grande, Arizona. LEVINSON WINBORNE Brother Levinson Winborne, 65, joined the SIU in 1994. His first vessel was the USNS Audacious and he sailed in the steward department. Brother Winborne upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2004. He last sailed on the Decisive and makes his home in Spring, Texas. GREAT LAKES ANNA BRENNO Brother Eddy Newman, 64, began sailing with the union in 1990, first shipping on the USNS Desteiguer. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Newman most recently sailed on the Howard O. Lorenzen and makes his home in Las Vegas. Sister Anna Brenno, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1990 when she shipped aboard the Charles E. Wilson. She worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1996. Sister Brenno’s final vessel was the Sam Laud. She lives in Seymour, Tennessee. Brother Robert Pagan, 60, signed on with the SIU in 1977, sailing first INLAND Brother William Stoltz, 65, joined the union in 1978. His first vessel was the Cove Spirit and he sailed in the deck department. Brother Stoltz upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career on the Atlantic and resides in Crescent City, Florida. EDDY NEWMAN ROBERT PAGAN all three departments and upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in 2008. Brother King’s last vessel was the Bradshaw McKee. He lives in Vancouver, Washington. COURTNEY KING Brother Courtney King, 53, joined the SIU in 1988 and first shipped with OLS Transport. He sailed in JAMES GILLIAM Brother James Gilliam, 62, became an SIU member in 1980 when he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Gilliam continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. He lives in California, Kentucky. CRAIG HEIGES Brother Craig Heiges, 63, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002 when he sailed with Port Imperial Ferry. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2003. Brother Heiges remained with the same company for his entire career. He is a New York resident. HUBERT JOSEPH Brother Hubert Joseph, 63, began his career with the SIU in 2000 when he sailed aboard the Ascension. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Joseph last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides in Santurce, Puerto Rico. EDWARD MELVIN Brother Edward Melvin, 63, signed on with the SIU in 2008. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Melvin worked for Penn Maritime for his entire career. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. GREGORY NEWMAN Brother Gregory Newman, 62, became a member of the SIU in 1978, initially working for Inland Tugs. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1982. Brother Newman last worked for Turecamo Maritime and settled in Holland, Pennsylvania. LESLIE O’HAIR Brother Leslie O’Hair, 57, began sailing with the union in 1996 when he shipped on the USNS Wyman. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother O’Hair most recently worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He lives in Keystone Heights, Florida. NMU HENRY BARROW Brother Henry Barrow, 65, joined the SIU in 2001 during the NMU/ SIU Merger. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Barrow concluded his career on the Cape Orlando. He lives in Oakland, California. Seafarers LOG 19 �Final Departures DEEP SEA RODOLFO ASOPARDO Pensioner Rodolfo Asopardo, 80, died December 9. He joined the SIU in 1967. He was a deck department member and first sailed aboard the Coastal California. Brother Asopardo’s final vessel was the Horizon Hawk. He went on pension in 2009 and was a San Francisco resident. CASEY BARBER Brother Casey Barber, 43, passed away December 18. He signed on with the SIU in 1996 when he sailed on the Cleveland. Brother Barber sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed aboard the Prudhoe Bay in 2000. He lived in Gig Harbor, Washington. JORGE CASTILLO Pensioner Jorge Castillo, 101, died December 19. He began his career with the SIU in 1960, initially sailing aboard the Evelyn. He was a deck department member and last shipped on the Green Island. Brother Castillo became a pensioner in 1983 and settled in Kenner, Louisiana. FERNANDO DOMENICALE Pensioner Fernando Domenicale, 85, passed away December 24. He became a member of the SIU in 2001 when he shipped aboard the Independence. Brother Domenicale sailed in the steward department and last shipped on the Overseas Philadelphia. He retired in 2009 and called Coral Springs, Florida, home. DON FILONI Pensioner Don Filoni, 73, died December 1. He joined the union in 1991, sailing first on the Matej Kocak. Working in the deck department, Brother Filoni concluded his career on the same vessel. He 20 Seafarers LOG went on pension in 2011 and was a resident of Welaka, Florida. DANIEL FOWERS Pensioner Daniel Fowers, 74, passed away December 29. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1989 when he sailed on the Independence. Brother Fowers was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Overseas Cascade before retiring in 2014. Brother Fowers lived in Coos Bay, Oregon. GUADALUPE GARCIA Pensioner Guadalupe Garcia, 89, died December 5. He donned the SIU colors in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Santa Mercedes. Brother Garcia worked in the steward department and concluded his career on the Independence in 2001. He retired the same year and settled in Brownsville, Texas. JOHN HOLTSCHLAG Pensioner John Holtschlag, 77, passed away January 6. He started his career with the union in 1987 when he shipped on the Galveston. Brother Holtschlag was a steward department member and last sailed aboard the Thailand. He began collecting his pension in 2009 and resided in Springfield, Illinois. GORDON LINDEN Pensioner Gordon Linden, 78, died December 9. He signed on with the SIU in 1967 when he sailed on the Norberto Capay. Brother Linden sailed in the engine department. His final vessel was the Neches. Brother Linden became a pensioner in 2006 and lived in Watertown, South Dakota. FRITZ MCDUFFIE Pensioner Fritz McDuffie, 67, passed away December 28. He began sailing with the union in 1970, initially shipping on the Arizpa. A deck department member, Brother McDuffie concluded his career aboard the Stephen W. Pless. He retired in 2007 and made his home in Wilmer, Alabama. SAIAD MONASAR Pensioner Saiad Monasar, 65, died August 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1976 and first sailed aboard the Trader. Brother Mo- nasar was a steward department member. He last sailed aboard the Cape Jacob before becoming a pensioner in 2019. Brother Monasar lived in Bridgeview, Illinois. SORIN RASCOL Pensioner Sorin Rascol, 69, passed away November 24. He started his career with the SIU in 2000, initially sailing on the Global Sentinel. The deck department member’s last vessel was the Seabulk Pride. He retired in 2017 and resided in San Leon, Texas. ROOSEVELT SAMPSON Pensioner Roosevelt Sampson, 85, died November 5. He donned the SIU colors in 1979 when he shipped aboard the President Fillmore. Brother Sampson sailed in the steward department. He concluded his career on the President Roosevelt before going on pension in 1999. Brother Sampson called Yuba City, California, home. FREDERICK SHANNON Pensioner Frederick Shannon, 77, passed away November 30. He signed on with the union in 1998, initially sailing on the Franklin J. Phillips. Brother Shannon was a member of the deck department and most recently shipped on the Sirius. He retired in 2007 and lived in San Leon, Texas. RAYMOND TAYLOR Pensioner Raymond Taylor, 95, died December 6. He joined the SIU in 1951 when he sailed on the Del Oro. Brother Taylor sailed in the steward department. His final vessel was the Overseas Arctic. He became a pensioner in 1986 and lived in Gretna, Louisiana. WAYNE YEARGAIN Brother Wayne Yeargain, 59, passed away November 28. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 2012 when he shipped on the Mississippi Enterprise. The deck department member’s last vessel was the Overseas Martinez. Brother Yeargain resided in Pensacola, Florida. JOHN ZIMMERMAN Brother John Zimmerman, 56, died October 3. He joined the Seafarers in 2016 and initially sailed aboard the Dewayne T. Williams. Brother Zimmerman shipped in the engine department and most recently sailed on the Baldomero Lopez. He was a resident of Green Cove Springs, Florida. INLAND JAMES COCHRAN Pensioner James Cochran, 72, died December 30. He joined the SIU in 1991 and was a member of the deck department. Brother Cochran worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation throughout his entire career. He retired in 2009 and called Gibsonton, Florida, home. ROBERT DAWSEY Pensioner Robert Dawsey, 87, passed away November 4. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1987. He worked for McAllister Towing of Virginia for his entire career and sailed in the deck department. Brother Dawsey became a pensioner in 1999. He resided in Pearlington, Mississippi. LAWRENCE GUIDROZ Pensioner Lawrence Guidroz, 75, died December 22. He became a member of the SIU in 1968. Brother Guidroz sailed in the deck department. He worked for Dixie Carriers for his entire career before retiring in 2011. Brother Guidroz lived in Arnaudville, Louisiana. RICHARD LUDLAM Pensioner Richard Ludlam, 92, passed away December 12. He signed on with the union in 1962 when he worked for G&H Towing. Brother Ludlam sailed in the engine department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 1985 and settled in Houston. NMU RAPHAEL CHARLES Pensioner Raphael Charles, 86, died December 9. He was an NMU member before the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. Brother Charles began collecting his pension in 1995 and resided in Galveston, Texas. JOHN HERTON Pensioner John Herton, 96, passed away December 8. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with Seafarers International Union. Brother Herton retired in 1993 and lived in Brownsville, Texas. JOSE SANTOS Pensioner Jose Santos, 91, died November 23. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Brother Santos was a member of the NMU before the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He became a pensioner in 1987 and lived in Port St. Lucie, Florida. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Banks, Leith 88 Brandner, Raymond 93 Cheatham, Sterling 74 Dillon, Charles 92 Ebanks, Martin 94 Gaines, George 91 Gersie, William 86 Henry, Rudolph 90 Johnson, Cesar 86 Lewandowski, Charles 78 Mattingly, James 77 Mote, Charles 79 Oquendo, Jesus 78 Ortega, Ricardo 81 Robinson, Eustace 91 Ruiz, Jose 89 Vazquez, Juan 88 Veliotis, George 85 Wood, Neva 89 DOD 11/22/2019 01/03/2020 12/23/2019 12/18/2019 11/27/2019 12/22/2019 12/22/2019 08/17/2019 12/17/2019 12/08/2019 11/21/2019 12/11/2019 12/14/2019 04/30/2019 01/01/2020 12/27/2019 12/17/2019 11/27/2019 12/29/2019 Important Notice For All Seafarers We’ve improved our text messaging system for shipboard job-related notifications. If you’re not signed up and are interested, text WORK to 97779 and follow the prompts. February 2020 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings OVERSEAS CHINOOK (Overseas Ship Management, Inc.), November 11 – Chairman Arnaldo Fernandez, Secretary Jack Hart, Educational Director Darryl Bence, Deck Delegate Donald Bernard, Steward Delegate Rocel Alvarez. Crew reviewed minutes from prior meeting. Chairman announced payoff at sea. He thanked steward department for a job well done. Chairman commended deck department for working safely and for working long hours. Secretary thanked crew for keeping house and mess hall clean. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to be sure credentials are current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members expressed gratitude to union and headquarters for securing many jobs for Seafarers. Crew requested a raise in pension and medical benefits. ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), November 3 – Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secretary Justo Reyes, Educational Director Tristan Brand, Deck Delegate Bronislaw Kuchczynski, Engine Delegate Kevin Kelly. New DirecTV satellite purchased. Chairman thanked crew for outstanding work at Singapore Shipyard. He reminded members to go through proper chain of command for unresolved issues. Secretary thanked crew for their cooperation. Educational director advised members to upgrade as often as possible and to make sure documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were encouraged to stay focused. New satellite to be 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. installed as soon as time permits. Steward department was commended for a job well done. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), November 10 – Chairman Gregory Hamilton, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Rollin Crump, Deck Delegate Manuel Enrico, Engine Delegate Anne Scott, Steward Delegate Erik Ivey. Crew reviewed old business. They discussed filing for vacation benefits and also talked about steward department extra meal allowance. Vessel’s shipyard schedule to begin approximately two months earlier than planned. Chairman expects shipyard period to start around May 2020. Secretary gave thanks to deck department for stripping and waxing floors. He praised cook and SA for getting galley clean and up to standards. Educational director discussed his conversation with the union hall for clarification regarding online classes. Members need to sign up for additional classes in order to register for one-day BT class. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was encouraged to read the October 2019 shipboard meeting report. Members requested raise in pension benefits as well as an increase in current optical plan and monthly vacation days. Crew was reminded to keep mess halls in orderly fashion. Steward department was praised for providing good food. Next port: Long Beach, California. SEABULK CHALLENGE (Seabulk), November 13 – Chairman Ghassan Saeed, Secretary Peter Crum, Educational Director Randolph Scott. No complaints aboard ship. Everyone is doing well. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chief steward explained menu and resolved misunderstanding among members. Next port: Houston. OREGON (Crowley), November 22 – Chairman Jesse Natividad, Secretary Joseph Emidy, Educational Director David Pope, Steward Delegate Wilson Peniston. Secretary encouraged members to donate to SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. He reminded crew of their personal responsibility to keep documents up to date. Educational director reiterated the importance of upgrading at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in order to achieve higher wages and more credentials. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew went over payoff procedures with last voucher. Members in need of new mattresses. Vote of thanks given to chief cook and SA for jobs well done. Next port: Alliance, Louisiana. TAINO (Crowley), November 24 – Chairman Wilfredo Velez, Secretary Kimberly Strate, Educational Director Lamont Robinson, Steward Delegate Martin Warren. Chairman reminded crew that USCG will be counting ROS time towards BT certification. Educational director warned members of the Real ID requirements by TSA and encouraged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed and summarized the president’s report from Seafar- ers LOG. Members asked about Wi-Fi availability aboard ship. Crew requested a paid time off benefit that would allow a minimum of two weeks bereavement for immediate family. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. WEST VIRGINIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning) November 28 – Chairman John Cedeno Jr., Secretary Milton Yournett, Educational Director Andre Mitchell, Deck Delegate Juberto Perez, Engine Delegate Dontrell Riddick, Steward Delegate Shantay Joquin. New pillows distributed to members. Chairman conducted 401K information session. All staterooms will be inspected by bosun before sign-off to help ensure clean and acceptable standards. Chairman discussed new vessels joining SIU-crewed fleet and explained tour of duty eligibilities. Secretary advised crew to keep credentials current. Educational director reminded members to go to the Paul Hall Center for all upgrading needs. Crew was given clarification on penalty pay for trash handling. With the help of SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins, issue has been addressed and corrected. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman spoke with captain to see if mattress covers can be ordered. Gym dry-erase board received and installed. Members requested a match in 401K contributions and an increase of paid vacation days. Next port: Garyville, Louisiana. HORIZON PACIFIC (Sunrise Operations), December 1 – Chairman Daniel Ticer, Secretary Kevin Dougherty, Educational Director Thomas Flynn, Deck Delegate Emmanuel Buyser, Engine Delegate Yahya Mohamed, Steward Delegate Stephen Martin. DirecTV and Wi-Fi now working in port. Chairman thanked crew for working safely and reminded them to contribute to SPAD, the SIU’s voluntary political action fund. Educational director informed crew of requirements for new PASHA ships coming out in the new year. Members will be required to have training for LNG, BT and refresher courses for firefighting. Several TVs and refrigerators purchased using ship fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun noted items from the Seafarers LOG including articles about ships reflagging to Stars and Stripes with SIU crews, the ROS. breakout and WWII veteran recognition. Members requested more flexibility with trip reliefs. Crew dryer in need of repair. Next port: Oakland, California. OVERSEAS TEXAS CITY (Overseas Ship Management), December 15 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Jeffrey Beasley, Educational Director James Rodweller. Chairman thanked crew for keeping ship clean and for their hard work during voyage, loading and discharge. He recommended that members upgrade at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Educational director reminded crew to ensure documents are current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The ConstituConstitu tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt February 2020 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Advanced Refer Containers May 4 May 15 Title of Course BAPO March 23 April 17 Engineroom Resource Management August 24 August 28 FOWT February 24 March 20 Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic February 24 March 13 Junior Engineer Program February 24 April 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management March 16 April 10 Machinist June 29 July 17 Marine Electrician June 29 July 31 Marine Refer Tech May 18 June 26 Pumpman July 20 July 24 Welding March 23 April 10 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck February 24 April 20 June 22 AB to Mate Modules March 13 May 8 July 10 Modules must be taken in order. Those who are not in the mates program cannot apply for these courses. Contact the Admissions Office for further details. Advanced Meteorology May 4 May 8 Advanced Shiphandling May 11 May 22 Advanced Stability April 27 May 1 ARPA March 16 August 3 March 20 August 7 Bosun Recertification July 20 August 3 Crane Familiarization March 9 March 13 ECDIS May 25 May 29 Fast Rescue Boat July 20 July 24 GMDSS February 17 July 6 February 28 July 17 Lifeboat March 9 April 6 May 4 March 20 April 17 May 15 Leadership and Management Skills August 31 September 4 Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office Radar Observer March 2 July 20 March 13 July 31 RFPNW March 23 100 Ton Master August 17 Advanced Galley Operations Chief Cook February 17 March 13 Modules run every other week. Contact Admissions for exact date. Chief Steward March 16 April 24 Galley Operations March 23 April 17 Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0 February 24 March 9 February 28 March 13 Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 February 10 March 2 February 14 March 6 Steward Recertification March 16 April 6 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training March 2 March 6 Basic Training Revalidation February 7 February 7 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation February 10 February 14 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting February 10 February 14 Government Vessels March 2 March 6 Medical Care Provider April 20 April 24 Tank Ship - DL February 24 February 28 April 17 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL February 10 February 14 September 4 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG March 30 April 3 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 22 Seafarers LOG Steward Department Courses COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. 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, or 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. 2/20 February 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #855 – Pictured in early October (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Cody Carroll, Nicholas Chiappini, Briana Davis, Joseph Howard, Christian Howe, Troy Ingram, Christopher Kluth, Austin Kost, Tavon Lauderdale, Dave Martin II, Yolanda Ortega-Velez, Emmanuel Outeiral, Isaac Pili, Marta Ruiz, John Sadia and Juan Vallejo. Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated September 6 (above, from left): Michael James Pompa Adeva and John Price. Also graduating, but not pictured, was Nicholas Banks. Welding – Graduated October 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Rudy Cesar, Justin Dangelo, Terren Fields, Robert Neff, Liam Richey and Reginald Watkins. Instructor Chris Raley is second from the right. UA to FOWT – Graduated September 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Lavontat Anderson, Gregory Kakra Attawora, Timothy Jones, Wayne Linnette IV, Marcus Lopez, Chanel Peters, Hyuk-Joong Kim Seeman, Bertram Solomon Jr., Denard Williams and Kevin Willis. (Note: Not all are pictured.) UA to Able Seaman-Deck – Graduated September 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Austen Amoroso, Joseph Crane, David Franz Pelczmann, Andrew Porpora, Somitya Rana and Cole Vose. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated September 20 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Reginald Addison, Gerald Archie, Christopher Bean, Bobby Ramirez Belches, Mark Buyes, Marcus Eli Carrasquillo, Daniel Fields, Charles Ford, Jerwin Francisco, Whitney Fulcher, Paul Narro, Jose Rigoberto Norales, Sherley Loraine Rivera-Aguila, Dennis Skretta, Antjuan Webb and Richard West. (Note: Not all are pictured.) February 2020 Seafarers LOG 23 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated October 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Samuel Amisah, Diamond Anderson, Marcus Eli Carrasquillo, Jonny Diego, Fidel Alvarez Dipasupil, Adolfo Leonel Figueroa, Robert Goren, Eric Jett, Steven Kendrick, John Morrison, Paul Narro, Jaquel Nesmith, Annie Nodd, John Oshaughnessy, Jorge A. Salas Santos, Paul Sharo, Eddie Taylor, Jessie Turner and Richard West. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated October 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Adrian Joseph, Felix P. Maldonado, Pedro Sadrac Maysonet-Gonzalez and Elvin Joel RijosPerez. GMDSS – Graduated September 13 (above, from left): Jessie Turner and Jorge A. Salas Santos. Instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at the far right. Medical Care Provider – Graduated October 4 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Jose Manuel Boza, Jared Cabasug, Marion Collins Jr., Sean Geddie, Henry Green, Brennon Hough, Deven McCoy, Edward Molesky Jr., and Michael John Estavillo Valdez. Instructor Michael Roberts is at the far left. Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation – Graduated September 13 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Chantell Dawson, Karleen Grenier, Brian Guiry, Christopher Hickey, Yuriy Prytchak, Chenequa Moet Rodriguez, Scott Salo and Dexter Madrona Turija. Class instructor Brian Moore is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 24 Seafarers LOG February 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated October 11 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Jacob Booth, Christopher Collins, Victor Duplesis, Lucas Hayes, Kalae-Mitchal K. Huihui, Teva Kurth, Nakia Miller, Jonathan Pastor Torres, Marcelo Corbillon Villareal and Patrick Wheat. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIUcontracted vessels. BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated October 11 (photo at right , in alphabetical order): Adam Salim Elmenani, Nikita Featherston, Taurean Harold, Yu-Jin Arthur Hendricks-Matsuda, Kenneth Kauffman, Johnny Matthews III, Ghadir A. Sarkis, Christopher Solomon and Kelly White. Each plans to work in the engine departments of union-contracted vessels when their training is completed. Galley Ops (Phase III) – Graduated October 11 (above, from left): David May and Michael Pena. Upon the completion of their training, both plan to work in the steward departments of SIU-crewed vessels. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated September 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Damon Anderson, Franklin Valencia Estupinan, Jerwin Francisco, Whitney Fulcher, John Morrison, Paul Narro, Dexter Madrona Turija, Antjuan Webb and Richard West. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated October 18 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Justin Baehring, Iesha Bailey, Joey Bariatta Benosa, Austin Blake, Rudy Cesar, Kenneth Epps, Loretta James, Chris Marcani, Boby Lenin Morales Rochez, Keion Vines, Hunter Wickman, Edward Williams and Mark Wilson. February 2020 Seafarers LOG 25 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated November 1 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Peter Azubike, Mark Kim Tiu Cordova, Marcel Okera Jubert, Edgardo Martinez Espada, Jerry Miraflor Maya Jr., Tomas Merel, Abdulnaser Kassem Saeed, James St. Amand and Brandon Urich. Government Vessels – Graduated November 1 – (above, from left): Christopher Henao, Shelonti Jones and Dale Mattingly Jr. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting Upgraders) – Graduated September 27 (above, from left): Amin Ali Quraish, Bernard Lawes Sr., and Diamond Anderson. ECDIS – Graduated September 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Karleen Grenier, Christopher Hickey, Mason Con Melland, Yuriy Prytchak and Scott Salo. (Note: Not all are pictured.) RFPNW – Graduated October 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael James Pompa Adeva, Lamar Doctor, Terrance Paige and Mikhail Semenovich Pinchevskiy. Junior Engineer (Plant Management II) – Graduated October 25 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Kwasi Alexander, David Cornelius, Raphael Henson, Sebastian Damian Krowicki, Karl Angelo Morrow Jr., Raymond Manlangit Orosco, Matthew Palmer, Tyler Summersill, Bryan Velazquez, Derrick Walker II and Renita Walker. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 26 Seafarers LOG February 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Jioia Joyce Yvonne De Leon, Joseph Alexander Fabia Laureta, Zlatko Lucic and Nina Maria McFall. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated September 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Nadine Butler, Dante Fernandez Cruz, Sajid Foster, Timothy Laird, Eddie Taylor and Ronaldo Salazar Torres. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated August 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Harlan Alonzo, Jane Altieri, Alexander Paisaje Cordero, Mario Alcanse Firme Jr., and Abraham Marcelo Martinez Rochez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated August 9 (above, from left): Jermin Matthews, Salvador Malasan De Guzman and Vincent Chavez. Certified Chief Cook (Module 1) – Graduated August 23 (above, in alphabetical order): George Nier Egbert, Ronald Glenn Jr., Annette Hicks, Yuriy Nikolayevich Klimov, Milan Marshall-Hampton and Alvin Watson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated October 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Johnson Ashun, Bernard Lawes Sr., Mary Slade and Henry Wright Jr. Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated September 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandy Clemons, Todd Gallagher, Juan Francisco Poblete and Barbara Smith. February 2020 Chief Steward – Graduated September 13 (above, from left): Joshua Heath, Detrell Lambey, and Jason Beckford. Also graduating, but not pictured, were: John Billington, Adele Williams and Derrick Williams. Seafarers LOG 27 �VOLUME 82, NO. 2 FEBRUARY 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Representatives from the SIU, Santa’s Castle and Joint Base Lewis-McChord gather for a photo before the annual luncheon. ‘Feels Good to Give Back’ Tacoma-Area Seafarers Step Up Again for Santa’s Castle; Yearly Outreach Brightens Holidays for Military Personnel Chief Steward Ingra Maddox described the essence of the union’s yearly participation in Santa’s Castle as well as anyone. “It feels good to give back to the people that are protecting us,” said the Seafarer, who comes from a military family. “We’ve always got a ton of stuff for the children, and that’s what it’s all about: the children.” Since 2007, Tacoma-area Seafarers have donated holiday toys and other gifts to U.S. military families (primarily E-4 and below) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, and from other bases. The gifts are sent through a private, nonprofit organization named Santa’s Castle. The union also hosts a holiday luncheon (typically in midto-late December) for military personnel, Seafarers, employees from the nonprofit group, and other guests. In 2019, SIU members, officials and staff as well as other contributors donated a little more than $9,000 in toys and additional gifts. The items were loaded into Santa’s Castle vans outside the hiring hall after the luncheon on Dec. 20. Anita Vargo, vice president of purchasing for Santa’s Castle, said, “The Seafarers are so amazing every year. They go above and beyond to help us and our soldiers. We look forward to being with them just to have lunch and get to know the men and women who work there. It’s really nice. We love those guys. They’re wonderful and the SIU is a great organization.” During remarks at the luncheon, SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo said, “This program and this time of year are not about any one of us in particular. It’s about the gift of giving and being grateful for what we have.” A military veteran, Vincenzo also pointed out the long, mutually respectful relationship between the U.S. Merchant Marine and our armed forces. “The logistical support that the U.S. Merchant Marine gives to our military is as vital an asset to their ability to project and sustain power abroad as it is to our homeland, economic and national security,” he stated. “Our history is long and storied and each of us has it on our shoulders to carry on that tradition as you are here today. We are grateful for our military – the service that they perform each and every day. Today is our day to say thank you.” He added that since the union started participating in Santa’s Castle, Seafarers have chipped in with around $100,000 worth of items. Chief Cook Charlie Atkins volunteered to help set up and run the luncheon. Bosun Jozef Ignaczak (photo at left) and OMU Omer Shariff (right) help transport the donations from the hall. “The whole thing went great,” he said. “I do it every year when I’m home. As union members, we’re always trying to help anyone who needs it. I know this is for a good cause, and everyone was happy and smiling. Joe does a lot to make sure everybody’s on the same page. It was excellent.” Retired Recertified Steward Shawn Fujiwara said he has participated “from day one, and it’s a reflection of why I’m proud to be part of the SIU family and the Tacoma hall.” Always a good sport, Fujiwara wore an elf costume to the luncheon. He said this year’s event lived up to its lofty precedent. “It’s important to help Santa’s Castle and their mission to support our local military families who would not otherwise have as many gifts to share on Christmas,” he added. “I call it the magic of Christmas – giving from your heart and knowing it’ll brighten the spirits of children. Also, Joe Vincenzo is a powerhouse behind the scenes, making sure the Tacoma hall always gets revved up for this.” Seafarers contributed a little more than $9,000 worth of toys and other gifts for the latest iteration of Santa’s Castle. � 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 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the 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 2010-2019 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: MAERSK KINLOSS RESCUES 3 CONGRESS EXTENDS U.S. MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM CONRO LURLINE JOINS MATSON FLEET BISSO CREWS RATIFY THREE-YEAR CONTRACT RETIRED PORT AGENT BENSMAN PASSES AWAY MAERSK COLUMBUS CREW HELPS SAVE 11 FORMER DOL DEPUTY LAUDS SIU, PAUL HALL CENTER U.S. SENATE PASSES BILL HONORING WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINERS MEMBERS RING IN HOLIDAYS AT HALLS MORE HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES PHOTOS FROM SIU HIRING HALLS U.S. COAST GUARD ANNOUNCES REGIONAL EXAM CENTER CHANGES WHATS NEW FOR THE 2020 TAX FILING SEASON TAX TIPS FOR MEMBERS SHBP OFFERS COBRA CONTINUATION COVERAGE TO UNION MEMBERS SCHOOL STILL OFFERS CULINARY 2.0 TACOMA-AREA SEAFARERS STEP UP AGAIN FOR SANTA'S CASTLE 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 2/1/2020 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. 82, No. 2 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/4be606fbd818eb94f41d471b0105944a.pdf 86495d97cb79e0120b67e4ec2afe05be PDF Text Text MARCH 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 3 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Unions, Companies Team Up For Puerto Rico Relief Effort Jones Act Carriers Deliver Supplies Labor organizations and businesses are working together on a large-scale relief operation dedicated to helping people in Puerto Rico who are recovering from earthquakes that hit the territory beginning late last year. Donations for the outreach have come from numerous organizations; rankand-file Seafarers are among many volunteers making sure the supplies get delivered. The SIU hall in San Juan hosted a planning meeting early last month with a delegation from the American Federation of Teachers. Pictured from left (photo at top right) are AFT National Representative Alfredo Chuquihuara, AFT Exec. VP Evelyn DeJesus, SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo and AFT Exec. Asst. Adriana O’Hagan. In photo at immediate right, SIU Bosun Jorge Soler (left) distributes water in his hometown of Gurabo, Puerto Rico. Remaining photo shows (from left) Oiler Oscar Lacayo, Oiler Fernandez Wilcox and AB Vince Adolph aboard the SIU-crewed National Glory, which has carried relief supplies. Pages 10-11. Oakland Hiring Hall Gets Facelift The hiring hall in Oakland, California, is sporting a new paint job (photo below), and the facility also underwent some minor refurbishments late last year. Seafarers (photo at left) are pictured outside the hall. The building is located at 1121 7th Street. PRO Act Passes House Page 3 Remembering Ed Kelly Page 4 �President’s Report Ongoing Relief Efforts As our relief efforts for Puerto Rico continue, I thank every individual and every organization that has stepped up. While the earthquakeinduced damage in the territory is extensive, so too are the collective responses of labor and management. We’re committed to helping, as much as possible for as long as needed. Be sure to read our coverage in this edition, and for those of you who use social media, note that we’re regularly posting progress reports and other updates on Facebook and Twitter (and occasionally on our regular website). One of the most uplifting aspects of the current outreach is that we all sprang into action – labor and management, together – without being asked. The Jones Act community saw a need and immediately rallied to help our brothers and sisters on the island. Unfortunately, that need remains significant, mostly in the territory’s southern region. Homes, businesses, schools and roads were damaged or destroyed. There are no quick fixes, but we’re taking Michael Sacco steps to bring as much relief (and restore as much functionality) as possible. Stay tuned. PRO Act While we in the labor movement aren’t kidding ourselves about the prospects of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 quickly advancing in the Senate, the House’s passage of this pro-worker bill is still quite noteworthy. It establishes an important building block and lets us see where legislators stand on labor law reform and workers’ rights. The surest way to grow the middle class is through collective bargaining and union representation. Government data and other studies consistently show that union members earn more money and enjoy better benefits than their unrepresented counterparts. Union apprenticeships (many of which are done in partnership with employers) often provide a clear path to rewarding careers, too. Management also benefits from strong unions. When workers have a voice on the job and are compensated fairly, they’re much more likely to be reliable and efficient and to stick around, thereby reducing turnover and its associated costs. Unions provide accountability on both sides as well. By any reasonable measure, many of America’s labor laws are broken. More often than not, the deck is stacked against workers who seek to join or form a union – and there’s no recourse against employers who violate their employees’ rights in union organizing campaigns and elections. The PRO Act is good for workers and good for America. The SIU stands behind it and will work to overcome any obstacles to it becoming law. Gateway to Success The union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (based in Piney Point, Maryland) remains an essential tool for Seafarers who want to continue advancing in their careers. This fact was summed up quite well earlier this year by Seth Harris, former deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor and a onetime SIU field representative. As he noted in testimony before Congress, “SIU members do not have to guess which skills and credentials to pursue. They know exactly what skills and credentials they need to make themselves more valuable to their employers. Their union and the employers with which it works have solved this problem. SIU members also do not navigate career pathways on their own. They had clear and well-established career pathways even before the phrase ‘career pathways’ had been coined. Those career pathways have been married to a skills acquisition curriculum. As a result, SIU members know exactly how they can climb career ladders by acquiring well-defined competencies and credentials.” That’s a terrific endorsement, and on that note I encourage all Seafarers to take advantage of the opportunities in Piney Point. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83, Number 3 March 2020 The SIU online : www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, 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, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG ITF: Save Australian Shipping An international team of maritime heavyweights recently travelled to Australia and urged the government to save its shipping industry through sound, time-tested policy. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel was one of six panelists who testified Feb. 6 before the Australian Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee. Heindel also serves as chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) Seafarers’ Section. Also testifying at the hearing in the capital city of Canberra were Jim Given, president of the SIU of Canada and chair of the ITF Cabotage Task Force (which met earlier in the week); Johnny Hansen, president of the Norwegian Seafarers’ Union; Joe Fleetwood, national secretary of the Maritime Union of New Zealand; Jacqueline Smith, ITF maritime coordinator; and Deirdre Fitzpatrick, executive director of Seafarers’ Rights International. Collectively, they implored the Morrison government to reverse the decline of the Australian shipping industry and invest in the creation of a new strategic fleet to aid Australia’s emergency response capacity to natural disasters. They spelled out models that would help Australia move to protect the nation’s economic, environmental, fuel and national security interests by boosting its merchant fleet. The session began with an extension of solidarity and support to the Australian people for the tragic loss of life and property and catastrophic damage to Australia’s unique natural environment caused by recent wildfires across that region. The international group also acknowledged the significant emergency maritime response to the crisis. Union leaders and researchers appearing before the committee presented details on current maritime cabotage legislation around the world. They explained why a strong domestic maritime industry is critical to safeguarding Australia’s economic and national security – providing jobs, protecting the environment, and providing emergency assistance during natural disasters. They noted that 91 countries representing 80 percent of the world’s coastal UN Maritime States have cabotage laws restricting foreign maritime activity in their domestic coastal trades. Heindel stated, “Our (U.S.) domestic maritime cabotage laws have produced 40,000 American vessels built in U.S. shipyards. They provide roughly 650,000 sustained American jobs with $41 billion in labor compensation and ultimately contribute $150 billion in annual economic output.” He added, “Ultimately, the United States, like any nation, can only truly count on its own civilian mariners to get its troops and supplies to any combat zone. Without U.S. strategic sealift capability, supported by cabotage laws, U.S. enemies would become emboldened, U.S. commitments would become worthless, and American wars would become home games, according to former U.S. Transportation Command leader General Darren McDew. This could be said for any nation and certainly could be problematic for an island nation like Australia or New Zealand. Further, the economic benefits of having citizen crews contributes heavily to the country and local communities in labor income and a sustaining tax base.” Given told the government officials, “The reason for our appearance before you today is to discuss the importance of retaining and reinvigorating a domestic marine shipping industry. I’m regularly reminded of how the Coasting Trade Act in Canada, and the Jones Act in the United States, are so integral to the overall success of our shipping industries and such a large contributor to the economies of both Canada and the United States of America. These policies are often regarded by Continued on Page 8 BLS Numbers Are in, But They Fail to Tell the Whole Story Last year, the percentage of wage and salary workers who were members of unions in the United States – the union membership rate – was 10.3 percent, down by 0.2 percentage point from 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported Jan. 22 in its 2019 Union Members Summary. The number of wage and salary workers belonging to unions, 14.6 million in 2019, was little changed from 2018, the agency added. In 1983, the first year for which comparable union data are available, the union membership rate was 20.1 percent and there were 17.7 million union workers. According to the AFL-CIO, the foregoing numbers reflect the tremendously difficult barriers workers continue to face while seeking to form a union. Additionally, they reveal the unmatched resilience of working people in their desire to win bargaining power on the job. Despite the latest report, federation officials labeled 2019 as a year of undeniable momentum for collective action and collective bargaining. They listed the following as just a few examples of the extraordinary ways that workers stood together in 2019 to fight for our workplaces and communities: Following 2018’s notable year of teacher activism, thousands of teachers went on strike in states including Colorado and West Virginia. In Chicago, CTU-AFT members walked out for a historic 11 days, winning a 16% salary increase over five years. More than 30,000 Stop & Shop workers and UFCW members in New England fought and won a three-month battle for better pay and benefits. Nearly 50,000 UAW members at General Motors Co. walked off the job on Sept. 16, starting one of the longest and largest automotive strikes in decades. After 40 days on the picket line, GM workers secured a contract with higher pay, no change to their health care plan, a defined path for temporary workers and improved time-off policies. 20,000 CWA members in the Southeast went on strike to protest unfair labor practices at AT&T, winning a new contract with higher wages and additional job security. Graduate student employees across the coun- try fought for basic workplace protections. Early this year, at Harvard University, thousands of recently organized student employees and UAW members went on strike as they sought a first contract. Unions used collective political power to expand organizing rights in 2019. The labor movement has elected thousands of union members to public office after passing a 2017 convention resolution, and it continues to pay off. For example, labor won public sector collective bargaining in Nevada (similar efforts are underway in Colorado and Virginia), farmworker collective bargaining in New York, and logger and wood hauler collective bargaining in Maine. Moreover, in California, AB 5 is a landmark law to prevent the misclassification of employees as independent contractors that will protect the rights and improve the working conditions of more than 1 million workers. Meanwhile, public approval of unions continued to rise in 2019, reaching a nearly 50-year high. This comes at a time when union activists in unorganized workplaces are gaining momentum, specifically in the hospitality, electric bus manufacturing, technology, videogame and media industries. It’s worth noting many of these dozens of campaigns in digital news have yet to be ratified – meaning there are hundreds, if not thousands, of new union members unaccounted for. And all of this forward progress is despite a federal government that is actively making it harder to form a union. According to the federation, a highly politicized National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is abandoning its mission to uphold and protect workers’ right to form unions and bargain collectively, as employers are violating the law in more than 40% of all union election campaigns. This comes on the heels of the Janus decision allowing workers a free ride to be covered by union protections without paying dues, throwing out 40 years of legal precedent in an effort to undermine collective bargaining in the public sector. Despite these unprecedented attacks, many of the AFL-CIO’s public sector unions still grew in 2019. March 2020 �Trumka: ‘A Win for Workers Everywhere’ House Passes Protecting the Right to Organize Act AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka called it “the most significant step Congress has taken to strengthen labor laws in the United States in 85 years and a win for workers everywhere.” The U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 6 passed the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (HR 2474), with bipartisan support. The final tally was 224 in favor and 194 against. Also known as the PRO Act, the bill would change some of the nation’s labor laws by penalizing companies that retaliate against workers who try to organize. The bill aims to strengthen collective bargaining rights, and to weaken stateenacted right-to-work (for less) laws. For example, there are currently no penalties on employers and no compensation for a worker when an employee is fired or faces retaliation for trying to organize a union. As passed, the PRO Act would call for fines for violations of the National Labor Relations Act. It would require the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to go to court for an injunction to reinstate workers if the NLRB believes they illegally have been retaliated against for union activities. The PRO Act also establishes a timely process for gaining a first contract – including mediation and, if needed, binding arbitration. The bill would permit unions and employers to reach a “fair share” clause requiring all workers covered by a collectively bargained contract to contribute towards the cost of bargaining and administering the agreement in all 50 states. Among its reforms, the PRO Act would repeal the section of the Taft-Hartley Act that permits states to enact so-called right-to-work laws. It also would outlaw “captive audience” meetings where bosses can force workers to listen to anti-union presentations, often from outside consultants (better known as union-busters). The bill will also tighten the definitions of independent contractor and supervisor, making sure that eligible workers can organize if they so choose. The legislation would prohibit employers from permanently replacing strikers. At a press conference in the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 5 conducted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Trumka let others know the importance of the bill: “Those who would oppose, delay or derail this legislation, do not ask us – do not ask the labor movement – for a dollar or a door knock! We won’t be coming!” he said. Pelosi said, “I am so proud to stand here with Richard Trumka, the president of the AFL-CIO; Chris Shelton, president of Communication Workers of America; Jennifer Dorning, president of Department for Professional Employees of the AFL-CIO; John Samuelson, president, Transport Workers Union; Jim Slevin, president, Utilities Workers Union of America; Tim Driscoll, president, International Union for Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers; and representatives of many other unions who are here with us today.” Also speaking at the press conference were House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott (D-Virginia), U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Florida), U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey), U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) and U.S. Rep. Andy Levin (D-Michigan). “We all want to talk about a seat at the table,” Pelosi said. “The most important table to us is America’s kitchen tables, where families come together to make decisions about their families. And we don’t want them to have to struggle unnecessarily, when there is an opportunity for them to do better. And I want to thank the AFLCIO and all in the labor movement for what they have done to make the future better for so many families in America.” She added, “This is so important to America. It’s so important to our economy. Nothing is more important to our economy than the education of our children and also to have purchasing power on the part of the middle class. That can only happen when workers get respected for the work that they do and receive the wages and salaries that they deserve. And so, the PRO Act is a vehicle in that direction.” “I know how important it is to give workers a voice and protect them from unfair labor practices because I lived it,” said Norcross, a former business agent for the IBEW Local 351 and president of the Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO. “I fought for New Jerseyans at the negotiating table for decades. Workers win when they can band together and collectively bargain for safer workplaces, higher wages and better benefits. Today, my colleagues and I took a major leap forward in restoring fairness to an economy that’s rigged against workers. I urge the Senate to act swiftly and pass the PRO Act to level the playing field for American workers and their families.” Levin, vice chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, made the following remarks on the House Floor after voting in favor of the bill: “I have spent most of my career helping workers form unions and bargain collectively. The power of workers to unite and demand fair wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions is truly inspiring, and it’s essential for working families simply trying to get by. Right now, corporate profits are skyrocketing while the share of health care costs paid by employers is falling. Worker productivity is at its peak, yet House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) promotes the PRO Act during a Capitol Hill press conference Feb. 5 in the House Rayburn Room. Behind her are (from left) U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey), U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia), AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, U.S. Rep. Andy Levin (D-Michigan) and U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson (DFlorida). The congressional representatives all belonged to unions. wages are stagnant. The gap between the rich and the poor is the highest ever recorded. It should be no surprise that while all this is happening, union membership is at its lowest point in decades. The PRO Act is about reversing these trends so workers can enjoy their fair share in the economy that they help create. Recent studies have shown that in cities where union membership is strong, children in low-income families go on to ascend to higher income levels than their parents. Isn’t that what every parent wants? Creating a pathway to a better life – that is the American dream, and that is the power of a union. “The PRO Act is about that most American of ideals: freedom,” he continued. “All we are doing today is allowing workers to decide on their own, free of harassment and intimidation, whether or not they wish to form a union and bargain collectively, and to access their other rights under the NLRA. When we pass the PRO Act today, we say loud and clear that we are not on the side of the special interests. We stand proudly on the side of working families.” In a press release, Trumka (a longtime friend of the SIU) said, “I applaud the U.S. House for passing the PRO Act. America’s labor laws are no longer an effective means for working people to have our voices heard. The long-overdue PRO Continued on Page 8 Lurline in Service Matson’s newest ship, the ConRo Lurline, was delivered late last year and is sailing in the Jones Act trade. Pictured aboard the vessel in Oakland, California, on Jan. 23 are (from left) Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, Recertified Steward Stephen Valencia, Chief Cook Richard Walker, Asst. Cook Majed Alsunbahi, Capt. John Bloomingdale and Port Agent Nick Marrone II. March 2020 Seafarers LOG 3 �Retired Port Agent Kelly Dies at 78 The SIU is mourning the passing of retired Port Agent Ed Kelly, who died of natural causes Feb. 3 in Houston. He was 78. Kelly, who came from a long line of Seafarers (including his father and five uncles, one of whom was a charter member), began working for the union in 1981. He spent most of his time in Mobile, Alabama, where he served as port agent from 1999 until his retirement in 2007. “He was a diehard SIU guy – very meticulous, very professional, by the book,” said SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook. “He was a straight shooter and he did his job for the membership. I really liked Ed.” SIU Senior Political Consultant Terry Turner stated, “Ed’s reliable political instincts regarding our southern Congressional delegation was only surpassed by his love and dedication to the labor movement.” Despite his family’s history, Kelly took an unusual route into the maritime industry and labor movement. He had been a schoolteacher and was employed as head coach of the track and cross country teams at the University of South Alabama when he opted for a career change and landed a job as an SIU patrolman. Thinking back on those days, Kelly in 2007 said with a laugh, “At first, I thought, what the heck did I get myself into? 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.” In addition to working at the Mobile hall, Kelly at various times was based in Houston, New Orleans, Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was the secretary-treasurer of the Greater Mobile Port Maritime Council (part of the Maritime Trades Department). A native of Moss Point, Mississippi, Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree from Livingston College (later renamed the University of West Alabama) in 1965. He was an avid golfer, and moved to The Woodlands, Texas, a few years ago. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Ed Kelly SIU Officials, Members Politically Active in Houston WITH CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) is pictured with longtime maritime supporter U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) at an NAACP event in Houston. The congressman chairs the House Homeland Security Committee. CONGRESSWOMAN VISITS HALL – U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) (fourth from left), an ardent supporter of workers’ rights and the U.S. Merchant Marine, poses at the hiring hall with (from left) Patrolman J.B. Niday, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Capt. Rodney Nix and SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo. (Nix recently retired after a long career at G&H Towing.) MEETING WITH CITY COUNCILMAN – Michael Kubosh (center) won his runoff election in December and returned to his at-large position on the council. With him are SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (left) and SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes. HOSTING EX-IM CHAIR – The SIU-crewed Ocean Grand (operated by Crowley) recently welcomed aboard Kimberly Reed, president and chair of the U.S. Export-Import Bank. She said she enjoyed meeting the crew and appreciated the fact the vessel helps provide good-paying American jobs. Pictured from left are the chief mate, Bosun Reny Arzu, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Reed, AB Joshua Maughon and AB Anwar Martinez. GRASSROOTS ACTION – Seafarers are starting 2020 the same way they spent much of 2019 – namely, volunteering for grassroots outreach on behalf of pro-labor, pro-maritime candidates. In the photo above, SIU personnel are pictured in January with others from the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, preparing for block walks. Seafarer Angelica Gamez is pictured in the photo at the far right. 4 Seafarers LOG March 2020 �Seafarers Scholarship Winner Offers Thanks Meeting with Marines SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (center) recently met with Col. Ross Parrish (right) and Sgt. Major Gerardo Ybarra (left) on the West Coast to discuss the vital role of the U.S. Merchant Marine in supplying our troops as America’s fourth arm of defense. Laura Paulina Vega, daughter of Cook/ Baker Robin Palmer and Retired Electrician David Vega, recently completed her education with the help of a Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) scholarship awarded to her in 2014. Vega recently sent a letter of thanks to SIU headquarters. “Many students do not get the opportunity to focus on their studies due to the financial burden that tuition, books, and transportation places on them,” she wrote. “It leads so many young people with potential to struggle and even leave their academic pursuits. I was so very fortunate to have this burden relieved when the Seafarers International Union provided me with the Charlie Logan Scholarship. I have been able to focus on my studies and nurture my academic potential.” She continued, “It is my greatest pleasure to say that in May 2019 I graduated from Towson University, debt-free! I now have a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, and I owe much of my success to the fact that I could focus on my schooling, not the hefty price of education.” Commenting on her future plans, Vega wrote: “Today, now that I am debt-free, I intend to go even further and pursue a doctoral degree in medicine. I have been continuing to work hard to continue my education and have been fortunate to shadow doctors and surgeons in the medical field to prepare myself for the rigors of medical school.” She concluded, “I would like to thank the Seafarers International Union scholarship fund for helping me to reach this point in my life and giving me the financial boost I needed to actualize my academic dreams.” The SHBP annually offers eight scholarships totaling $132,000 to Seafarers and their dependents who are looking to continue their education. Three are awarded to active Seafarers while five are given to dependents. One of the scholarships for Seafarers totals $20,000 and is for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or university. The remaining two awards for Seafarers are for $6,000 each Laura Paulina Vega 2014 SHBP Scholarship Recipient and intended for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at community colleges or vocational schools. Each of the five scholarships for dependents is worth $20,000. These are awarded to dependents (spouses included) of active as well as retired Seafarers who are pursuing four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or universities. More information is available at www.seafarers.org. Go to the ABOUT tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan menu (Participant Letters and Notices of Material Modification section) and select SHBP Scholarship Application (PDF). Spotlight on Mariner Health Medical Dept. Provides Useful Information About Polio Virus Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Polio (poliomyelitis) is a contagious, viral illness that can cause nerve injury leading to paralysis, shortness of breath, and on rare occasions, death. The last case that occurred naturally in the United States happened in 1979. Despite a worldwide effort to wipe out polio, the polio virus continues to affect children and adults in parts of Asia and Africa. The Centers for Disease Control advises taking precautions to protect yourself from polio if you are traveling anywhere that is at high risk. Adults that are traveling to these areas and who had the polio vaccine as a child should get a booster shot of inactivated polio virus vaccine (IPV). This will boost their immunity for a lifetime. Polio can be transmitted through direct contact with someone infected with the virus or through contaminated food and water. The polio virus lives in the throats and the intestines of an infected person. Peo- March 2020 ple carrying the virus can spread it for weeks in their stools/feces. A person who develops symptoms from the polio virus can possibly have one or many of these indicators: possible paralysis, fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, fatigue, back pain, neck pain, pain in the arms or legs, and muscle weakness. The most serious form of the disease is rare. The person can have all or some of the symptoms already mentioned and then develop loss of reflexes, floppy limbs, difficulty breathing, and intolerance to cold temperatures. See your doctor if you suspect any possible link to a polio exposure. Remember that you must complete all of the series of the polio vaccinations in order to be completely immunized. Treatment for polio is mostly supportive and may include bed rest, pain meds, antispasmodic drugs to relax muscles, portable ventilators to help with breathing, and physical therapy/possibly braces to help with walking. Get your vaccinations and booster shots as instructed in order to build up your immunity. Healthy Recipe Braised Paprika Chicken Thighs Servings: 12 Ingredients and Seasonings 6 pounds chicken thigh without skin, boneless cut in halves 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground 6 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons smart balance 2 teaspoons garlic, minced fine 4 cups onion, finely chopped 3 cups roasted red pepper, finely chopped 2 teaspoons rosemary, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 1 cup tomato sauce 4 tablespoons paprika, sweet 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes 2 teaspoons marjoram 2 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 cup reduced fat sour cream Cornstarch, mix with cold water Preparation 1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. 2. Heat oil and butter in large, heavy casserole or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are very soft and light brown, 10 to 15 minutes. 3. Stir in bell peppers, tomato paste, paprika and crushed red pepper. Add the chicken and stir it gently into the onion mixture. Sprinkle with marjoram and add broth. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer over medium low heat until the chicken is very tender, about 50 minutes. 4. When the chicken is done, remove it to a plate. Stir the sour cream into the sauce; return to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce coats the spoon. Reduce heat to low, return the chicken to the sauce and reheat, about 1 minute. Serve garnished with parsley, dill and/or chives, if desired. Nutrition Information: Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 271 Calories; 13g Fat (41.8% calories from fat); 29g Protein; 11g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 109mg Cholesterol; 486mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 4 Lean Meat; 1 ½ Vegetable; 1 ½ Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates. Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship Seafarers LOG 5 �B-BOOKS IN OAKLAND – Recently receiving their respective B-books at the hiring hall were (photo at left) Chief Cook Charlito Asebero (right, with SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone) and (photo above, from left) Madina Lawless, Ahmed Saleh and Abdulhamed Musa, also pictured with VP Marrone. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU A-BOOK IN SAN JUAN – AB Luis Ramos Rosa (left) receives his A-seniority book from Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hall. A-BOOK IN ALGONAC – Chief Cook Nasr Almusab (left) picks up his A-seniority book at the hiring hall late last year. He’s pictured with SIU Safety Director Gerret Jarman. AT THE BALTIMORE HALL – In photo above, Recertified Bosun Richard Wilson (right) picks up his first pension check. He’s pictured with Port Agent John Hoskins. The photo at right shows SA Mohamad Khodeiri (right) receiving his B-book from Safety Director DeCarlo Harris. AT THE JACKSONVILLE HALL – In the photo at left, AB Edwin Pagan (left) and GUDE Antonio Norflett (right) receive their full books. They are pictured with Port Agent Ashley Nelson. In the other photo, Recertified Steward Edward Porter (left) picks up his first pension check. He’s also pictured with Nelson. SANTA AND A SEAFARER – SA Diane MacDonald (right) visits with a guest in Long Beach, California, prior to Christmas. She reported feeling relieved when told she had been good throughout the year. ABOARD EMPIRE STATE – Pictured (photo at right) from left to right aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel (photo above) in Selby, California, are Chief Cook Rondell Richardson, Recertified Steward Donna Rye, AB L Johnson, AB David Pelczmann, SA Raed Ghilan and SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II. 6 Seafarers LOG March 2020 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU PHILLY FELLOWSHIP & PHILANTHROPY – Seafarers on Dec. 20 celebrated the winter holidays during a gathering at the hiring hall (photos above and at right) and by delivering donated gifts through a local charity (photo at left). The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 25 and the Maritime Port Council of Delaware Valley also played big roles in the “adopt a family” toy drive, which netted bicycles, electronic items, gift cards and more. INDIANA HARBOR A GREAT FEEDER – During a recent stop at SIU headquarters, Bosun Jeremy Shenett (photo at left) commended the work of Chief Cook Saleh Saleh (photo at immediate right) aboard the Indiana Harbor (American Steamship). Some of the chief cook’s inspired creations are shown in the picture of him as well as in the photo immediately below. WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Chief Engineer Bruce Beam (second from left) stops by the Houston hall to pick up his first pension check following a long career at G&H Towing. SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo is at far left, while Patrolman J.B. Niday is at far right. ABOARD SUNSHINE STATE – Pictured (photo at left) from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel (photo above) in Jacksonville, Florida, are Recertified Bosun Marc Marcus, AB Daniel Harris, AB Randy Shaw and Third Mate Julian Martinez. March 2020 Seafarers LOG 7 �Agencies Weigh In On Coronavirus Outbreak Coast Guard Provides Guidance for Maritime Industry Editor’s note: Visit the SIU website for the latest U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Bulletins concerning coronavirus. By now, all Seafarers are probably aware that a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCo, hereafter referred to as coronavirus) is front and center on the world stage. First detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, Peoples Republic of China, the virus has since spread globally. Already, as of mid-February, more than 1,000 deaths have been attributed to the virus in China and another 31,000 individuals in that country have been confirmed infected. Because Wuhan City is a major domestic and international transportation hub, odds are high that mariners and maritime commerce as well as airline and aviation workers worldwide could be affected. A myriad of health agencies and stakeholder bodies have weighed in on the situation and provided an abundance of guidance on how mariners and other transportation-sector workers can best protect themselves from contracting the virus. These include, but are not limited to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the U.S. Coast Guard, and several SIU-contracted companies. Following are some of the actions promulgated by the former entities: The WHO on Jan. 30, 2020 declared the coronavirus outbreak constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. One day later on Jan. 31, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) declared the coronavirus situation to be a Public Health Emergency in the United States. The agency then issued a quarantine order for specific airline passengers returning to the United States from the Hubei Province of China. Also on Jan. 31, President Trump issued a proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Non-immigrants of Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus and Other Appropriate Measures to Address This Risk. The proclamation included temporary suspension of foreign nationals (with some exceptions such as vessel crew members) who were physically present in the People’s Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The CDC issued a Level 3 Travel Health Warning to avoid all nonessential travel to China and the U.S. Department of State increased its Travel Advisory for all of China to Level 4 (“Do not travel to China”). The CDC Travel Health Warning contains precautions to protect travelers and others if one must travel to China. The U.S Coast Guard in a Marine Safety Information Bulletin dated Feb. 2 issued the following guidance: „� Illness of a person onboard a vessel that may adversely affect the safety of a vessel or port facility is a hazardous condition per 33 CFR 160.216 and must be immediately reported to the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) under 33 CFR 160.206. Cases of persons who exhibit symptoms consistent with 2019-nCoV must be reported to the COTP. Such persons will be evaluated and treated on a case by case basis. „� Per 42 CFR 71.21, vessels destined for a U.S. port are required to report to the CDC any sick or deceased crew/passengers during the 15 days prior to arrival at a U.S. port. U.S. flagged commercial vessels are also advised to report ill crewmembers in accordance with the requirements of each foreign port called upon. The Coast Guard further advised that vessel owners/operators and local stakeholders should be aware of the following: „� Passenger vessels or any vessel carrying passengers that have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) or embarked passengers who have been in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) within the last 14 days will be denied entry into the United States. If all passengers exceed 14 days since being in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) and are symptom free, the vessel will be permitted to enter the United States to conduct normal operations. These temporary measures are in place to safeguard the American public. „� Non-passenger commercial vessels that have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) or embarked crewmembers who have been in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) within the last 14 days, with no sick crewmembers, will be permitted to enter the U.S. and conduct normal operations, with restrictions. Crewmembers on these vessels will be required under COTP authority to remain aboard the vessel except to conduct specific activities directly related to vessel cargo or provisioning operations. „�The Coast Guard considers it a hazardous condition under 33 CFR 160.216 if a crewmember who was in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) within the past 14 days is brought onboard the vessel during transit. This requires immediate notification to the nearest Coast Guard Captain of the Port. „� The Coast Guard will continue to review all “Notice of Arrivals” in accordance with current policies and will communicate any concerns stemming from sick or deceased crew or passengers to their Coast Guard chain of command and the cognizant CDC quarantine station, who will coordinate with local health authorities. „� Vessel masters shall inform Coast Guard boarding teams of any ill crewmembers on their vessel prior to embarking the team and Boarding Teams should verify the type of illnesses with CDC if concerns arise. „� Local industry stakeholders, in partnership with their Coast Guard Captain of the Port, should review and be familiar with section 5310 Procedures for Vessel Quarantine and Isolation, and Section 5320 – Procedures for Security Segregation of Vessels in their Area Maritime Security Plan. „� Local industry stakeholders, in partnership with their Coast Guard COTP, should review and be familiar with their Marine Transportation System Recovery Plan. The ITF is closely following all advice from the WHO regarding the current outbreak. The body has called on all governments and transport companies to implement all measures available to them to limit the risk of transmission of the deadly coronavirus to transport workers globally. This is particularly important for seafarers and port workers, as well as airline, border and cruise workers, who are in the frontline of the outbreak. WHO has advised governments to prepare for containment, including active surveillance, early detection, isolation, case management, contact tracing and prevention of the onward spread of infections. Governments were also prompted to act immediately and implement strict biosecurity protocols in airports and ports, including procedures to identify potentially infected passengers, crew and seafarers from areas of concern, to contain the outbreak and minimize any chance of exposure and safeguard workers from the deadly outbreak. Moreover, WHO mandated that airlines, airports, cruise line operators, shipping companies and port operators must provide workers with the latest information regarding the outbreak, follow best practice in regard to health and safety protocols and supply of personal protective equipment, International Team Urges Australian Govt to Save Country’s Shipping Industry Continued from Page 2 our colleagues in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia as the gold standard for the protection of seafarers’ rights, and the safety of our domestic maritime industries. Not only do strong cabotage laws ensure that domestic seafarers retain their jobs, they are also tremendous catalysts of economic growth for countries with such policies in place.” 8 Seafarers LOG put into effect procedures to identity symptomatic travelers, crew and/or workers, and set clear guidelines for workers managing suspected cases of infection. Advice for the maritime industry, seafarers and dock workers There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus infection. The best way to protect yourself from infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. In this vein, the International Maritime Health Association issued the following advice specifically for the maritime industry, seafarers and dock workers: „�Do not restrict embarkation/disembarkation of seafarers in non-affected ports. „�Do not restrict necessary ship visits by port agents, chaplains, service personnel and others. „�Do not visit food markets in China and avoid provision of fish and poultry in China. „�Do not consume raw eggs, milk, meat. „�Observe strict food hygiene to avoid cross contamination. „�Ensure facial protection is provided for all crew (5 pieces /per person). „�Provide influenza vaccination, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and facial protection for ship inspectors and other crew who travel to China. „� If a crew member on board falls sick and has been travelling to affected areas 2-12 days before embarkation, the person must stay in his/ her cabin. „� If a crew member is sick on board a ship, fill out the maritime declaration of health and notify the relevant port authority and consult a healthcare provider in the next port. In addition to the foregoing, WHO also released the following list of everyday actions from the United Nations mariners should take that can help prevent the spread of the virus: „�Frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer. „�Cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing. „�Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. „�Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough. „�Seek early medical help if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and share your travel history with healthcare providers. „�Avoid direct, unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals when visiting live markets in affected areas. „� Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products and exercise care when handling raw meat, milk or eggs to avoid cross-contamination. CDC Recommendations While the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is believed to be low at this time, everyone can do their part to help respond to this emerging public health threat: „� It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season and CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed. „� If you are a healthcare provider, be on the lookout for people who recently traveled from China and have fever and respiratory symptoms. „�If you are a healthcare provider caring for a coronavirus patient or a public health responder, please take care of yourself and follow recommended infection control procedures. „�For people who have had close contact with someone infected with 2019-nCoV who develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider, and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure to a coronavirus patient. Other resources The coronavirus virus outbreak is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. The WHO (www. who.int/health-topics/coronavirus and CDC (www.go.usa.gov/wdDsW) will provide updated information, as well as updated guidance, as it becomes available. U.S. House Passes Significant Legislation, Takes Major Step to Strengthen Labor Laws Continued from Page 3 Act will provide significant protections for workers exercising our legal right to form a union, a right that’s been trampled on for decades by union-busting consultants and antiworker politicians.” He recently pointed out that unions are now more popular than ever, saying, “A Gallup poll found that 64 percent of Americans approve of unions and research from MIT shows nearly half of non-union workers – more than 60 million people – would vote to join today if given the opportunity. Twenty-five years ago, only one-third of workers said the same thing. What explains the gap between desire for union representation and existing union representation? Simply put, unscrupulous employers and outdated labor laws have created an environment where it has never been harder to form a union.” He continued, “Despite the unrelenting attacks, 2019 was a year of undeniable progress in the labor movement. Nearly 50,000 UAW members at General Motors fought on the The case also was made that cabotage not only provides jobs for a country’s mariners and shipyard workers, but also safeguards foreign seafarers against exploitation posed by liberalization in the global shipping industry and so-called flag-of-convenience (FOC) vessels, the owners of which usually pay sub-standard wages and flout safety laws. “Most shipowners want to earn as much money as possible, so if they can use cheaper crews, they will do that,” Hansen said. “A lot of Norwegian shipowners changed their flags on their vessels and this issue has been escalating.” Smith told the senators that the only ones benefitting from FOC ships are the shipowners. The delegation also countered arguments from opponents of cabotage laws who take the erroneous view that if laws enable domestic shipping companies to charge higher rates, costs are passed on to consumers. picket line for 40 days over better pay and benefits. Thousands of public-school teachers – proud AFT members – went on strike across the country to demand smaller class sizes, higher wages and better conditions for their students. Thousands more media workers, sick of layoffs and budget cuts, unionized through voluntary recognition. Now these workers are demanding changes in our labor law. “In short, unions are good for our economy and our society. With the PRO Act, lawmakers can finally make the life-changing promise of a union available to all those who want it. It’s time,” Trumka said. With the bill’s passage in the House, the PRO Act heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. The Washington Post reports the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee), has said the measure will not be considered this year. Despite this stoppage, the passage of the bill in the House is a crucial first step on a road to becoming law, one that will continue beyond this important upcoming election year. “What is the true cost, and what is the true cost we should focus on?” Given asked. “Is it the cost to the shipping company? Or the cost to Australia? As politicians, and as community leaders of the country, are the people not more important than the profit, because that is what it boils down to.” Given said the administration must examine laws through the prism of local jobs, national security, fuel security and protecting the environment. The delegation also renewed the call from maritime unions attending the ITF Cabotage Task Force meeting in Sydney to act immediately to purchase the Aurora Australis, to strengthen Australia’s disaster response capacity as a first step in the creation a strategic fleet of Australian-crewed vessels and reinvigoration of Australia’s domestic shipping industry. The ship is a multi-purpose research and resupply ship scheduled for retirement later this year. March 2020 �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 Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by students in the junior engineer class at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Question: Why did you decide to become a mariner? Kevin Willis Oiler I can answer that easily. The pay is much different than on land. The possibility to progress in my career. Before I did this, I was an electrician. The main reason is it’s not a 9-to-5 job. I go out and work hard, then play hard. The free time after working hard is great. Maksim Shpylyevyy Oiler It seemed like a good opportunity for someone my age. I was 18 when I started. There are lots of opportunities to progress. I’ve gotten to travel and make decent money and also have time off. This lets me set my own schedule instead of a 9-to-5 job. Joel Boyd QMED To better my family. I picked the union and it was a good choice. I travel the world, make good money, meet new people and hone my craft. I’ve been sailing since 2012 and I aspire to become a third engineer. Dontrell Riddick Oiler I decided to become an SIU mariner because I wanted to be part of a brotherhood. I get to see the world on my own terms, and it’s working out great. I’ve been to northern Europe, the Middle East, Turkey. Lately I’ve been sailing tankers, so I’ve been stateside, and that’s been fun, too. Caleb Donovan Oiler I got bored with business sales and decided to find something that would be more interesting and let me travel. After looking around at my options, this seemed the most interesting. I can travel the world and learn a useful skill set. I love it. Paul Hudgins Oiler I wanted to better myself and get away – travel, have a little bit of fun. I want to be an engineer someday, and this was the best way to do it. I joined in 2017 and it’s been great. I’ve been able to see a lot of the world already. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 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 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 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 Pic From The Past Retired Seafarer John Courtney is pictured aboard the Steel Voyager (Isco. Inc.) during a 1972 voyage from Saigon to Taiwan. He sailed as an oiler when the photo was taken, but later upgraded to QMED and then engineer. Courtney sailed with the SIU from 1969-1985. He lives in Florida with his wife, Mary, who also sailed with the SIU (most recently as an AB). 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 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 March 2020 Seafarers LOG 9 �Chief Cook Christian Borroto Lopez (right in photo at left) distributes water in his hometown, Santa Isabel, near Ponce. SIU personnel (photo above) team up to deliver water to more than 100 families in Ponce. The union group included Port Agent Amancio Crespo, Recertified Bosun Noel Otero, QMED Lazaro Rivera Rodriguez and pensioner Luis Roman. The Houston hall collected a large donation in late January. SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo helps store some of the newly donated goods at the Houston hall Unions, Jones Act Carriers Team Up For Humanitarian Aid to Puerto Rico Voluntary Relief Efforts Follow Series of Earthquakes in U.S. Territory T he SIU and numerous allies have stepped up in a big way to help people in Puerto Rico who are recovering from a series of earthquakes that struck the territory beginning late last year. The union has facilitated collection, transportation and delivery of donated relief items as small as handheld flashlights and as large as tents big enough to serve as full-sized classrooms. More than $50,000 worth of supplies had been donated as of early February. Rank-and-file SIU members have helped collect and load items at hiring halls in Philadelphia, Houston, Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Members in Puerto Rico not only have helped unload relief supplies at the hall in San Juan, they’ve also voluntarily distributed water, food and other items throughout the territory. But the union definitely isn’t alone. “This is a team effort and the SIU is proud to be part of it,” stated Seafarers President Michael Sacco. “We are in this for the long haul, and we’re committed to helping our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico.” Working together on the relief operation are the SIU; the Maritime Trades Department and its port councils; the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); the AFL-CIO; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico (AMPR, part of the AFT); the AMO; the ILA; the Teamsters; Crowley Maritime; TOTE Maritime; SEACOR Holdings; National Shipping of America; and the Bakery Workers. (Others may have joined the informal coalition since press time.) While the tents by far are the biggest-sized items, the donations have included numerous additional components. The list includes cases of bottled water, cots, folding chairs, camp stoves, tarps, sleeping bags, thermal cups, mosquito nets, gas lanterns, food, hygiene products, propane canisters, diapers, insect repellent, flashlights, water filters, solar-powered lights, medicines, batteries, generators, coolers, battery-powered fans and more. All of the items have been shipped (pro bono) on Jones Act vessels. SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo, based in Puerto Rico, has worked with several local labor organizations to distribute goods wherever needed, but especially to the southeastern corner of the island. He said Seafarers and other trade unionists are loading their own pickup trucks with supplies to take them to areas 10 Seafarers LOG where damaged roads and infrastructure cannot handle larger trucks hauling containers. Among the first places where union-donated supplies arrived were 10 tent communities near main highways around Ponce, Puerto Rico. “The only questions union members ask is ‘Where can I take help?’” Crespo stated. “Members hear supplies have arrived and they know we have to get them out…. I do not have words to express our deepest gratitude, but rest assured that your donations and actions do make a big difference, and are being distributed to those in need.” Many of the commercial tents and sidewalls have been manufactured by American Tent, based in Milwaukee. Those tents will serve as temporary classrooms for students and educators in some of the hardest hit areas in the island’s south where thousands of homes, schools and commercial buildings were destroyed and damaged. A majority of the 856 schools on the island remain closed due to concerns over structural damage and asbestos, and up to a fifth are considered structurally unsound. On January 21, AFT President Randi Weingarten travelled to Guánica to witness the devastation firsthand. “Puerto Rico is confronting a crisis and it is our moral duty to come together to help our fellow American citizens,” Weingarten said. “The generosity of thousands of donors has enabled us to work hand-in-hand to find ways to help communities get back on their feet. The true measure of any society is how it treats its most vulnerable, and only by coming together can we begin to repair the damage and build resilience. The earthquakes wreaked havoc, but they couldn’t shake the courage and the spirit of the people of Puerto Rico.” “Crowley is proud and honored to collaborate with our longtime labor partners and fellow shipping companies to deliver these much-needed supplies to our fellow U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico,” said Crowley Vice President of Labor Relations Ira Douglas. “As the longest-serving U.S. shipper for Puerto Rico, Crowley alongside our allies stepped up to help those in need on the island. By pooling our resources and working together, we can help Puerto Rico recover.” AFSCME issued a statement that read in part: “The thousands of members Servidores Publicos Unidos de Puerto Rico (SPUPR), AFSCME Council 95 have been working tirelessly to rebuild and heal Puerto Rico’s communities amid unthinkable disaster. They, too, face displacement from their homes, vast power outages and the threat of disease. For their commitment to Puerto Rico at this trying time, they deserve respect and support. We are proud to join this partnership with other committed unions and businesses to continue mobilizing and expanding the amount of resources that we can offer to help the people of Puerto Rico.” Puerto Ricans are still recovering from 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria; many roofs still have telltale blue tarps as reconstruction has repeatedly stalled. The AFT and AMPR launched Operation Agua (the SIU also joined the effort), which raised more than $2 million and distributed more than 100,000 water filters. AMPR president Elba Aponte Santos said, “This has been a devastating three years for all Puerto Ricans and the experience has drained the social and emotional wellbeing of students and educators. It is incumbent on unions and business to join together to help. We will not rest until communities have recovered and secured the supplies they so desperately need.” The Bakery Workers delivered this sizable donation at the hiring hall in Philadelphia. Paul Hall Center Apprentice Ricardo ValenzuelaVenegas (left) is thanked by a grateful resident of Ponce as he delivers water. From left, AB Andre Winningham, Oiler Fernandez Wilcox and AB Stan Bailey help prepare the National Glory to sail from Houston with relief supplies. March 2020 SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left) and Erik DeLoach of Liberty Marine Services prepare tents for shipment. The Crowley-operated National Glory is pictured in late January in Houston. Among other cargo, the vessel transported relief cargoes to Puerto Rico. March 2020 QMED Lazaro Rivera Rodriguez (left) delivers water to a resident in a mountain community in Ponce, Parcelas Amalia Marin. Seafarers LOG 11 �School Still Offers Culinary 2.0 The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continues to offer Culinary 2.0 classes designed to help students boost their skills while complying with a new rule that took effect at the beginning of this 2020. Completing the coursework also is intended to aid individual shipping opportunities. Shipping Rule 5.A.(6), which went into effect January 1, 2020, states, “Within each class of seniority in the Steward Department, priority shall be given to those seamen who possess an advanced Culinary 2.0 certificate from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, in the event such program is being offered and that the seaman is registered in Group I, Steward Department.” While every new member of the steward department who completes their apprenticeship at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship will have successfully passed Culinary 2.0, it’s important to remem- ber that those already sailing as chief cooks and chief stewards must also take the coursework in order to exercise preference and priority beginning next year (unless they have received training after January 1, 2017 at the Piney Point, Maryland-based campus). For those seamen currently employed as permanent stewards aboard commercial vessels, they must attend Culinary 2.0 in order to maintain their current employment status. For those already sailing as chief cooks and chief stewards, there are two new revalidation courses that have been designed to ensure a consistent level of culinary training and efficiency: Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 and Orientation/ Assessment Chief Cook 2.0. The courses are being offered regularly, but spaces are limited, so members are encouraged to plan ahead and enroll as soon as possible. For more information, contact your port agent and/ or the school’s admissions office. March & April Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................................Monday: March 2, April 6 Algonac..................................................Friday: March 6, April 10 Baltimore..........................................Thursday: March 5, April 9 Guam...............................................Thursday: March 19, April 23 Honolulu...............................................Friday: March 13, April 17 Houston.................................................Monday: March 9, April 13 Jacksonville....................................Thursday: March 5, April 9 Joliet.................................................Thursday: March 12, April 16 Mobile.........................................Wednesday: March 11, April 15 New Orleans........................................Tuesday: March 10, April 14 Jersey City..........................................Tuesday: March 3, April 7 Norfolk.............................................Thursday: March 5, April 9 Oakland............................................Thursday: March 12, April 16 Philadelphia................................Wednesday: March 4, April 8 Port Everglades...............................Thursday: March 12, April 16 San Juan.........................................Thursday: March 5, April 9 St. Louis...........................................Friday: March 13, April 17 Tacoma............................................Friday: March 20, April 24 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Jan. 12-Feb. 11. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Feb. 12. Total Registered Port All Groups A B Total Shipped C C Trip Reliefs ATTENTION SEAFARERS Another New Ship SPAD Works For You Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD 12 Seafarers LOG A All Groups B C 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 5 4 2 0 0 3 1 1 0 1 3 2 1 26 1 1 0 6 0 7 3 18 18 7 0 3 16 4 2 3 3 8 0 10 110 64 3 6 30 4 20 18 83 58 58 7 18 32 27 5 4 13 43 5 48 546 21 1 1 18 0 7 5 34 38 19 7 6 14 7 4 9 2 17 0 18 228 1 1 0 5 0 5 0 3 7 3 0 3 9 3 6 1 1 7 3 6 64 2 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 14 5 0 2 4 3 1 1 2 5 0 3 45 10 1 2 17 1 4 17 23 24 20 5 3 18 14 4 2 3 20 2 19 209 1 1 2 15 1 4 6 21 24 10 2 4 21 4 2 5 7 10 0 13 153 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 1 3 1 1 5 2 0 0 0 3 1 2 29 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 37 2 3 12 1 15 10 48 29 36 6 11 20 18 2 5 8 19 2 20 304 14 2 1 10 0 7 4 28 22 9 5 3 15 5 1 7 8 7 0 9 157 1 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 5 4 0 3 7 2 2 0 3 4 2 4 50 Deck Department 5 1 1 2 1 2 19 7 5 0 12 3 7 3 42 21 28 16 30 12 0 2 6 4 25 15 10 5 2 1 3 4 7 1 16 5 0 1 25 5 244 110 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 6 1 1 14 1 3 2 11 17 16 4 3 10 8 3 1 3 10 1 14 129 1 0 2 14 1 1 5 19 12 4 1 3 9 2 2 2 4 10 2 10 104 2 0 1 4 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 17 Engine Department 2 2 1 0 3 1 10 4 0 1 1 1 6 2 13 5 23 11 10 4 0 0 4 5 12 9 5 2 3 2 0 0 6 2 10 7 1 2 6 7 116 67 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 9 1 1 9 1 3 13 15 15 11 2 2 20 11 2 5 0 8 2 23 153 0 2 0 6 2 1 3 9 8 2 2 2 12 3 2 2 3 1 0 7 67 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 11 Steward Department 1 0 0 0 2 0 6 4 1 0 6 1 4 1 20 7 17 3 4 0 1 1 3 0 13 7 11 2 0 1 3 3 3 3 10 2 0 0 9 6 114 41 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 7 9 1 0 0 4 6 1 2 3 2 0 7 47 14 1 1 17 3 5 14 27 31 18 1 5 24 28 5 4 2 16 5 37 258 2 3 1 6 3 3 4 8 16 2 2 6 16 6 0 2 3 2 0 14 99 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 2 1 2 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 18 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 0 3 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 5 0 0 19 11 1 1 3 2 3 1 16 18 12 1 0 10 10 0 2 0 8 1 19 119 15 1 1 4 0 3 5 4 16 3 1 1 19 3 0 7 0 7 1 8 99 Entry Department 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 3 4 10 0 16 1 8 0 0 0 0 0 10 2 7 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 9 0 0 2 12 12 85 2 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 14 1 0 0 14 3 1 7 0 4 0 4 55 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 6 2 0 0 1 2 0 6 1 2 0 5 31 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 8 0 4 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 6 0 7 34 18 2 3 7 0 3 6 27 48 20 1 0 18 25 1 1 0 21 1 47 249 26 1 2 8 2 3 5 14 48 13 4 1 41 10 0 4 2 16 2 33 235 GRAND TOTAL: 605 447 177 96 233 1,047 729 346 Wilmington...................................Monday: March 16, April 20 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m Registered on Beach All Groups A B 486 303 March 2020 �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. Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), November 10 – Chairman Domingo Leon, Secretary Darryl Goggins, Educational Director Mahare Kidane, Engine Delegate Roger Nesbeth, Steward Delegate Valerie Russo. Wi-Fi to be hooked up soon. Bosun thanked crew for a safe voyage. Secretary reminded all members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Educational director advised members to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center. He provided information on sea time inquiries and going on the SIU website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed engine-department manning. Vote of thanks given to deck and engine departments. Members requested raises in pension and vacation benefits. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), November 16 – Chairman Thomas Flanagan, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Shawn Pantschyschak. Chairman urged crew to be safe. He reminded mariners to have rooms ready upon departure and announced payoff at sea. Secretary gave thanks to deck department for helping out with store, painting the pantry and being good shipmates. Members were instructed to put dirty linen in bags that will be placed on B and C decks. Secretary thanked electrician for helping steward department when needed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked that union look into transportation for New Jersey. Ship in need of new washing machine, vacuum cleaner and new juice machine. Steward department was commended for a job well done. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), November 24 – Secretary Gerald Kirtsey. Ship in need of new steam cleaner. Chairman reported about Wi-Fi services. Educational director advised members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested 100% dental coverage for members and their families. Crew asked for pension increases and a decrease in time required to qualify. Vote of thanks to the steward department. Next port: New Jersey. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited), December 1 – Chairman Anecito Limboy, Secretary Ali Matari, Educational Director Christopher Eason, Deck Delegate Dennis Saggese, Steward Delegate Edwin Sebastian. Chairman encouraged members to contribute to the Seafarers Political Activities Donation (SPAD), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Educational director reminded crew to go to the Paul Hall Center and upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested a reduction in required sea time and an increase in vacation days. Vote of thanks given to steward department. ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaskan Tanker Company), December 8 – Chairman Charles Ford, Secretary Justo Reyes, Educa- tional Director Winfred Opare, Engine Delegate Kevin Kelly, Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. Crew asked for ETA for DirecTV installation. Bosun thanked steward department for a great Thanksgiving meal. All three departments doing great. Chairman thanked everyone for working hard and staying safe. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed meeting minutes from October. Members would like physicals to be required annually and asked for a raise in vacation days. New dryer for crew laundry room to arrive soon. Members discussed importance of donating to the SPAD and brainstormed ideas for Christmas presents. Next port: Long Beach, California. MAERSK COLUMBUS (Maersk Line, Limited), December 8 – Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Fernando Lopes, Educational Director Tousif Ahmed. Chairman encouraged crew to perform at their best while working safely. Educational director advised members to upgrade as often as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increases in standby wages, in vacation days and in retirement benefits. Members requested Wi-Fi availability on ship. STOCKHAM (Crowley), December 9 – Chairman Munassar Ahmed, Secretary Steve Parker, Educational Director Randy Slue, Deck Delegate Ethan Mims, Engine Delegate Mohamed Elazzouzi, Stew- ard Delegate James Abilad. Members reviewed old business including travel, coveralls, Wi-Fi and steel-toed shoes. Bosun thanked crew for demonstrating teamwork. Secretary thanked members for a pleasant and professional trip. Educational director stressed the importance of unity aboard ship and encouraged members to look out for one another. He urged crew to always set a high standard for their jobs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ongoing questions and concerns with old business. Members requested availability of Wi-Fi aboard ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department. MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), December 15 – Chairman James Walker, Secretary Marcelo Param, Educational Director Herman Castro. Chairman praised crew for their good work while staying safe. He advised members to update documents six months prior to expiration. United States Coast Guard is possibly boarding ship. Secretary and educational director reminded crew to upgrade their skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members are happy with newly installed Wi-Fi. Crew discussed vacation benefits and requested a vacuum. CAPE MOHICAN (Ocean Duchess, Inc.), December 18 – Chairman Anthony Pace, Secretary Salah Omar, Educational Director Lakhbir Pooni, Deck Delegate Zaid Said, Steward Delegate Mohamed Omar. Chairman encouraged members to continue their outstanding service in each of their respective positions. Ship is in ROS docked in Port of Oakland, California. Each position filled accordingly. All Coast Guard and SIUrequired documentation properly placed with the chief mate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New electrician on board. Crew discussed President’s Report in the LOG and unanimously agreed with viewpoints expressed by SIU President Michael Sacco. Members are in good spirits. HONOR (TOTE), December 21 – Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Vernon Roberts, Deck Delegate Joseph Crane, Engine Delegate Wayne Linnette, Steward Delegate Sheki Bradley. Chairman reminded members to continue to upgrade at Piney Point and to keep an eye on expiration dates on documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. OVERSEAS LOS ANGELES (Overseas Ship Management), December 24 – Chairman Teodulfo Alanano, Secretary Louis Johnson, Deck Delegate Russell Hayden. Members are working safely. Educational director encouraged crew to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Dispute over equal distribution of deck overtime. Members asked union to consider reducing frequency for physicals. Steward department was thanked for good food. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the April 6 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2019 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Ap- March 2020 peals 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. Conse quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 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 PATRICK BISHOP Brother Patrick Bishop, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1977, initially sailing aboard the John Tyler. He upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and sailed in the engine department. Brother Bishop’s final vessel was the Cape Juby. He calls Virginia Beach, Virginia, home. JUAN CASTILLO Brother Juan Castillo, 67, embarked on his SIU career in 2004 when he sailed on the Eugene A. Obregon. He was an engine department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Castillo most recently sailed on the Mykonos and is a resident of Bronx, New York. ment member. Brother Espinoza concluded his career on the Overseas Key West. He lives in Channelview, Texas. JOSE GUZMAN Brother Jose Guzman, 61, donned the SIU colors in 1991 when he sailed on the Cape Henry. He worked in the steward department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Guzman’s last vessel was the Gopher State. He resides in Newport News, Virginia. ROBERT HINKLEY Brother Robert Hinkley, 65, joined the Seafarers in 2000 when he sailed aboard the Eric G. Gibson. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. The deck department member’s final vessel was the Horizon Consumer. Brother Hinkley makes his home in Honolulu. EFREN ISBERTO Brother Raymond Clock, 65, joined the union in 1978 when he shipped on the Chase. He was an engine department member and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Clock last sailed on the Voyager. He resides in Seward, Alaska. Brother Efren Isberto, 68, signed on with the SIU in 2002, first working aboard the Defender. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Isberto concluded his career on the Horizon Kodiak. He settled in Des Moines, Washington. J CLOTHIER BOBBY JAVIER Brother J Clothier, 60, began sailing with the SIU in 1998, initially shipping out on the Cape Juby. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Clothier most recently sailed aboard the Cornhusker State. He makes his home in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Brother Bobby Javier, 68, joined the union in 1992 when he sailed on the Global Link. A deck department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Javier’s last vessel was the Horizon Navigator. He makes his home in Honolulu. RAYMOND CLOCK HOWARD DANIELS Brother Howard Daniels, 65, signed on with the union in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Exchange. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Daniels last shipped on the Patriot in 1992. He resides in Suffolk, Virginia. OBENCIO ESPINOZA Brother Obencio Espinoza, 66, became a member of the SIU in 1988, initially sailing with Bay Tankers. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and was a steward depart- 14 Seafarers LOG with the SIU in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Independence. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Sister Mast most recently shipped on the Horizon Enterprise. She resides in Oakland, California. DANIEL MILLER Brother Daniel Miller, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1978. He was a deck department member and first worked for Union Boat Services. Brother Miller upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2004. He last sailed on the Maersk Carolina and settled in New York City. ERROL MULLINGS Brother Errol Mullings, 71, joined the Seafarers in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Pacer. Sailing in the steward department, he concluded his career on the American Pride. Brother Mullings lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Brother Nasser Muzayyad, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1980 when he shipped aboard the Overseas Juneau. He primarily sailed in the steward department. Brother Muzayyad’s last vessel was the Performance. He makes his home in Melvindale, Michigan. VIRGINIA PANONCILLO Sister Virginia Panoncillo, 65, joined the SIU in 1999 when she sailed on the Independence. She shipped in the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Sister Panoncillo’s final vessel was the Mohawk. She lives in Cibolo, Texas. KEVIN QUINLAN Brother Romero Jomoc, 65, began shipping with the SIU in 2004. His first vessel was the Paul Buck and he primarily sailed in the deck department. Brother Jomoc last shipped on the Intrepid and is a resident of San Francisco. Brother Kevin Quinlan, 59, signed on with the union in 1981, initially sailing on the Overseas Valdez. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Quinlan most recently shipped aboard the Cape Ray and resides in Portsmouth, Virginia. Brother Khamisi Kayanda, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990 when he shipped on the USNS Silas Bent. He upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and was a deck department member. Brother Kayanda most recently sailed aboard the Florida. He is a resident of Long Beach, California. COLLEEN MAST Sister Colleen Mast, 65, signed on FORTUNATO RANARIO Brother Fortunato Ranario, 67, began his career with the SIU in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Green Lake. He worked in the deck department and most recently sailed on the Maersk Peary. Brother Ranario settled in Bellflower, California. WOODROW SHELTON Brother Woodrow Shelton, 65, became a member of the union in 1987. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Shelton’s first vessel was the Paso Sonatrach; his last, the Leo. He makes his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan. NASSER MUZAYYAD ROMERO JOMOC KHAMISI KAYANDA school in 2011 and sailed in the deck department. His final vessel was the Liberty and he resides in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. STEVEN RAMOS Brother Steven Ramos, 65, sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 NMU/SIU Merger. His first vessel with the SIU was the Keystone Texas. Brother Ramos upgraded at the Piney Point BERNARD SMALLS Brother Bernard Smalls, 65, sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 NMU/ SIU Merger. He initially sailed on the Chelsea and was a member of the engine department. Brother Smalls upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the Cape Douglas and resides in Goose Creek, South Carolina. GREAT LAKES MICHAEL LAFOILLE Brother Michael Lafoille, 65, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1977, initially sailing aboard the J.A. Kling. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills in 2008 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Lafoille concluded his career on the St. Clair in 2012. He resides in Manistique, Michigan. INLAND JOHN ACORD Brother John Acord, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1976, first sailing with International Bulk Transport. He upgraded the following year at the Piney Point school and worked in the deck department. Brother Acord was last employed with Interstate oil. He settled in Mays Landing, New Jersey. WADE CONNER Brother Wade Conner, 57, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1989. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Conner worked for Moran Towing of Texas for the duration of his career. He lives in Orange, Texas. BARRY SCHUFFELS Brother Michael Thompson, 65, joined the SIU in 1989 when he sailed aboard the William Baugh. He was a deck department member and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Thompson last shipped on the Maersk Idaho. He settled in Rochester, Pennsylvania. Brother Barry Schuffels, 62, started sailing with the union in 1976, initially working for National Marine Service. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and was a deck department member. Brother Schuffels concluded his career with South Bay Barge and makes his home in Long Beach, California. DAVID VEGA ALAN SCOTT Brother David Vega, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1991 when he shipped on the Richard G. Matthiesen. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school and sailed in the engine department. Brother Vega last worked on the Maersk Kensington. He is a Baltimore resident. Brother Alan Scott, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1974, initially working for Maritrans. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in 1977. Brother Scott last worked for McAllister Towing of Virginia. He calls Norfolk, Virginia, home. MICHAEL THOMPSON March 2020 �Final Departures DEEP SEA SAEED ALAHMADI Brother Saeed Alahmadi, 59, has passed away. He joined the union in 2003, initially sailing on the Bernard F. Fisher. Brother Alahmadi was a steward department member and most recently shipped on the Ocean Glory. He called Brooklyn, New York, home. JOHN BUMGARNER Pensioner John Bumgarner, 70, died January 13. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1991 when he shipped on the Charleston. Brother Bumgarner was a member of the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Savannah before retiring in 2014. Brother Bumgarner was a Baltimore resident. DOMINGO DECOSTA Pensioner Domingo Decosta, 84, passed away October 1. A steward department member, he joined the union in 1992. Brother Decosta’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the USNS Gilliand. He made his home in New York. STANLEY FERNANDES Pensioner Stanley Fernandes, 69, passed away December 2. He joined the SIU in 2001 when he sailed aboard the Overseas Chicago. Brother Fernandes shipped in the deck department. He last sailed on the Overseas Boston, and went on pension in 2015. Brother Fernandes resided in Renton, Washington. JEREMIAH HARRINGTON Brother Jeremiah Harrington, 59, died February 1. He started sailing with the union in 1979 when he shipped on the Baltimore. The deck department member’s last vessel was the Horizon Reliance. Brother Harrington called Dorchester, Massachusetts, home. passed away. He started sailing with the SIU in 1990 when he shipped out aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. Brother Noor was an engine department member and last sailed aboard the Energy Enterprise. He became a pensioner in 2015 and lived in Elmhurst, New York. WILLIAM PAYNE Pensioner William Payne, 79, died November 15. He donned the SIU colors in 1990 when he shipped on the Lawrence Gianella. Brother Payne was an engine department member and concluded his career sailing on the Horizon Discovery. He retired in 2007 and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. URIP SANTOHIR Pensioner Urip Santohir, 91, passed away January 16. He joined the union in 1969, first sailing on the Cantigny. Working in the deck department, Brother Santohir concluded his career on the Maersk Alaska. He went on pension in 1996 and was a resident of Dover, Delaware. was an engine department member. He last sailed on the Courier before boing on pension in 2002. Brother Smith was a resident of Mobile, Alabama. JOHN THOMAS Pensioner John Thomas, 81, passed away December 26. He joined the Seafarers in 1962, initially sailing aboard the Hurricane. Brother Thomas was a steward department member. He concluded his career on the Stonewall Jackson before retiring in 2000. Brother Thomas lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. LUKE WELLS Brother Luke Wells, 57, died December 21. He began sailing with the SIU in 1981 when he shipped out aboard the Innovator. He was a member of the deck department and last sailed on the Maunalei. Brother Wells lived in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. GREAT LAKES HANABLE SMITH Pensioner Hanable Smith, 75, died January 28. Working for Alcoa Steamship, he signed on with the Seafarers in 1964. Brother Smith EARL DEROSIA Pensioner Earl Derosia, 95, passed away November 23. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1977, ini- tially shipping on the JAW Iglehart. Brother Derosia was a steward department member and concluded his career on the Steel T. Crapo. He became a pensioner in 1989 and made his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. MESSAID ELJAHMI Pensioner Messaid Eljahmi, 95, died January 9. He joined the SIU in 1958 and first sailed aboard the Coeur D. Alene Victory. Brother Eljahmi sailed in all three departments. He last sailed on the Southdown Challenger before retiring in 1989. Brother Eljahmi called Dearborn, Michigan, home. INLAND WILLIAM RUSSELL Pensioner William Russell, 69, died January 20. He joined the SIU in 1979 and was a member of the deck department. Brother Russell’s first vessel was the Manhattan Island; his last, the Terrapin Island. He retired in 2012 and lived in Sandwich, Massachusetts. on the USNS Henson. He resided in New Caney, Texas. NMU MANUEL OLIVEIRA Pensioner Manuel Oliveira, 95, died January 5. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Oliveira was born in New Bedford, Connecticut. He began collecting his pension in 1971 and lived in New York. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. Name Abdullah, Ansari Ahmed, Joseph Boyd, Marion Doruth, Edward Elbuhel, Pasqual Erazo, Roberto Figueroa, Ruben Frank, Gabriel Hurst, Bessie Medina, Enrique Noble, Lloyd Perez, Luis Proctor, Philip Rojas, Roberto Silot, Onesimo Squires, Anthony Tervalon, Leo Twite, Mary Walker, Ozene Wilson, James Age 74 83 91 93 86 79 93 91 84 91 84 86 94 96 88 70 97 84 104 89 Death Date 11/12/2019 10/25/2019 01/30/2020 02/04/2020 12/02/2019 12/12/2019 01/23/2020 01/28/2020 02/10/2020 01/13/2020 01/28/2020 12/17/2019 01/02/2020 01/21/2020 01/29/2020 01/27/2020 01/03/2020 01/19/2020 01/02/2020 01/26/2020 REGINALD WALKER Brother Reginald Walker, 62, has passed away. Born in Washington, D.C., he signed on with the union in 2014. He initially worked for G&H Towing and shipped in the deck department. Brother Walker last sailed Burial at Sea In accordance with their wishes, the ashes of both the late SIU Brother Joseph Kalata and those of his wife, Sarah, were committed to the sea together on Jan. 27 from aboard the Seafarers-crewed M/V Honor (operated by TOTE Services). Joseph, an AB, passed away in November at age 93. He sailed with the SIU from 1954-1991 and was a Baltimore resident. Sarah preceded him in death by many years. The crew conducted a solemn ceremony while the ship was headed from Southampton, UK to Baltimore, roughly 180 nautical miles east of Cape Henry.Thanks to vessel master Capt. Shawn Hagerty for the photos and information. THOMAS MCCORMACK Pensioner Thomas McCormack, 80, passed away November 13. He became a member of the SIU in 1999. A deck department member, Brother McCormack first sailed on the Stephen W. Pless. He last sailed on the Independence II before retiring in 2010. Brother McCormack resided in Port St. Lucie, Florida. SJARIFUDIN NOOR Pensioner Sjarifudin Noor, 68, has March 2020 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Advanced Refer Containers May 4 May 15 Title of Course BAPO March 23 April 17 Engineroom Resource Management August 24 August 28 FOWT April 20 May 15 Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic August 17 September 4 Junior Engineer Program April 20 June 12 MSC Supply Configuration Management March 16 April 10 Machinist June 29 July 17 Marine Electrician June 29 July 31 Marine Refer Tech May 18 June 26 Pumpman July 20 July 24 Welding March 23 April 10 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck April 20 June 22 May 8 July 10 AB to Mate Modules Modules must be taken in order. Those who are not in the mates program cannot apply for these courses. Contact the Admissions Office for further details. Steward Department Courses Advanced Meteorology May 4 May 8 Advanced Galley Operations Advanced Shiphandling May 11 May 22 Chief Cook Advanced Stability April 27 May 1 Chief Steward March 16 April 24 ARPA March 16 August 3 March 20 August 7 Galley Operations March 23 April 17 Bosun Recertification July 20 August 3 Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0 March 9 March 23 March 13 March 27 Crane Familiarization March 9 March 13 Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 ECDIS May 25 May 29 March 30 April 13 April 3 April 17 Fast Rescue Boat July 20 August 10 July 24 August 14 Steward Recertification March 16 April 6 GMDSS July 6 July 17 Basic Training Revalidation March 20 March 20 Lifeboat March 9 April 6 May 4 June 29 March 20 April 17 May 15 July 10 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation March 9 March 13 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting April 27 June 22 May 1 June 26 Leadership and Management Skills August 31 September 4 Government Vessels Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office March 16 March 30 April 13 March 20 April 3 April 17 Radar Observer July 20 July 31 Medical Care Provider April 20 April 24 RFPNW March 23 May 18 April 17 June 12 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL April 6 April 10 100 Ton Master August 17 September 4 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG March 30 April 3 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ 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 #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes †�No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? †Yes †�No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG June 15 July 10 Modules run every other week. Contact Admissions for exact date. Safety/Open Upgrading Courses COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. 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, or 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. 3/20 March 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated November 1 (above, from left): Hamlet Michael Ferreras, Jose Gonzalez and Hisham Almraisi. Important Notice To All Students Apprentice Water Survival Class # 856 – Graduated November 1 (above, in alphabetical order): William Aebi, Jorge Alamo Pagan, Erik Bain, William Flores-Gueits, Jacob Garatti, Austin Leamer, Anthony Solovyov, Blake Stollenwerck, Desmond Unutoa, Ahbram Ventura-Bishop and Roberto Wadsworth. BAPO – Graduated October 11 (above, from left): Christian Cruz and Hisham Almraisi. Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Watchkeeping – Graduated October 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Karleen Grenier, Christopher Hickey, Mason Con Melland, Yuriy Prytchak, Scott Salo and Dexter Madrona Turija. Instructor Brian Moore is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Marine Refrigeration Tech – Graduated October 11 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Christian Bryant, Laura Hollar, Reginald Hunter, Gajatri Normatova, Martin Obrien, Orlando Vallangca Pajarillo Jr. and Lamont Lateef Robinson. Their instructor, Christopher Morgan, is at the far left. March 2020 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes UA to FOWT (Motor) – Graduated November 8 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): William Alston III, Joshua Nino Bonita, Kevin Brown, Daveyon Burton, Micah Champion, Timothy Jones, Joshua Mann, Ivan Gabriel Meza, Brandon Reed, Quinton Sashington and Harry Whitney IV. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated October 25 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Ali Hussein Ali, Peter Azubike, Faustino Tmodrang Cosby, John Morrison, David Pappas, Daniel Sanchez Matos and Elaine Watts. Crane Familiarization – Graduated October 11 (above, from left): Chris Marcani, Primus Nkemnyi and Maurice Woodhouse Jr. Galley Ops (Phase III) – Graduated October 11 (above, from left): David May and Michael Pena. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the steward departments of SIUcontraced vessels. Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated October 25 (above, from left): Steven Bowmer, Marilou Dumlao Toledo and Mike Adorno. 18 Seafarers LOG Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated October 18 (above, from left): Keith Everette Small and Antonio Derrell Holmes. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated October 18 (above, from left) : Kenneth Cabrera Roman, Mohamed Ahmed Nour and Cesar Andres Rosado. March 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Galley Ops – Graduated October 11 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Taleb Yahya Alarqaban, Nasser Yahya Mohamed Alarqban, Bobby Atkins, Rasheed Lee, Anthony Maltese, Randy Baldoz Sudario and Timmy Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Certified Chief Cook (Module 1) – Graduated November 1 (above, from left): Malia Arianna Bouchee and Najeeb Ali Ginah. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated October 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Wilfredo Sabido Espinosa, Mayra Evelis Gines, Malcolm Holmes and John Reid Jr. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated November 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Marlon Brown, Douglas Satoshi Flynn, Frank Martin, Clifton Medley III and Jose Rigoberto Norales. March 2020 Certified Chief Cook (Module 2) – Graduated September 6 (above, from left): Jaren Daguio Ildefonzo and Diana House. Seafarers LOG 19 �MARCH 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 3 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O A small icebreaker clears the bay as other vessels wait for daylight before shifting to the pier. The vessel anchors off Hammernesodden, Norway. Maersk Valencia Completes Challenging Offload The SIU-crewed Maersk Valencia reflagged under the Stars and Stripes last October in Newport News, Virginia. Two months later, the 574-foot-long containership deftly handled an interesting offload in Hammernesodden, Norway. The ship on Dec. 8 anchored in an icy inlet “because it was too dangerous to continue to the pier in the dark,” according to a note from an official with Maersk Line, Limited (MLL). A day later and with improved visibility, the vessel (which is operated by U.S. Marine Management for MLL) docked and cargo operations commenced. Despite little daylight and several snow-filled days, the operation successfully concluded Dec. 13. The Maersk Valencia then sailed for Nordenham, Germany. The SIU-crewed ship sits moored alongside the working pier, which is only 328 feet long. Editor’s note: Thanks to vessel master Cap. Chris Bartlett and MLL VP Ed Hanley for supplying the photos on this page The Maersk Valencia is pictured during container offload. AB Patrick Slade (above) keeps the gangway ice-free and clear of snow. The Maersk Valencia (below), built in 2006, reflagged U.S. last October. Pictured from left to right are Dayman Joe Eaton, Dayman Rommel Martinez-Arriola, Bosun Harsono Saratoga and Chief Mate Rebecca Main. 20 Seafarers LOG March 2020 � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: ITF: SAVE AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING BLS NUMBERS ARE IN, BUT THEY FAIL TO TELL THE WHOLE STORY TRUMKA: 'A WIN FOR WORKERS EVERYWHERE' RETIRED PORT AGENT KELLY DIES AT 78 SEAFARERS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER OFFERS THANKS MEDICAL DEPT. PROVIDES USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT POLIO VIRUS AGENCIES WEIGH IN ON CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK UNIONS, JONES ACT CARRIERS TEAM UP FOR HUMANITARIAN AID TO PUERTO RICO MAERSK VALENCIA COMPLETES CHALLENGING OFFLOAD 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 3/1/2020 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. 82, No. 3 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/19623fce0b18772d05d6888410e90ee9.pdf 4263db1ac12b3247c4d61fafe5487b26 PDF Text Text APRIL 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 4 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Seafarers Deliver for ‘Deep Freeze’ 3 SIU-Crewed Ships Support Vital Mission SIU members for decades have taken part in the yearly resupply mission to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and 2020 is no different. Three Seafarers-crewed ships – including the Maersk Peary, pictured at right with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Polar Star – recently delivered critical cargoes to the scientific outpost. Page 24. (Coast Guard photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer NyxoLyno Cangemi) Puerto Rico Relief Efforts Continue As previously reported, the SIU is teaming up with other labor organizations, businesses and other supporters to deliver relief supplies in Puerto Rico. The commonwealth is still recovering from a series of earthquakes that began late last year. The Seafarers-crewed, Crowley-owned El Coqui is one of the Jones Act vessels delivering relief cargoes – and Crowley Maritime Chairman/CEO Tom Crowley (seventh from left) recently rode the vessel from Jacksonville, Florida, to Puerto Rico. Pictured from left are QE4 Christian Rosado, QEE Edwin Velez, AB John Diaz, Recertified Steward Juan Vallejo, Bosun David Bernstein, AB Victor Cortes, Tom Crowley and his wife, Christine, (front) AB Sonia Pabon, (rear) 2nd Mate Gustavo Hernandez, Chief Cook Jacob Parrilla, (front) QE2 Davon Brown and AB Ricky Martinez. Pages 3, 4. Honolulu-Area Members Pitch in for ‘Labor of Love’ Seafarers in Hawaii recently carried on the union’s long tradition of giving back to the community. In this case, members helped spruce up a local elementary school via the “Labor of Love” outreach sponsored by the state AFL-CIO. SIU participants included (photo at right, from left) Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, ACU Nadzeya Kuptsova, AB Andrei Tretyak, QMED Raymond Orosco, GUDE Neil Tupas, AB Antolin Avorque, Administrative Assistant Shureen Yatchmenoff, AB Jerry Dingal and Safety Director Amber Akana. In the photo at left, Orosco paints baseboards. Page 6. DHS Secretary Backs Jones Act Page 2 New Study: Maritime Crucial for U.S. Page 4 �President’s Report Hard-Earned Recognition Congratulations to the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II on the recent passage of federal legislation that awards a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their heroism. The SIU proudly and actively supported this bill, which was years in the making, just as we worked for decades to ultimately help secure veterans’ status for those mariners (many of whom were Seafarers). Even though the indispensable contributions of our wartime mariners sometimes were overlooked by the history books, I think we’ve come a long way. Maritime unions, pro-maritime legislators, authors, and the American Merchant Marine Veterans, among others, have worked hard to put a spotlight on these most-deserving men who helped deliver the Allied victory. Our mariners are, in fact, veterans. They are included in the World War II Memorial in our nation’s capital and in various monuments across the country. In recent years, several excellent books have been published that reflect the extraorMichael Sacco dinary bravery of those who exclaimed, “Damn the submarine! We’re the men of the Merchant Marine!” And lest any newcomers to our industry mistakenly think that we’re just patting ourselves on the back, never forget this comment from Allied Commander of the Pacific during World War II Gen. Douglas MacArthur: “I hold no branch in higher esteem than the Merchant Marine.” Similarly, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said the U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II “have delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult and dangerous job ever undertaken. As time goes on, there will be greater public understanding of our merchant fleet’s record during this war.” Enactment of the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020 has been a long time coming. I can think of no other group of maritime heroes who are more deserving of accolades. Election Day Approaches Election Day will be here before we know it, and it’s definitely not too soon for Seafarers to make sure you’re registered to vote. Go online or check with your union hall if you need assistance. Every vote counts, and that’s not a cliché. It’s the truth. Back when we were heading towards the winter holidays, someone forwarded me a message that said, you can save money on Christmas gifts this year by making it a point to talk about politics at Thanksgiving dinner. I laughed and shook my head at the same time. Civility can be in short supply when engaging in political action or political discussions, but it doesn’t have to be a lost art. I encourage everyone to remember that we all want what’s best for our great nation, and while there’s nothing wrong with strongly felt disagreement, we can all benefit from focusing on facts and maintaining respect for each other. Defending the Jones Act With the hundredth anniversary of the Jones Act approaching (June 5), expect more wild accusations about America’s freight cabotage law. Lots of money and other resources have gone into the misguided effort to weaken or repeal this vital law, which protects U.S. national, economic and homeland security. If you start to notice a renewed media blitz against the Jones Act, the timing is related to the centennial. Fortunately, the facts are on our side, which is why the Jones Act continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support and tremendous backing from our military leaders. We know better than to let down our guard, but I believe the Jones Act – which helps maintain around 650,000 American jobs – will be around for a long time to come. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 4 State Government Orders Address Change for Seafarers Headquarters The union and Seafarers Plans are not relocating their headquarters operations – but they’re getting a new address, effective April 20, 2020. Because of a government-ordered change, the new address is: 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 The old address (since 1982, when the SIU relocated from New York) was 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. All phone and fax num- bers for the building remain unchanged. The union and Seafarers Plans did not seek this change and, in fact, petitioned against it, to no avail. Other organizations along the same street in Prince George’s County also are being forced to comply with the alteration. The street itself already had been named Capital Gateway Drive beyond the Seafarers building, which is next to a subway station. Mailings will be sent from headquarters to Seafarers, pensioners and other interested parties, alerting them of this change. Acting DHS Secretary Backs Jones Act Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chad Wolf recently expressed his backing of America’s freight cabotage law, the Jones Act. His remarks came Feb. 26 during a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. The hearing’s main subject was the Fiscal 2021 budget request for the DHS. U.S. Rep. Steven M. Palazzo (R-Mississippi) raised the subject of the Jones Act, which helps sustain approximately 650,000 American jobs. He described himself as “one of the most outspoken advocates in my 10 years of serving in Congress because I believe it to be truly important to our national security.” Asked for his view on the Jones Act, Wolf said he is “a supporter – strong supporter of that.” He mentioned that the law, which enjoys solid bipartisan support, helps protect U.S. interests. Palazzo followed up by saying, “I appreciate your comments. I know your predecessors were pretty much on the same note that the Jones Act is vitally important to protect America’s maritime industry and it is extremely important to our national security…. Admirals, generals have all agreed with your assessment as well.” The Jones Act requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. It has served the nation’s best interests for nearly a century. Approximately 90 nations around the world maintain some form of cabotage law. April 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, 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, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG The SIU and Seafarers Plans will remain headquartered in the same building they’ve used since 1982, but the street name is changing. Budget Includes Request for Full MSP Funding Cargo Preference in the Crosshairs of Proposal for Fiscal Year 2021 The Trump Administration released its budget request for Fiscal Year 2021 on Feb. 10. The budget, which proposed a record $4.8 trillion for federal programs in the next fiscal year, included a request for full funding of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). This request is the first one made by the administration since the passage of last year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which extended the MSP for an additional 10 years, through 2035, and increased stipend level payments over the life of the program. Under the law, the fully authorized FY 2021 funding level for the MSP is $314 million, up $14 million from $300 million in FY 2020. It has been common, especially in years where the authorized MSP stipend level has gone up, for the administration to ask for less than full MSP funding. This is the second year in a row that the administration has asked for full MSP funding. At the same time, the president’s budget also requests significant cuts to cargo preference, primarily through the repeal of all of the in-kind food aid programs administered by the federal government. This is the third time the president’s budget has proposed cuts or repeals to in-kind food aid. Under existing law, 50% of all foreign food aid cargoes are carried by U.S.-flag vessels. Both the maritime and agriculture industries have strongly opposed any changes to these programs, and so far, Congress has not acted on administration proposals in this area. April 2020 �Puerto Rico Relief Efforts Continue Numerous Organizations Team Up for Ongoing Outreach The SIU hasn’t let up in its efforts to provide relief supplies to Puerto Rico residents recovering from a series of earthquakes. As previously reported, the union has teamed up with numerous other labor organizations, businesses including Jones Act vessel operators, and other supporters who are donating, transporting and distributing supplies in the commonwealth. During a news conference at the SIU hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 2, SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo stated, “As SIU President Michael Sacco has pointed out, our organization is committed to this relief effort for the long haul. We’ve already been working on it for months, and we’ll be here all the way.” Crespo added, “Thank you to our fellow unions and to all the companies that are joining together to get the job done. This truly is a team effort and it wouldn’t be possible without all of you. I also want to say a special thank you to the many members of the Seafarers International Union who’ve stepped up and volunteered their time and effort to help our fellow citizens. You guys and gals are the greatest, and your commitment absolutely is not taken for granted.” American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten also spoke at the press conference, where she thanked those involved in the relief effort and also pointed out that the needs remain significant. The aforementioned earthquakes included a 6.4-magnitude event on Jan. 7 that resulted in severe infrastructure damage. Schools initially were closed for three weeks. Some of the territory’s 295,000 students then began returning to class outside of the damaged areas, but upwards of 600 of the island’s 856 schools were still Unloading a container from Houston at the hall in San Juan Feb. 21 are (from left) AB Angel Pagan, QMED James Sanchez, Chief Cook Michael Caquias, AB Joseph Dupree, Administrative Asst. Maria Gomez, Apprentice Angel Galarza, Port Agent Amancio Crespo. closed as of early March. Some were awaiting safety inspections; others can’t reopen without major repairs. With that in mind, the labor-led relief effort has included a focus on event-style tents for use as temporary classrooms. Commitments have been secured for 120 such tents, mainly for use in Guayanilla, Guanica and the other heavily damaged municipalities. The efforts specifically involving temporary classroom facilities are being coordinated with local and state government Pictured aboard the El Coqui en route to Puerto Rico are (from left) Recertified Steward Juan Vallejo, Crowley Maritime Chairman/CEO Tom Crowley, Christine Crowley (Tom’s wife and a member of the company’s board of directors), SA Sonia Pabon and Chief Cook Jacob Parrilla. The Crowleys rode their company’s vessel for a voyage in support of relief operations. WWII Gold Medal Bill Heads to President’s Desk The Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020 once again has been passed in Congress and at press time was headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Originally co-sponsored in the House by Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Rep. Susan W. Brooks (R-Indiana) and in the Senate by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sen. Angus King, Jr. (I-Maine), Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sen. Maria Cantwell (DWashington) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), the legislation authorizes the creation of a gold medal to honor the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II. The medal would be displayed in the Ameri- April 2020 can Merchant Marine Museum at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York. Duplicates then would be struck and made available to the public. The SIU and the Transportation Institute, alongside a number of other backers, took lead roles in obtaining co-sponsors for both the House and Senate bills. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in wartime service during World War II. Late last year, the House and Senate both passed the bill, but a very minor language amendment in the Senate version meant that the House had to take another vote. On March 3, the House once again approved the bill. “Throughout the Second World War, our armed forces relied on the U.S. Merchant personnel. Other relief items that either already have been donated or are in the works include various foods, school supplies, personal-size tents, portable battery-power lighting systems, folding tables and chairs, water filters, bottled water, mosquito nets and much more. All of the items have shipped on Jones Act vessels (pro bono). Among the organizations participating in the outreach are the SIU, the AFL-CIO, the Maritime Trades Department and its port councils, the AFT and its affiliates, AFSCME, the AMO, the ILA, the Teamsters, the Bakery Workers and its contracted employer Bimbo Bakeries, LIUNA, the UAW, the Steelworkers, Crowley Maritime, TOTE Maritime, SEACOR Holdings, National Shipping of America, and American Tent Co. (That’s a partial list, and any omissions are inadvertent.) The relief effort hasn’t been limited to donated items. During a joint assessment by the AFL-CIO, AFT and the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico (AMPR, part of the AFT), it became known that many local unions (among others) reported the need for mental health services for members and their families. As noted in a summary of the relief plan, “Hurricane Maria, the subsequent flooding, and now the earthquakes Continued on Page 4 Marine to ferry supplies, cargo and personnel into both theaters of operation, and they paid a heavy price in service to their country,” said Garamendi. “The U.S. Merchant Marine suffered the highest per-capita casualty rate in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. An estimated 8,300 mariners lost their lives, and another 12,000 were wounded, to make sure our service members could keep fighting. Yet, these mariners who put their lives on the line were not even given veteran status until 1988.” He added, “I had the opportunity to meet with three World War II Merchant Mariners in my office. These mariners put their lives on the line for this country, braving German and Japanese submarines in their Liberty ships as they delivered critical supplies to our service members in the European and Pacific theaters. Unfortunately, their sacrifice is commonly overlooked. A Congressional Gold Medal would give them the recognition they deserve, and I’m pleased that this bill is poised to be signed into law to give these veterans and their families the The SIU hiring hall in San Juan hosted a press conference March 2. Pictured shortly before the event are (from left) AFT Exec. VP Evelyn DeJesus, SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo and AFT President Randi Weingarten. honor and respect they are owed. Thank you to Senator Murkowski for championing this legislation in the Senate and for her partnership.” “Despite their loyalty and patriotic services and commitment to the United States, our World War II Merchant Mariners didn’t receive their veteran status until nearly 40 years after the war had ended,” Murkowski said. “The merchant mariners provided crucial services during World War II by transporting soldiers, tanks, airplanes, ammunition, fuel and food to aid soldiers on the front lines. This legislation recognizes the unsung heroes of the World War II conflict, for their loyalty and bravery, as they risked their lives to keep the Allied troops properly equipped. I’m thankful my Senate colleagues recognize the importance of honoring the brave merchant mariners for their pivotal role in our nation’s history and their efforts in defense of freedom.” There are approximately 4,000 World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners alive today, according to Murkowski’s office. Seafarers LOG 3 �Study Stresses Value of Jones Act, Maritime Industrial Base The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) recently released a new study detailing the benefits of the American maritime industry to national security, titled “Strengthening the U.S. Defense Maritime Industrial Base.” As a first-time review of the impact of the U.S. domestic maritime industry to national security, this historic report found that the domestic fleet provides the largest source of merchant mariners for U.S. surge sealift operations, supports shipbuilders that also construct government vessels, ensures the maintenance of the U.S. waterways and shipping lanes, and helps reduce the potential of foreign mariners illegally entering the United States. At a launch event of the new study, U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby addressed the importance of sustaining a strong and readied defense maritime industrial base. “Implementing a national maritime strategy demands a national-level effort, and a national will to support our shipbuilding and repair sector,” he stated. “It begins with this kind of report from CSBA, so I thank you again for your contribution to the debate and to the security of our great nation. Together, we will continue to educate our nation on the importance of maritime policy. It’s critical to our economic and national security in the face of an increasingly contentious world.” Key findings include the Jones Act remains an important element of America’s de- fense maritime industrial base. As stated in the study, “The U.S. maritime industry is essential to American prosperity and security.” The study also describes American mariners as crucial to national security. The CSBA drilled down on the importance of domestic mariners in a contingency, finding, “The 3,830 mariners that operate large, ocean-going ships in the domestic fleet constitute about 29 percent of the overall number MARAD estimates would be needed to operate U.S. surge sealift during wartime or another contingency.” That 29 percent is the largest single commercial source of mariners and was demonstrated during Operation Desert Storm when “the crews of 13 foreign ships refused to go into a war zone and deliver their cargo. Not a single American crew refused.” Additionally, the study confirmed that the Jones Act helps maintain shipyards and ship repair yards, which are crucial to national security. The CSBA said, “The U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry is a major component of the defense maritime industrial base,” and “without the Jones Act’s requirements … it is likely the U.S. government would have few, if any, shipyards available to episodically recapitalize its smaller vessels.” American vessels also help maintain U.S. waterways and keep America secure. The CSBA emphasized the role that American dredgers and salvage operators play, highlighting the importance of not having to depend “on foreign companies to dredge its dozens of naval facilities, potentially opening up opportunities for sabotage or the depositing of underwater surveillance equipment.” Moreover, the Jones Act helps reduce illegal entry into the United States. The CSBA noted that “without the Jones Act’s requirements, foreign companies could buy domestic carriers that operate smaller vessels and barges that ply U.S. rivers and intercostal waterways.” The study further concluded that the Jones Act makes America more secure amidst a growing threat from China. Notably, the study’s executive summary stated, “To effectively compete, the United States will need to break with an approach that assumes the commercial and national security requirements of the maritime industry are largely distinct. Instead, the United States should adopt a new approach that recognizes the inherent linkage between the two and fosters a healthier commercial industry that can support U.S. national security. CSBA’s report identifies viable, cost-effective initiatives the nation can adopt to address challenges, including the strategic sealift gap, and cultivate a vibrant maritime industrial base that spurs innovation and enhances American prosperity and security.” As part of the study, the CSBA also established the phrase “Defense Maritime Industrial Base” (DMIB) – including the U.S.-flag deep sea fleet, the Jones Act fleet, mariners, shipyards, repair yards, dredgers, the mari- time logistics infrastructure and more – that collectively encompass all the parts of the American maritime industry that contribute to national security. This reflects the views of leaders in the maritime industry, with each smaller component of the DMIB helping to ensure and maintain a strong U.S.-flag fleet. In the report, the CSBA urges the government to release a comprehensive national maritime strategy that helps grow the maritime industrial base. It also advocates for the expansion of the Maritime Security Program. Additionally, the CSBA suggests that the U.S. government should assist domestic shipbuilding and repair yards by providing multi-ship maintenance contracts, as well as loan guarantees and grants, to help promote stability and predictability for that part of the industry. The CSBA summarized by saying, “The U.S. maritime industry is essential to American prosperity and security. Since their nation’s founding, Americans have gone to sea for trade, to harvest resources from the oceans, and to advance the country’s interests. By building and repairing ships, training mariners, operating shipping networks, and sustaining ports and waterways, the U.S. maritime industry makes possible the economic benefits of access to the sea.” The CSBA is self-described as “the world’s premier center for understanding future international competition and conflict.” The study was co-authored by Bryan Clark, Timothy A. Walton, and Adam Lemon. Relief Coalition Aids Puerto Rico Continued from Page 3 have left many Puerto Ricans deeply scarred and traumatized.” Teams of licensed mental-health professionals started heading to the commonwealth last month. Meanwhile, SIU hiring halls in Houston, Philadelphia, Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, continue serving as staging areas for donated cargoes. In Puerto Rico, numerous SIU members have helped unload and then distribute the items to needy areas. In many cases, Seafarers are using their own personal vehicles, because larger ones cannot traverse the damaged roads in the southern parts of the territory. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (center), GUDE Erris Jackson (right) and GUDE Dennis Morallo load relief cargo in Jacksonville in mid-February. SA Esperanza Crespo (left) and AB Joseph Dupree help move relief items from a container to a temporary storage area at the hiring hall in San Juan. QMED/Electrician Jesus Martinez (foreground in photo at left) delivers a portable stove, chairs, cots and tents to a family recovering from the earthquake. In photo above, Seafarers Bosun Rafael Franco, Steward Fernando Marquez, QMED/Electrician Jesus Martinez, Bosun Noel Otero, Bosun Abel Vasquez and QMED James Sanchez haul boxes of supplies to their respective vehicles before heading out to distribute the items to those in need. 4 Seafarers LOG April 2020 �Former Congressman Defends U.S. Shipbuilding Former U.S. Congressman Ernest Istook, a staunch defender of the maritime industry, recently penned an editorial in which he advocated for the importance of domestic shipbuilding and the U.S.-flag fleet. Istook, a Republican from Oklahoma, began by writing, “Three fleets of ships are vital to America’s national and economic security. The first fleet is the U.S. Navy, the mightiest ever assembled. It would be unthinkable to build these ships anywhere but in our own shipyards, dotted around our coasts from Groton to Newport News, to Pascagoula, San Diego, and others. “The second fleet is the ocean-going vessels that carry 90% of the world’s trade aboard container ships, tankers, grain carriers and more,” he continued. “However, these 41,000 ships are rarely built, owned, or crewed by Americans. Instead, China and other Asian nations use government resources and subsidies to dominate this fleet. The third fleet seems almost invisible, but is the 40,000 vessels engaged in domestic trade within America’s borders that sail between our ports. Ore carriers on the Great Lakes, giant barges plying the Mississippi and other rivers, goods moving along inland waterways, and powerful tugboats within our harbors are examples. Like our Navy, these are American-built, owned and crewed.” Focusing on the Jones Act fleet, he added, “This third fleet is challenged because some interests want to turn it over to foreign control, claiming we would save money if we let other nations dominate it like they do the ocean-going maritime fleet. Those countries are using subsidies by their governments to expand their power. In the case of China, it’s part of a multi-year global plan to enlarge economic and military power across the oceans of the world. Standing in their way is an American law that turns 100 years old in 2020. This is the Jones Act, which dominates thanks to subsidies and use of state-run enterprises, part of their plan to dominate the strategic area of ocean trade. Their success is reflected in the fact that in 2019 China passed Japan to become the world’s number two economic power, second only to the USA.” Istook pointed out that China’s gains are due to anything but free enterprise. “At the heart of foreign shipbuilding and operations are massive subsidies,” he explained. “Years ago, China announced its Belt and Road Initiative (also known as “Repealing the Jones Act would be surrendering to nations that want to monopolize control of global trade.” - Former U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Oklahoma ) essentially says that commercial vessels traveling routes from one U.S. port to another must be American built, owned and crewed.” He continued, “The principle extends beyond ships. Foreign air carriers can fly between U.S. airports and those in other countries but cannot fly purely domestic routes. Foreign trucks face restrictions on operating within our borders.... The same thing is happening in shipbuilding. China the New Silk Road), spending billions each year not only to subsidize building of cargo ships but also to control port facilities all over the globe. That takeover already includes ports on both ends of the Panama Canal, in the Mediterranean near the Suez Canal, elsewhere in Europe, in South America, in Africa, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and of course the South China Sea – covering the major global shipping lanes.” The Congressman emphasized this global disparity, writing, “The success of their shipbuilding subsidies is shown by the fact that of the 2,995 new oceangoing vessels now under construction (as tracked by the shipbrokers BRS Group), China is building 1,291 of them, Japan 697 and South Korea 475. The United States? Only eight. Of the current international fleet, our Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that a mere 182 of over 41,000 ocean-going cargo ships are American (0.4%). The vast majority are from China or other highly subsidized shipyards in South Korea or Japan.” In conclusion, he wrote, “Imagine if America’s domestic fleet were reduced to similar ratios of foreign control. Yet some American interests are blatantly calling to end the Jones Act and open our waters to foreign powers. These promoters claim that we will save money but they ignore the larger implications of American security and jobs. During the Trump years America has realized the benefits of promoting our self-interest, as reflected in our booming economy. Repeal or gutting of the Jones Act would be a step backwards. Repealing the Jones Act would be surrendering to nations that want to monopolize control of global trade. Those interests already dominate one of the three fleets that are vital to America. We should not let them make it two out of three.” Seafarers Mourn Passing of Frank Pecquex Retired MTD Official Also Spent Many Years with SIU Frank Pecquex, retired executive secretary-treasurer of the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) and former SIU legislative director, passed away Feb. 15 in northern Virginia, following a decadeslong battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 75 years old. “Frank was a devoted union man,” said SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco. “His whole career was spent in the labor movement, and he worked hard to improve the lives of others. He will truly be missed.” A New York native, Pecquex served as MTD executive secretary-treasurer from 1993 until his retirement in 2011 – longer than anyone else in the department’s 74-year history. An Army reservist during the Vietnam era, Pecquex began his long career within organized labor as a teenager working at an A&P supermarket bakery, joining the (now) Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union. In 1964, he was a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union as a ticket-taker for Greyhound at the World’s Fair in New York City. He graduated from St. John’s University in Queens, New York, with a master’s in history. (He remained a loyal alumnus throughout his life.) Pecquex’s association with maritime started in October 1967 when he was hired by the SIU, working as a researcher in the union’s old Brooklyn headquarters. Later, he did administrative work and organizing before switching to the union’s manpower department. While there, he formulated a plan to encourage Pecquex (right), then serving as legislative director for the SIU and MTD, listens to a speaker at a 1985 meeting. He’s seated next to MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Jean Ingrao. April 2020 and facilitate continuing education and upgrading for the members. One other thing happened while he worked at the Brooklyn hall – he met his future wife, Linda, who was a secretary for then SIU (and MTD) President Paul Hall. The couple married in 1973. In 1980, the union transferred him to Washington, D.C., to work for its legislative team. Five years later, Pecquex became the legislative director for both the SIU and the MTD. In 1991, he was promoted to MTD administrator. He became the executive secretary-treasurer upon the retirement of Jean Ingrao. Among many other accomplishments, he spearheaded the department’s transformation of its monthly printed newsletter to an online website. “I worked directly with Frank for 11 years at the MTD, after knowing him since 1989 when I began working in the SIU communications office,” stated current Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan. “He remembered that the money within the department came from members’ dues. He made sure none of us forgot who we worked for. “I smile recalling his love for the New York baseball teams, the New York football teams and his St. John’s Redmen,” Duncan continued. “He knew the school had updated its nickname to Red Storm, but they were always his Redmen.” SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona stated, “I first met Frank in 1989, and right away we connected. He was a true believer in the trade unionist way of life, and he was dedicated to the MTD and the SIU.” Others who worked with Pecquex described him as kind, articulate, tireless and a devoted family man. During an interview for his retirement article in the LOG in 2011, Pecquex recalled, “In retrospect, I’m amazed that Frank Pecquex addresses delegates and guests at the 2009 MTD convention in Pittsburgh. at whatever level I toiled over the years, the union’s leadership had a singular purpose: to protect and expand its members’ job security. Whether promoting vocational training courses, lobbying the White House and the Congress, or developing a strong partnership with military leaders, the SIU was second to none in advancing the message that the American maritime industry, in all of its component parts, remains vital to the nation’s economic health and strategic security.” Besides his wife of 46 years, Linda, he is survived by his three children – Genevieve, Andrew and Courtney – and three grandchildren: Katherine, Victoria and James. Seafarers LOG 5 �From left to right: SIU Administrative Assistant Shureen Yatchmenoff, ACU Nadzeya Kuptsova, AB Andrei Tretyak, AB Antolin Avorque, QMED Raymond Orosco, SIU Safety Director Amber Akana, GUDE Neil AB Andrei Tretyak (left) and ACU Nadzeya Kuptsova help paint the exteTupas, AB Jerry Dingal and SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. rior of the school. SIU Members Undertake ‘Labor of Love’ Seafarers Pitch In, Give Back to Community in Hawaii SIU members in Hawaii continued the union’s long tradition of helping out in the community by assisting with the “Labor of Love” project to benefit a local elementary school. On Jan. 25, SIU personnel were among the hundreds of volunteers from unions and other groups that pitched in to help complete the project, hosted by the Hawaii State AFL-CIO through their Labor Community Services Program, at Kalihi Elementary School in Honolulu. In a message shared on social media, the school’s administration said, “Huge Mahalo to everyone who came out to support the Hawaii State AFL-CIO Labor of Love project at Kalihi Elementary this past weekend! With the help of over 400 volunteers from over 20 Labor Unions and various other organizations, we were able to make some transformative changes to our school. These improvements included painting the school our school colors, installing school logos, installing fans in the cafeteria, creating a peace garden, installing AC in three classrooms, and installing a dishwasher in the kitchen.” The SIU was represented during the effort by Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, Safety Director Amber Akana, Administrative Assistant Shureen Yatchmenoff, ABs Antolin Avorque, Jerry Dingal and Andrei Tretyak, QMED Raymond Orosco, GUDE Neil Tupas and ACU Nadzeya Kuptsova. Galbiso said, “This was another opportunity for Seafarers to humbly give back to our community, and we were happy to help out Kalihi Elementary School.” “I think it was a very good project, and I think we should help out with more projects like this,” said Tupas. “This project was pretty special, with many unions and local organizations coming together and helping out. And the fact that we got to help out in our local community makes it even more worthwhile to me. I enjoyed helping out the school, and getting to know new people in both my union and the local Hawaiian government.” “I’m never speechless,” said Hawaii State AFL-CIO President Randy Perreira. “But I’m close to speechless at the outpouring of volunteerism. It’s a day that we choose to give back and do our thing, not only for the school, but the community as well. This year we’re very fortunate. Through everyone’s generosity, we’re providing over $130,000 in people power, equipment and supplies for the school, including some cash that they can use for their benefit.” This year’s iteration marked the sixth time the state AFL-CIO has sponsored the project, and each one has Safety Director Amber Akana (background) and GUDE Neil benefitted a school in Hawaii. Tupas work in the hallway. Meeting with Governor Seafarer Shares Passport-Renewal Reminder SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook (right) is pictured March 1 at the governor’s mansion with Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D). The occasion was a reception for area labor leaders. QMED/Electrician Andrew Van Bourg recently had an experience involving his passport expiration date that he hopes other members can learn from and avoid in the future. Van Bourg was sailing aboard the USNS 1st Jack Lummus, and was set to head home from a U.K.-controlled military base. He explained, “When I went home at the end of September, I was at the airport and the air crew refused to fly me home because my passport, though valid, was only valid for another two-and-a-half months. There is a rule here (Diego Garcia) that your passport must have 13 months of validity so that you can get on the plane, which is normally the only way to get home.” (The complication stems in part from there being multiple foreign stops between the base and the United States.) He added, “Not sure where this rule comes from or who imposes it, but it’s real and we have to comply. Captain had to jump through a number of administrative hoops to get me home. Just now another crew member is going through administrative difficulty due to the same rule.” As a general rule, international travelers should ensure that their passports have at least six months of validity left when leaving the United States. While the so-called “six-month rule” is not a requirement of the U.S. government, it is a requirement that many foreign countries enforce. Roughly 75 different countries will not permit a traveler to enter the country unless that person’s passport has more than six months of remaining validity. (Passports are valid for 10 years.) 6 Seafarers LOG According to the State Department, “Europe’s 26 Schengen countries strictly enforce the sixmonth validity rule. If you are transiting through Canada or the UK – which do not have that requirement – your passport must be valid at least six months, or airlines may not let you board your onward flight to Europe.” The Schengen Agreement, as explained by the State Department, is a treaty creating Europe’s Schengen Area, which encompasses 26 European countries, where internal border checks have largely been abolished for short-term tourism, a business trip, or transit to a non-Schengen destination. Those countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Van Bourg urged other mariners to keep a close eye on their passport expiration date, and remember to account for the length of the job when planning for a possible return flight from another country. For example, if a member has at least 13 months before the passport expires, that would cover a six-month voyage, allow time before flying out and still leave six-plus months of validity. Similarly, Seafarers regularly are encouraged to make sure their other core shipping documents (including MMC, TWIC and medical certificate) are valid for at least six months when shipping out. April 2020 �Union, AMA-Represented Companies Sign Off On Array of Coronavirus Protective Protocols The SIU and the American Maritime Association (AMA, representing companies that are signatory to the standard freightship and tanker agreements) recently signed off on a number of coronavirus protection protocols that are listed below. These measures are for SIU-crewed vessels calling on ports in China. Implementation in other ports will be handled case-by-case and will involve discussions between the union and the AMA. Additionally, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is utilizing a health questionnaire with all potentially incoming students in order to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone concerned. It’s a one-page document that’s being sent to students when they’re scheduled for any class. The SIU will continue to help publicize the latest U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Bulletins concerning coronavirus along with any other potentially useful alerts and tips. Meanwhile, members can find comprehensive information and updates on the following websites: World Health Organization https://www.who.int/ emergencies/diseases/ novel-coronavirus-2019 U.S. Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Again, the following procedures have been agreed to by the union, the AMA and its member companies, and they apply to vessels calling on ports in China. „�All procedures will be logged by the Master. „�Unlicensed crew members will be restricted to the ship and the Master will retain all passports. „�There shall be no routine crew changes. „�All exterior doors will be locked except for one inshore Notice/Reminder SHBP Offers Tobacco Cessation Benefits door to allow access to the house. „�The gangway will be flown off the dock to prevent uncontrolled access of people to/from the vessel. The gangway watch will allow access to critical personnel only. „�The gangway watch will control access to the unlocked access door for the purpose of restricting access inside the house to ship’s crew and critical shore staff only. „� No vendors or non-essential personnel will be granted access to the vessel. „�All visitors must wear gloves and a mask from the point of approaching the gangway. „� All visitors will be limited to access to one interior room on the main deck. „�The access room and any other contact points will be sanitized upon departure from the port. „� All crew members are to wear their PPE (N95 masks, nitrite gloves, safety goggles) while in contact with people from shore. „� Note the importance of eye protection as the virus can be contracted through the eyes. „�All crew members that come in contact with port visitors are to sanitize their safety goggles and wash their clothes immediately after the visit. „� All crew members are to frequently wash their hands and use hand sanitizers. „�Ship’s crew will remain in interior spaces of the vessel as much as possible. „�Hand sanitizer stations will be set up on deck and at the entrance to the house and the interior access room. „� If you think that you may have been exposed to the virus, contact the vessel’s master immediately. The advantages of quitting smoking are well known, but quitting is difficult. If you are thinking of quitting, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has a benefit to help you. The Plan offers tobacco cessation benefits, in partnership with CIGNA, to assist you in your effort to stop smoking or using other tobacco products. This program is available to all eligible members, their spouses, and their children over age 18. The program includes nicotine replacement, as well as coaching services, and other online tools and resources. Anyone who enrolls in the program will receive an eight-week supply of nicotine patches or 12 weeks of nicotine gum. To enroll, contact CIGNA/CareAllies at 1-866-4177848. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S. The benefits of quitting smoking include reduced risk of cancer, lung disease, stroke, heart disease, eye disease and osteoporosis. Smoking not only harms the smoker, but exposure to secondhand smoke increases health risk to non-smokers as well. Each year, thousands of young children and babies become ill because they live in the home of a smoker. More information about the risks of tobacco and the benefits of quitting are available at www.smokefree.gov. If you or a member of your family are trying to stop smoking or using tobacco, we encourage you to take advantage of this benefit, which was introduced in 2016. If you have any questions about this benefit, please contact the Plan at 1-800-252-4674. Spotlight on Mariner Health Whooping Cough Could Affect Individuals Across Age Spectrum Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Whooping cough (pertussis) is highly contagious. It is a respiratory tract infection caused by bacteria called Bordetella Pertussis. When someone coughs or sneezes, tiny germ droplets are sprayed into the air and can be inhaled into the lungs of someone standing nearby. It is usually marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that some say sounds like “whoop.” Before the age of vaccine administrations, whooping cough was considered a childhood disease. In the United States, whooping cough primarily affects children too young to have completed their full series of vaccinations. This can also affect teenagers and adults that may not have completed the series of vaccines or whose immunity had failed. Deaths due to pertussis are rare but most commonly involve infants. This is why it is so important for pregnant women and other people that are in close contact with an infant to be vaccinated against whooping cough. When someone becomes infected with whooping cough, it usually takes about seven to 10 days for the signs and symptoms to appear. It can be mild at first and mimic symptoms of a common cold (runny nose, nasal congestion, red, watery April 2020 eyes, fever and cough). After a week or so, the symptoms can worsen. The person may develop thick mucus inside their airways, causing uncontrollable coughing. This can provoke vomiting, extreme fatigue, and possibly end with a highpitched whoop-like sound during their next breath of air. Sometimes, however, people do not develop the characteristic cough. Infants may just appear to be struggling to breathe with no cough at all. Remember that the whooping cough vaccine you received as a child eventually wears off. This may leave most teenagers and adults susceptible to the infection during an outbreak. Infants who are younger than 12 months and who are unvaccinated or have not received the full series of shots, are at the highest risk for developing this disease. The complications from developing pertussis are as follows for teenagers and adults: dehydration, bruised or cracked ribs, abdominal hernias, and broken blood vessels in the skin or the white of the eyes. Infants may be stricken with pneumonia, slowed or stopped breathing, dehydration or weight loss, and possibly seizures. To prevent this disease, get the pertussis vaccine. This can be given in combination with the tetanus and diphtheria shot s ordered by your doctor or health department. Healthy Recipe BBQ Chili-Glazed Salmon Servings 25 Ingredients and Seasonings 8 pounds salmon filet, trimmed fresh 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 ½ tablespoons Mrs. Dash 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce 2 cups barbecue sauce 3 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon granulated garlic ¼ cup apple juice Preparation Cut the salmon into 4 oz. filets, season with the Mrs. Dash evenly on both sides. Grill the seasoned salmon 2 minutes on each side just to brown them. Place in well-oiled 2” pans. Mix together the bbq sauce, honey, apple juice, sriracha, and granulated garlic in a container big enough to hold it. Glaze the salmon with the sauce evenly. Bake in a 325-degree F oven for 10-15 minutes until the inside is just slightly pink. Garnish with lemon and chopped green onion or parsley. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 198 calories; 6g fat (27.0% calories from fat); 29g protein; 5g carbohydrate; trace dietary fiber; 76mg cholesterol; 261 mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 4 lean meat; 0 fruit; 0 fat; ½ other carbohydrates. Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship Seafarers LOG 7 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU HONORING WWII MARINER – SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (right in photo above) presents a U.S. Congressional Commendation from Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) to The Hon. Judge Claude D. Perasso (Ret.) for his service as a mariner in World War II. The citation reads in part, “It’s only through the honorable and heroic service of veterans like Claude Perasso that victory was possible.” SEAFARER PUBLISHES POETRY – QMED Alvin Surrency last year published two books featuring his poetry. “Poetry is awesome but it is nothing without someone to share it with,” he noted. “People may see me on my phone and think I’m playing a game, but the majority of the time, I am writing.” Both books (“Full Circle” and “Intimate Triangle”) are available online. Surrency most recently sailed aboard the USNS Seay (U.S. Marine Management). SOLIDARITY IN KEYSTONE STATE – Seafarers turned out for a sizeable rally late last year in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where demonstrators urged emergency funding to fix unsafe and unhealthy conditions in schools. They packed the state capitol rotunda as word arrived that a fourth school in the city had to temporarily close due to asbestos. Pictured from left in the group photo are AB Julian Beasley, SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice, AB Jeff Beasley and SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D) is at the podium in the other photo. ABOARD GRAND CANYON STATE – Seafarers recently completed a 102-day mission aboard the Pacific Gulf Marine vessel. They shoved off from Alameda, California, and made stops in Korea, Diego Garcia, Kuwait and Dubai before returning to Alameda. Pictured from left are OS Qaid Alnaawi, QMED Jessie Ulibas, Chief Cook Brice Jackson, SA Nasser Alarqban, ABM Lawrence Tharp, ABM Saleem Mohamed, SA Marie Dailey, SIU Oakland Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, ABM Nasser Kassim, Wiper Ahmed Hussain, ABM Ali Nasser, GUDE Sari Alkarnoon, Oiler Anthony Henry, QMED Fernando Ortega, SA Yousef Alarqaban and ABM Arnel Resurreccion. 8 Seafarers LOG April 2020 �AT THE ALGONAC HALL – Seafarers (photo above) are pictured at the February membership meeting, undeterred by the snowstorm outside. At top right, SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (holding paperwork) reads a report. The remaining photos show Seafarers receiving their respective books, each pictured with SIU Safety Director Gerret Jarman (right in each photo). AB Abdulaziz Alfakih (immediate right) receives his Aseniority book; GUDE Mossa Mohamed (center right) gets his B-book; GUDE Zaid Mesleh (far right) picks up his B-book. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU UNOFFICIAL CROWLEY REUNION – A number of retired members who sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation turned out for the winter holiday gathering at the hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida. Pictured from left with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (center) are retirees Capt. Mike Davis, Capt. Richard Fuller, Capt. Bobby Stearns, Chief Engineer Dennis Compton, Capt. Mike Getchell and Capt. Jim Daley. FULL BOOK IN OAKLAND – GUDE Emmanuel Nuez (right) picks up his full membership book at the hiring hall. He is pictured with Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli. A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – QEE Jared Cabasug (right) receives his A-seniority book at the hall in California. He’s pictured with Patrolman Jesse Sunga. WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Newly retired Seafarer Gary Spell (right, with SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. Spell sailed with the SIU beginning in 1971. He started in the deep-sea division and finished his career with Crescent Towing, where he most recently sailed as a licensed engineer. April 2020 SAFETY AWARD WINNERS – Congratulations to ABs Mariano Lino (left) and Rogelio Agustin for earning the monthly safety award aboard the Maersk Chicago in consecutive months (November and December). Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew reports that his fellow Seafarers received their awards from vessel master Capt. Shawn Hughes. WELCOME ASHORE IN MOBILE – Two longtime Seafarers recently picked up their first respective pension checks at the hiring hall. Michael Hurst (left in photo at left, with Port Agent Jimmy White) spent the past 30 years working with Crescent Towing, where he ended his tenure as a licensed engineer. AB Lavern McDowell (left in photo at right, with White) also spent decades sailing with the SIU, most recently aboard the Delta Mariner. SAILING TO LONE STAR STATE – The SIU-crewed ARC Independence (operated by TOTE) is pictured in early February at Pier 10 in Galveston, Texas. The ship reflagged under the Stars and Stripes late last year and is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program. Seafarers LOG 9 �Degree Completion The Union Plus Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program offers students from working families the opportunity to continue their education beyond an associate’s degree. This complement to the Union Plus Free College Program allows union members and their eligible family members to complete a bachelor’s degree at a highly discounted cost. Find out more about this and other great Union Plus programs by visiting unionplus.org. CREDIT CARDS WIRELESS DISCOUNTS MORTGAGE PROGRAM CAR RENTAL Learn more at unionplus.org 4/20 10 Seafarers LOG April 2020 �School Still Offers Culinary 2.0 The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continues to offer Culinary 2.0 classes designed to help students boost their skills while complying with a new rule that took effect at the beginning of this 2020. Completing the coursework also is intended to aid individual shipping opportunities. Shipping Rule 5.A.(6), which went into effect January 1, 2020, states, “Within each class of seniority in the Steward Department, priority shall be given to those seamen who possess an advanced Culinary 2.0 certificate from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, in the event such program is being offered and that the seaman is registered in Group I, Steward Department.” While every new member of the steward department who completes their apprenticeship at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship will have successfully passed Culinary 2.0, it’s important to remem- ber that those already sailing as chief cooks and chief stewards must also take the coursework in order to exercise preference and priority beginning next year (unless they have received training after January 1, 2017 at the Piney Point, Maryland-based campus). For those seamen currently employed as permanent stewards aboard commercial vessels, they must attend Culinary 2.0 in order to maintain their current employment status. For those already sailing as chief cooks and chief stewards, there are two new revalidation courses that have been designed to ensure a consistent level of culinary training and efficiency: Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 and Orientation/ Assessment Chief Cook 2.0. The courses are being offered regularly, but spaces are limited, so members are encouraged to plan ahead and enroll as soon as possible. For more information, contact your port agent and/ or the school’s admissions office. April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................................Monday: April 6, May 4 Algonac..................................................Friday: April 10, May 8 Baltimore.................................................Thursday: April 9, May 7 Guam...................................................Thursday: April 23, May 21 Honolulu..................................................Friday: April 17, May 15 Houston..................................................Monday: April 13, May 11 Jacksonville...........................................Thursday: April 9, May 7 Joliet....................................................Thursday: April 16, May 14 Mobile.............................................Wednesday: April 15, May 13 New Orleans.............................................Tuesday: April 14, May 12 Jersey City.............................................Tuesday: April 7, May 5 Norfolk..................................................Thursday: April 9, May 7 Oakland..............................................Thursday: April 16, May 14 Philadelphia.....................................Wednesday: April 8, May 6 Port Everglades....................................Thursday: April 16, May 14 San Juan............................................Thursday: April 9, May 7 St. Louis...............................................Friday: April 17, May 15 Tacoma...................................................Friday: April 24, May 22 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Feb. 4-Mar. 3. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 4. Total Registered Port All Groups A B Total Shipped C C 2 1 0 3 0 2 0 2 4 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 3 2 25 ATTENTION SEAFARERS Another New Ship SPAD Works For You Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD April 2020 Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C 5 0 2 9 0 7 2 16 14 12 0 4 8 2 0 0 3 7 1 5 97 58 3 10 38 6 19 16 77 48 63 8 20 39 29 8 4 13 37 5 49 550 21 4 0 20 1 7 3 29 40 21 7 8 15 12 3 6 1 16 0 19 233 2 4 1 6 0 3 0 8 8 7 0 4 9 3 6 2 1 6 2 5 77 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 15 0 0 1 3 0 1 5 4 10 4 0 0 4 1 1 1 0 4 0 1 40 10 1 3 16 1 6 10 24 26 26 5 2 18 16 3 1 8 15 3 22 216 2 1 2 17 2 5 2 19 24 12 2 6 27 8 4 4 6 10 0 11 164 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 3 2 2 1 0 6 4 1 0 0 5 0 4 33 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 15 3 6 17 2 14 7 41 21 34 4 9 23 9 7 1 6 25 4 28 276 9 3 0 12 1 4 4 17 21 12 3 2 11 7 3 1 4 2 0 11 127 3 4 0 4 0 2 0 5 5 5 0 2 6 1 2 2 1 4 3 3 52 Deck Department 8 5 2 0 2 1 20 2 0 0 10 5 7 2 44 16 27 20 23 8 0 1 8 3 20 8 11 3 3 1 1 4 5 3 21 2 3 0 19 4 234 88 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 1 2 8 0 5 4 13 20 13 2 1 9 6 0 3 8 11 3 10 123 1 0 3 14 1 2 3 17 13 6 0 2 17 6 4 3 1 5 1 4 103 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 2 1 0 0 1 0 2 17 Engine Department 2 1 1 0 0 3 11 5 0 1 4 1 5 5 8 5 21 7 4 3 1 0 1 2 12 10 5 2 0 2 3 2 2 2 10 4 1 1 7 3 98 59 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 0 1 6 0 3 9 23 15 10 1 3 11 10 3 1 2 10 3 21 136 1 0 3 4 1 0 0 3 7 3 0 3 3 4 0 2 2 1 0 4 41 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 14 Steward Department 0 1 0 1 0 0 9 3 0 1 4 0 5 1 19 5 15 3 6 0 0 1 2 3 7 7 4 3 2 0 2 2 2 1 2 0 3 0 10 8 92 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 8 0 2 1 5 2 4 0 1 3 2 0 1 0 1 0 8 38 14 1 2 16 2 6 16 33 24 17 2 7 22 28 5 3 3 20 3 36 260 1 2 3 5 3 1 3 9 15 4 0 6 11 6 0 3 3 2 0 9 86 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 2 2 0 1 0 6 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 20 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 4 0 1 19 10 1 1 3 0 4 2 12 24 13 0 0 12 10 1 1 0 10 1 16 121 9 1 0 3 2 2 4 6 15 7 0 0 22 7 0 9 1 2 2 12 104 Entry Department 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 1 5 12 1 13 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 12 1 6 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 11 0 0 1 13 11 86 0 0 1 2 2 1 2 3 9 2 0 0 19 3 0 7 0 3 1 2 57 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 6 1 0 0 2 1 0 2 0 1 0 4 19 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 4 0 1 1 3 1 0 1 7 0 7 31 25 0 2 9 0 1 7 23 50 19 1 0 22 29 2 0 0 17 1 49 257 26 2 1 7 2 3 5 12 54 13 3 1 37 11 1 2 3 14 2 38 237 GRAND TOTAL: 554 392 187 102 194 1,057 740 367 Wilmington................................................Monday: April 20, May 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m Registered on Beach All Groups A B 435 273 Seafarers LOG 11 �The Midnight Sun docks in Tacoma, Washington. The new fueling station is part of the conversion project. The vessel is 840 feet long. LNG Conversion Project Continues SIU-Crewed Midnight Sun Completes First Shipyard Period T he Seafarers-crewed Midnight Sun is one step closer to running on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The TOTE Maritime Alaska vessel earlier this year completed a shipyard period during which it was equipped with a new aft deck, two 1,100 cubic meter LNG tanks and supporting infrastructure. Both of TOTE’s Orca-class ships – the Midnight Sun and the North Star – are converting to LNG propulsion through a lengthy but carefully planned process aimed at keeping them sailing as often as possible. It’s a four-year project, and a lot of the work is done while the vessels are in operation. The Midnight Sun currently is powered by four diesel engines. It sails between Tacoma, Washington, and Anchorage, Alaska twice a week. The next phase of its conversion will involve mechanical changes on two engines while the ship is in service, followed by a second shipyard period when the remaining engines are switched. The changes are slated for completion in 2022. According to Gianpaolo Benedetti, senior technical advisor for the seven-year-old Society for Gas as Marine Fuel, the size of the worldwide LNG-powered fleet is modest, but quickly growing. There are fewer than 200 deep-draft commercial vessels using LNG as a fuel, but more than 200 are on order, he said at a recent conference. TOTE said the conversions of its Orca-class ships “will drastically reduce air emissions … virtually eliminating sulfur oxides and particulate matter while drastically reducing nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. Reduced emissions will result in a healthier environment for Tacoma, Puget Sound and Anchorage, the communities in which TOTE Maritime operates.” The Midnight Sun’s first shipyard phase began in December. Work was performed at Seaspan Shipyards in Victoria, British Columbia. (The North Star completed its initial shipyard period in 2019 and should be fully converted in 2021.) Lee Peterson, who oversees the conversion project for TOTE, recently stated, “There was a desire and a need to keep these ships in operation as much as possible while we are doing this.” He said the vessels are “vital lifelines” to Alaska, and “that’s the reason we are doing this over such a long period of time.” The Jones Act vessels transport a wide range of cargoes, including cars, groceries, military vehicles, consumer electronics and much more. They were built in 2003 at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego (a union yard). SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp, who provided the photos accompanying this story, serviced the ship Feb. 14 as it reentered service. “It was fun because we never get to see these ships empty like this, and they’re typically not in port for any more than nine or 10 hours,” he said. GUDEs Walid Saleh and Adrees Ahmed 12 Seafarers LOG The project includes a new aft deck, two 1,100 cubic meter LNG tanks and supporting infrastructure, as pictured above. The Midnight Sun’s conversion (photo below) to LNG fuel is slated for completion in 2022. Recertified Bosun Darryl Smith. AB Bakr Elbana OMUs Sotero Berame and Rolando Bundang April 2020 April 2020 Chief Cook Edwin Sebastian (left) helps make sure his shipmates are well-fed. Seafarers LOG 13 �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 Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by students in the certified chief cook class at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Question: What are some things you like about your job? Nakeya White Chief Cook I enjoy the fast-paced environment, and I love to cook and travel the world. I also enjoy meeting and cooking for people from multiple cultures and in different environments. I enjoy that we make great money and you’re able to widen your horizon on cooking and build your skill set. Kristina Jones Chief Cook The number one thing I love is being able to travel. The job is very flexible – you’re able to see the world and meet new people. I cook for my family, so I was able to apply basic cooking skills and maximize them in a professional way. There’s a lot of room for growth in this industry and the people that you meet are wonderful, on the ships and in the ports. Alex Emrick Chief Cook Just the camaraderie between fellow sailors. Positivity, learning experiences I go through on a dayto-day basis. Cooking on a ship is not an ordinary job…. The people that work in this industry, I’ll never meet on land. They’re characters. The money is good, too, and I love cooking, but the people are what keeps me coming back. Howard Brooks Chief Cook What I love about my job is being able to travel, run the steward department, upgrade, make a whole lot of money and do in life what I choose to do when I want to do it. It’s more than what I expected – I see parts of the world I’d never heard of and that people couldn’t imagine. I’ve been able to take vacations in other countries I hadn’t seen on a map. I love everything about it. Carlos Colon De Jesus Chief Cook Travel, meeting new people and of course the money. That’s why I’m here. And I love cooking. But the number one reason I stick with it is the money. I have a wife and a daughter who’s 11 months old, and the money I earn at sea covers everything. Seth Alonzo Chief Cook You’re always learning, through new experiences and classes at the school. For me, it’s all about getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things. I also really enjoy the social aspect, and the camaraderie of the kitchen. I had never worked on a ship before this job, so this is all new to me. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 This snapshot from the LOG’s archives was taken at the Maritime Trades Department winter meeting in 1985, in Florida. Pictured from left are OPEIU President John Kelly, SIU President Frank Drozak and MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Jean Ingrao. 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 14 Seafarers LOG April 2019 �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 recently worked on the Overseas Nikiski. He settled in Reno, Nevada. NABASSIN ADEDOUAWONGOBOU Brother Nabassin Adedouawongobou, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1998, initially sailing on the Global Mariner. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2010. Brother Adedouawongobou last sailed on the Maersk Kentucky. He lives in Bronx, New York. TODD EASLEY Brother Todd Easley, 65, began shipping with the union in 1999 when he sailed aboard the USNS Kane. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Easley most recently sailed on the William R. Button. He resides in Loganville, Georgia. JOSE GAMBOA Brother Jose Gamboa, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1994, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and sailed in all three departments. Brother Gamboa’s final vessel was the Horizon Anchorage. He makes his home in Lancaster, California. RAYMOND GARCIA Brother Raymond Garcia, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1982 when he shipped on the Independence. He was a steward department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Garcia most recently sailed aboard the Horizon Enterprise. He lives in Novato, California. STEPHEN GRIER Brother Stephen Grier, 65, joined the union in 1990, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Boston. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career on the Horizon Anchorage. Brother Grier calls Everett, Washington, home. JOEL MILLER Brother Joel Miller, 65, joined the SIU in 1973 when he sailed on the Houston. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school and primarily worked in the deck department. Brother Miller’s last vessel was the Lightning. He lives in West Covina, California. TEOFILO MOJARES Brother Teofilo Mojares, 66, began shipping with the union in 2011, initially sailing on the Keystone State. Brother Mojares was a deck department member and most recently shipped aboard the Pride of America. He is a resident of Lakewood, Washington. PHILEMON QUITORIANO Brother Philemon Quitoriano, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1992. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Quitoriano’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the Horizon Reliance. He lives in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Brother Rupert Henry, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 2005 when he sailed on the Pride of Aloha. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and sailed in both the deck and steward departments. Brother Henry most recently sailed aboard a Patriot ship. He lives in Tacoma, Washington. BRIAN MCELENEY Brother Brian McEleney, 61, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1981, initially sailing aboard the Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother McEleney most April 2020 Brother Mark MacRury, 61, became a member of the SIU in 1978 when he worked for H&M Lake Transport. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother MacRury last shipped on the Burns Harbor. He resides in Hale, Michigan. JOEL MARKLE Brother Joel Markle, 65, signed on with the union in 1980, initially sailing on the Paul Thayer. He was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Markle last sailed aboard the USNS Curtiss. He settled in Kinde, Michigan. INLAND Brother Daniel Seagle, 60, donned the SIU colors in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Oakland. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Seagle most recently sailed on the Horizon Anchorage. He calls Lake Stevens, Washington, home. Brother Richard Wilson, 67, began sailing with the SIU in 1989 when he shipped out aboard the Frances Hammer. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Wilson’s final vessel was the Sunshine State. He lives in Mahaffey, Pennsylvania. GREAT LAKES MARTIN HOCHSTAFL Brother Martin Hochstafl, 65, joined the union in 2000, when he shipped on the John Boland. The engine department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2007. Brother Hochstafl concluded his career aboard the Burns Harbor. He resides in Ashland, Wisconsin. the Piney Point school in 1969. He makes his home in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. DONALD DOUGLAS Brother Donald Douglas, 62, became a member of the SIU in 1979, initially working with Allied Transportation. The deck department member upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Douglas was most recently employed by Penn Maritime. He resides in Charles City, Virginia. KEITH RUBIO Brother Keith Rubio, 62, joined the SIU in 1976. A deck department member, he sailed with Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. Brother Rubio makes his home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. GARY SPELL MICHAEL HURST Brother Michael Hurst, 64, signed on with the SIU in 1977 when he worked for Gulf Marine. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Hurst sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He last worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage and lives in Irvington, Alabama. Brother Gary Spell, 65, started sailing with the union in 1971, initially working aboard the La Salle. He upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school within his first year. Brother Spell was an engine department member. He most recently worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage and resides in Perkinston, Mississippi. RICHARD ALLEN Brother Richard Allen, 63, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1993. He was first employed with HVIDE Marine and primarily sailed in the engine department. Brother Allen last worked for Seabulk Towing, aboard the Samson. He lives in Nederland, Texas. DANIEL SEAGLE RICHARD WILSON RUPERT HENRY MARK MACRURY JOSE ALVAREZ Brother Jose Alvarez, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Achilles. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1985. Brother Alvarez was last employed with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He makes his home in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. ADDISON BELL Brother Addison Bell, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1989, initially working for Luedtke Engineering. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career working for OLS Transport. Brother Bell resides in Hubbell, Michigan. BERTRAND CAMUS Brother Bertrand Camus, 67, joined the union in 1977. He worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Camus primarily sailed in the engine department, and upgraded at WILLIAM MULHOLLAND Brother William Mulholland, 55, started his career with the union in 1990 when he worked for American Overseas Marine. He was a deck department member and was most recently employed with Crowley. Brother Mulholland is a resident of Sewell, New Jersey. JOHN NONDORF Brother John Nondorf, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1977, initially working with National Marine Service. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in 1983. Brother Nondorf last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in Jefferson City, Missouri. DAVID PARADELAS Brother David Paradelas, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1991, initially sailing board the Sugar Island. He was a deck department member and sailed with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock for the duration of his career. Brother Paradelas resides in Belleview, Florida. MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ RAMOS Brother Miguel Rodriguez Ramos, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1977 when he sailed aboard the Humacao. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Rodriguez Ramos worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services for most of his career. He lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico. CHARLES TAYLOR Brother Charles Taylor, 62, became a member of the SIU in 1978 when he worked for HVIDE Marine. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Taylor most recently sailed aboard the Samson. He lives in Groves, Texas. GARY WATERS Brother Gary Waters, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1978. He first worked for IBC Company, and sailed in the deck department. Brother Waters was last employed by Interstate Oil. He lives in Cochranville, Pennsylvania. CHARLES WISLER Brother Charles Wisler, 62, signed on with the union in 2008 and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year. Brother Wisler was a deck department member and was employed by Crowley for his entire career. He is a resident of Philadelphia. MARK WYN Brother Mark Wyn, 65, joined the SIU in 2004, initially sailing aboard the Coast Range. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and was a member of the deck department. Brother Wyn last sailed with G&H Towing. He calls Corpus Christi, Texas, home. Seafarers LOG 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA BERNARD BOLES Pensioner Bernard Boles, 95, passed away January 18. He joined the SIU in 1943. An engine department member, Brother Boles first sailed aboard the Devils Lake. He last shipped on the Del Viento and went on pension in 1982. Brother Boles was a resident of Wheeling, West Virginia. STEVEN DUDLEY Pensioner Steven Dudley, 71, died January 21. He began his career with the SIU in 2001, initially sailing aboard the John Paul Bobo. Brother Dudley was a deck department member and last shipped on the Horizon Kodiak. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Gig Harbor, Washington. DUDLEY JAMES Pensioner Dudley James, 70, passed away January 21. He signed on with the SIU in 1992 when he sailed on the Independence. Brother James worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Maersk Kentucky and went on pension in 2015. He made his home in Guyana. MARJORIE MACK Pensioner Marjorie Mack, 74, died February 3. She began her career with the union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Sealift Arabian Sea. Sister Mack shipped in the steward department. She last sailed on the President Polk before going on pension in 2010. Sister Mack called Norfolk, Virginia, home. ROBERT STAFFORD Brother Robert Stafford, 68, passed away January 2. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 2000 when he shipped aboard the USNS Petersburg. Brother Stafford sailed as an engine department member. He last shipped on the Maersk Seletar, and resided in the Philippines. RAMLI SULAIMAN Pensioner Ramli Sulaiman, 80, died January 25. He became a member of the SIU in 1991 when he shipped aboard the Hawaii. Brother Sulaiman primarily sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Alliance Norfolk. He retired in 2009 and was a resident of New York. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM PADGETT Pensioner William Padgett, 74, passed away February 15. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1976, initially sailing on the Merle McCurdy. Brother Padgett was a deck department member and concluded his career on the Indiana Harbor. He went on pension in 2012 and called Superior, Wisconsin, home. PHILIP PIFER Pensioner Philip Pifer, 67, passed away January 29. He joined the union in 1972 and first sailed aboard the Columbia. Brother Pifer worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Alpena. He went on pension in 2009 and resided in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. INLAND WILLIAM AMAN Pensioner William Aman, 67, died February 29. He donned the SIU colors in 1998 when he worked on the Manhattan Island. Brother Aman was a member of the engine department and most recently sailed on the Sugar Island. He started collecting his pension in 2014 and lived in LaBelle, Florida. JOHN COOK Brother John Cook, 59, passed away November 7. Born in Houston, he started sailing with the SIU in 2005. Brother Cook was a deck department member and worked for OSG Ship Management for the duration of his career. He resided in Ingleside, Texas. WILLIAM HYNSON Pensioner William Hynson, 90, died February 5. Signing on with the SIU in 1967, he first worked for Berg Towing. Brother Hynson was a member of the deck department. He last shipped with Interstate Oil and became a pensioner in 1995. Brother Hynson lived in Rock Hall, Maryland. LINLEY MCDONALD Pensioner Linley McDonald, 78, passed away February 4. He joined the SIU in 1970 when he worked for National Marine Ser- vice. Sailing in the deck department, Brother McDonald remained with the same company for his entire career. He began collecting his pension in 2006 and was a resident of Kenedy, Texas. RICHARD NICHOLAS Pensioner Richard Nicholas, 70, died January 3. He started shipping with the union in 1990 when he sailed aboard the Frances Hammer. Brother Nicholas was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Dodge Island, and became a pensioner in 2011. Brother Nicholas lived in Bay Minette, Alabama. JAMES WALTON Pensioner James Walton, 92, passed away March 1. Signing on with the SIU in 1951, he first sailed on the Pan Atlantic. Brother Walton shipped in the deck department and was last employed by McAllister Towing. He retired in 1989 and made his home in Philadelphia. NMU NATHANIEL BROWN Pensioner Nathaniel Brown, 88, died January 18. He was an NMU member prior to the 2001 merger with the Seafarers International Union. Brother Brown became a pensioner in 1987 and resided in Norfolk, Virginia, his home state. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Brinkley, Calvin De Jesus, Jose Foster, David French, James Howard, Herbert Isenhour, Henry Velez, Rafael AGE 78 84 87 93 95 92 81 DOD 02/01/2020 12/20/2019 02/17/2020 02/17/2020 01/08/2020 01/14/2020 02/21/2020 MICHAEL YARBROUGH Pensioner Michael Yarbrough, 65, died December 20. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1979, initially working for Dravo Basic Materials. A deck department member, Brother Yarbrough concluded his career working for Crescent Towing and Salvage. He retired in 2015 and made his home in Gulf Shores, Alabama. ROBERT MULL Pensioner Robert Mull, 86, passed away February 3. He joined the SIU in 1960 when he sailed on the Sentry. Brother Mull was a deck department member and last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He made his home in Newton, North Carolina. RODOLFO ORLANDA Pensioner Rodolfo Orlanda, 80, died January 24. He started sailing with the SIU in 1987, initially shipping on the USNS Stalwart. Brother Orlanda sailed in the deck department and concluded his career on the Samuel L. Cobb. He retired in 2005 and lived in the Philippines. VINCENT SANCHEZ Pensioner Vincent Sanchez, 84, died February 25. He signed on with the union in 1956, sailing first on the Fairland. Brother Sanchez was a member of the steward department and last shipped on the Liberty Wave in 1996. He went on pension the same year and called Slidell, Louisiana, home. 16 Seafarers LOG With Seafarers Aboard the Alpena Pictured aboard the Alpena (Inland Lakes Management) are (group photo, from left) Second Mate Scott Murray, Conveyorman Josh Macnicol, SIU Safety Director Gerret Jarman and AB Thomas Martin III. Murray is receiving his probationary book, while Macnicol is receiving his A-book. Jarman noted that he and Macnicol are not related. Photos were taken last month in Cleveland. April 2020 �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. Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), December 27 – Chairman Basil D’Souza, Secretary Johnny Sawyer, Educational Director Ralph Garner. Bagless vacuum cleaners needed aboard ship. Chairman thanked crew for staying safe and encouraged members to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). Members discussed pension and vacation benefits. A good trip was reported by secretary. More cereal and snacks needed for crew. Educational director reminded members to keep up with documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested adjustments to pension and vacation pay/accrual. Crew discussed ways to word contract to avoid loopholes and make it easily understood. Members requested longer-lasting stores and discussed budget allowance. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. Next port: New York. LIBERTY PEACE (North Star Shipping), December 29 – Chairman George Perry, Secretary Michael Todman, Engine Delegate Luis Fernandez, Steward Delegate Beverly Williams. Chairman announced payoff in Freeport, Texas. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship not receiving new DVDs or books. Bosun reviewed SHBP benefits. Members requested increases to benefits. OVERSEAS NIKISKI (Overseas Ship Management), December 31– Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Richard Sanderson, Educational Director Kyle Miller, Engine Delegate Larry Rawlins, Steward Delegate Francisco Zuniga Arzu. Crew still waiting for new mattresses. They discussed current restriction to ship and asked for assistance. Secretary suggested signing up for Seafarers 401(k) and went over improved dental benefits. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. OCEAN GRAND (Crowley), January 5 – Chairman Reny Arzu, Secretary Abel Reyna, Educational Director Devin Zug, Engine Delegate Dennis Blake, Steward Delegate Charles Mitchell. Dayman requested by bosun. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested extra help in engine department. Members asked for better linen sheets, blankets, towels and pillows. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), January 5 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Julian Avila. Chairman thanked steward department for great food, particularly during the holidays. Secretary reminded other steward department members to take Culinary 2.0 class. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested more transformers for each room and noted slow Wi-Fi service. Two new refrigerators in galley. GLOBAL SENTINEL (SubCom), January 9 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Frances-Brian Bautista, Educational Director Aaron Ellis. Crew discussed garbage separation. Chairman instructed crew to report issues as they arise and to clean up after themselves. Deck department working on stripping and waxing ship. Lounges are set up for Wi-Fi. Slop chest open when needed. Portland departure early February and Hawaii ETA first week of March. Secretary reminded members to place trash in garbage room and bag up dirty laundry upon departure. Educational director reported dead light in staterooms. He encouraged crew to upgrade whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were reminded about keeping laundry room stocked. PELICAN STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), January 12 – Chairman Sanjay Gupta, Secretary Gregory Lynch, Educational Director Christopher Kirchhofer, Deck Delegate Ahmed Mohammed Ghaleb, Engine Delegate Jose Bonita, Steward Delegate Carlos Diaz. Chairman talked about taking care of equipment. He discussed policies and procedures for handling garbage. Chairman informed members of available benefit plans pamphlets. Secretary went over new steward classes at Paul Hall Center. Educational director advised crew to be mindful of expiration dates and to renew any necessary documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for updated status of Wi-Fi. Bosun thanked steward department for good food. Members asked about lack of heat in staterooms. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), January 13 – Chairman Hanapiah Ismail, Secretary Steven Dickson, Educational Director Charles Packer, Deck Delegate Gary Mann, Engine Delegate Lawrence Brooks, Steward Delegate Danilo Florendo. New gym equipment purchased. Chairman announced payoff at sea. He commended all members for a job well done and reminded them to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Secretary urged crew to update and renew documents well in advance. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center as often as possible to take advantage of advancement opportunities. He encouraged everyone to enroll in the Seafarers 401(k) plan and to donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read president’s report from latest LOG and discussed progress made by SIU and the role that Piney Point plays in the maritime industry. Two refrigerators in crew quarters need replacement or repair. Vote of thanks given to deck department for keeping areas clean. Steward department thanked for a job well done. Members requested a streaming device for lounge. Crew asked about tour of duty completion bonus for reliefs that consecutively sail aboard Maersk ships. Washing machine needs repair or replacement. Members request increase in pension and vacation pay. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. CHEMICAL PIONEER (USS Transport), January 26 – Chairman Gerald Alford, Secretary Leslie Davis, Engine Delegate Tad Van. Chairman talked about SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund, and union loyalty after reading president’s report. Secretary reminded members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. Crew asked captain to be more attentive to arrival time of reliefs and would like copies of contract. JEAN ANNE (Pasha), January 26 – Chairman Noel Camacho, Secretary Ismael Garayua, Educational Director Stanley Golden, Engine Delegate Yahya Mohamed, Steward Delegate Abrahem Elsawy. Chairman reminded crew to keep STCW documents up to date and renew six months in advance. Patrolman came aboard to review shipyard information. Secretary urged crew to keep ship sanitation up to standards. Educational director advised members to obtain documents on time and upgrade at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed union scholarship applications that can be found online. Members read president’s report and were shown how to find it online. Members asked for availability of cigarettes in slop chest. New computers to be installed. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt April 2020 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic August 17 September 4 MSC Supply Configuration Management September 7 October 2 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck April 20 June 22 AB to Mate Modules May 8 July 10 Modules must be taken in order. Those who are not in the mates program cannot apply for these courses. Contact the Admissions Office for further details. Advanced Meteorology May 4 May 8 Advanced Shiphandling May 11 May 22 Advanced Stability April 27 May 1 ARPA August 3 Bosun Recertification ECDIS Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers May 4 May 15 BAPO May 18 June 12 Engineroom Resource Management August 24 August 28 FOWT April 20 May 15 Junior Engineer Program April 20 June 12 Machinist June 29 July 17 Marine Electrician June 29 July 31 Marine Refer Tech May 18 June 26 Pumpman July 20 July 24 Welding April 27 May 15 Steward Department Courses Advanced Galley Operations Chief Cook June 15 July 10 Modules run every other week. Contact Admissions for exact date. Chief Steward May 4 July 13 June 12 August 21 August 7 Galley Operations May 18 June 12 July 20 August 3 Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0 May 25 October 12 May 29 October 16 April 27 May 11 May 1 May 15 Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 July 20 August 10 July 24 August 14 April 13 April 20 April 17 April 24 GMDSS July 6 July 17 Basic Training Revalidation Lifeboat May 4 June 29 July 27 August 24 September 21 October 19 May 15 July 10 August 7 September 4 October 2 October 30 April 10 April 17 May 1 April 10 April 17 May 1 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation May 11 June 1 May 15 June 5 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting Leadership and Management Skills August 31 September 4 April 27 June 22 May 1 June 26 Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office Government Vessels Radar Observer July 20 July 31 April 13 May 4 May 25 June 8 April 17 May 8 May 29 June 12 RFPNW May 18 June 12 Medical Care Provider 100 Ton Master August 17 September 4 April 20 June 29 April 24 July 3 Fast Rescue Boat UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ 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 #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes †�No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? †Yes †�No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 18 Seafarers LOG Safety/Open Upgrading Courses COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. 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, or 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. 4/20 April 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #857 – Graduated November 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Charles Broadnax II, Jared Castriota, Kevin Cromer Jr., Cristian Curet-Lara, Edward Harnish, Kendall Harris, Oscar Krowicki, Robert Lange, Jamal Matthews, D’Aritis Mitchell, Aaron Moore Jr., Eric Amauris Rivas-Martinez, Juan Rafael Santiago-Robles and Micah Young. Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated November 11: Lamar Doctor (above, left) and Edward Molesky Jr. Government Vessels – Graduated November 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Briana Davis, Christoher Kluth, Dave Martin II, Yolanda Ortega-Velez and Emmanuel Outeiral. Welding – Graduated November 8: Clinton Cephas (above, left) and Abel Vazquez Torres (center). Instructor Chris Raley is at the right. April 2020 ECDIS – Graduated November 22: Michael Norman (above, center) and Jamie Norsworthy (right). Patrick Schoenberger, their instructor, is at the left. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Classes UA to FOWT – Graduated November 8 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): William Alston III, Joshua Nino Bonita, Kevin Brown, Daveyon Burton, Micah Champion, Timothy Jones, Joshua Mann, Ivan Meza, Brandon Reed, Quinton Sashington and Harry Whitney IV. UA to AS-D – Graduated November 8 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Bradley Bagwell, Steven Bryant, Steven Ellis Jr., Luis Felipe Flores Ramos, Joshua Gail, Jovanni Capistrano Garcenila, Christian Miguel Mercado Nunez, Mykel Potter, Jamel Smith, Lucas Tiderman and John Wattam. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated November 22 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Alexander, David Cornelius, Raphael Henson, Sebastian Krowicki, Karl Morrow Jr., Raymond Manlangit Orosco, Matthew Palmer, Tyler Summersill, Bryan Velazquez, Derrick Walker II and Renita Walker. Class instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far right. Machinist – Graduated November 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Banks, Raibonne Charles, Bobby Conner II, Justin Dangelo, Christopher Edwards, Terren Fields, Reynaldo Bermudez Lacayo, Edward Molesky Jr., Robert Neff, Teresa Rowland, Edward Williams and Igor Vasylovych Yakunkov. Instructor Keith Adamson is at the far right. 20 Seafarers LOG April 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated November 15 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Saleh Abubakar Ahmed, Hisham Almraisi, Stanley Bailey, Breon Boyd, Ernest Carlos, Melgar Dadivas Daguio, Lamar Doctor, Brian Jackson, Kevin Johnson, Rasheed Lee, Marissa Gatbunton Lopez, Jerry Miraflor Maya Jr., Primus Nkemnyi, Jose Rigoberto Norales, Andres NunezRochez, John Rascon, Jonathan White and Saddam Mohamed Yahia. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated November 22 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Michael Banks, Edwin Bunda, Rolando Dayao Calimlim, Jose Felipe Clotter, Briana Davis, Christopher Edwards, Jose Guerrero, Robert Haggerty, Vicki Haggerty, Kyjon Jones, Christopher Kluth, William Lima, Reginald Macon, Dave Martin II, Jason Newsham, Yolanda Ortega-Velez, Emmanuel Outeiral, Eric Reich, Teresa Rowland, Armilton Sawali, James Sieger and Tyrell Nasheed Thabit. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Pumpman – Graduated November 15 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Michael Banks, Raibonne Charles, Bobby Conner II, Justin Dangelo, Christopher Edwards, Terren Fields, Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez, Edward Molesky Jr., Robert Neff, Teresa Rowland, Edward Williams and Igor Vasylovych Yakunkov. Marine Electrician – Graduated November 15 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Christian Bryant, Laura Hollar, Reginald Hunter, Gajatri Normatova and Martin O’Brien. Sterling Cox, their instructor, is at the far left. April 2020 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated December 6 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Dominick Bach, Keegan Brown, Campbell Busbey, Juan Carlos Chevalier, Leonard DeLeon, Evan Dize, Susha Dore, Dakota Guthrie, Mark McCarthy, Steven McKelvey, Lydia Robinson, Joseph Stiklickas, Trevion Williams and Daniel Wood. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-contracted vessels. BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated December 6 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Freeman Adamson, Caleb Andresen, Oswaldo Jose Barrera, Thomas Bateman, Erl Jan Encina, Liam Flanagan, Frankinns Joseph, Thomas Koncul, Cristian Efrain Lalin, Tyler Maddox, Timothy McDonald, Shawn McDowell, David Palumbo, Corey Reseburg, Benjamin Scott, Randy Jahid Slue, Calvetta Taylor, Tara Trillo, Joseph Vaccarino, Kamaul Wells and Joel Williams. Class instructor John Wiegman III is third from left in the front row. Each plans to work in the engine department of union-contracted vessels upon the completion of their training. Galley Ops (Phase III) – Graduated December 6 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Arielle Collier, Quandell Freeman, Kevin Johnson Jr., Paul Pedro Mena, Samuel Ortiz Reyes, Emir Omar Quinones Torres, Jarek Stephan Ramos Santos, Cody Rawlings and Anthony Simpkins. Once their training is completed, each plans to work in the steward department of SIU-crewed vessels. 22 Seafarers LOG April 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated November 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Saleh Abubakar Ahmed, Christopher Coston, Theophil Igielski and Helida Sambula Lorenzo. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated November 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Mohammad Badawy Abou Abdou, Samuel Harris, Joel Aliaga Molinos, George Monseur and Donald Williams. Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated December 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Freddie Costales Castro, Arnell George, Yolanda Martinez, Lissette Ramirez and Richard Salazar Torres. Certified Chief Cook (Module 2) – Graduated November 15 (above, from left): Kyjon Jones and Craig Sorrell. Chief Steward – Graduated December 6 (above, from left): Matthew Conyac, Robeson Carrier and Quentin Hood. Galley Operations – Graduated December 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Salahi Saleh Abdullah Al Salahi, Crystal Cobbs, Ali Nagi Mohamed and James St. Amand. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated December 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Kent Arroyo, Brian Kluth Jr., Edward Lamb Jr., and Eugene Williams Jr. April 2020 Chief Steward 2.0 - Graduated December 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Anthony Jacobson, Lorraine Keelen, Philip Paquette, Mohamed Musa Shibly and Thessolonian Smith. Seafarers LOG 23 �VOLUME 82, NO. 4 APRIL 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Seafarers Deliver In ‘Deep Freeze’ The crew of the tanker Maersk Peary mark their arrival at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. (All photos on this page by Sarah Burford) S eafarers continue to answer the call from McMurdo Station in Antarctica every year, and Operation Deep Freeze 2020 proved to be no exception. Three SIU-crewed ships made the annual journey, aided by the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Polar Star. The first vessel to arrive was the containership MV Ocean Giant, operated by Waterman Steamship, carrying more than 6,000 tons of supplies such as frozen and dry food stores, building materials, vehicles, electronic equipment and parts. These supplies account for nearly 80 percent of the items needed for the continued year-round manning of the scientific research station. The Ocean Giant also delivered a Marine Causeway System, a 65-ton pier that was assembled and installed to be used this year instead of the longstanding ice pier at McMurdo Station, which sustained damage over the The SLNC Magothy is one of three Seafarers-crewed vessels that participated in this year’s Operation Deep Freeze. The SIU-crewed Maersk Peary (right) conducts an at-sea fuel transfer with the U.S. Coast Guard ice-breaker Polar Star en route to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. previous year and was unusable for offload. Once the supplies were delivered, the vessel was loaded with containers of backload, as well as ice-core samples for scientific study and returned to Port Hueneme, California. The MT Maersk Peary, operated by Maersk Line, Limited, arrived second. Once there, the 590-foot tanker offloaded nearly eight million gallons of diesel and jet fuel, which will supply the station for a full year. After the Peary began the return voyage, the SLNC Magothy, operated by Argent Marine, arrived, carrying 5,000 metric tons of construction materials and equipment to be used in an expansion project at McMurdo Station. The Magothy then backloaded the temporary pier and returned to the U.S. SIU members sailing aboard the Ocean Giant included Bosun James Minckler, ABs Jamila King, William Kovacs and Somitya Rana, QE4s Rahsaan Alexander, Jared Latta and Sebastian Krowicki, Electrician Vladimir Loutaev, GUDE Brianna Ashley, Steward/Baker Joshua Bingham, ACU Tuliga Fuega and Apprentice Charles Fischer Jr. The SIU crew of the Maersk Peary included Recertified Bosun Ronald Paradise, ABs Lloyd La Beach, Travis Golightly, Nicholas Hoffman, David Kennedy and June Kirk Margaja, QE4 Rene Hallasgo, Pumpman Rickey Yancey, Wiper Johnny Matthews, Recertified Steward Tony Spain, Chief Cook John Chaney and Steward Assistant Dave Martin. The Seafarers aboard the SLNC Magothy included Recertified Bosun Abdul Hassan, ABs Jerry Gemeniano and Ronald Wikstrom, Oilers Keith Carswell and Jarvis Carter, Steward Baker Tamara Houston and ACU Abdulla Quraish. All three vessels were charted by the U.S. Military Sealift Command. This season, delays in schedules gave the Peary the chance to do an at-sea fuel transfer with the Polar Star on the way to Antarctica. “The slow trudging, wedged together in the ice with Polar Star provided an opportunity to perform a lightering operation,” said the Peary’s Capt. E.M. Hatton. “With only one pump running, we discharged 534,000 gallons of fuel over two days. The operation provided a dress rehearsal for the larger discharge to follow.” Operation Deep Freeze is a joint service, ongoing Defense Support to Civilian Authorities activity in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. SIU members have participated in the annual mobilization for decades. The Seafarers-crewed Ocean Giant conducts cargo offloads at McMurdo Station, Antarctica in mid-January. � 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 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the 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 2010-2019 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS ADDRESS CHANGE FOR SEAFARERS HEADQUARTERS ACTING DHS SECRETARY BACKS JONES ACT PUERTO RICO RELIEF EFFORTS CONTINUE STUDY STRESSES VALUE OF JONES ACT, MARITIME INDUSTRIAL BASE FORMER CONGRESSMAN DEFENDS U.S. SHIPBUILDING SEAFARERS MOURN PASSING OF FRANK PECQUEX UNION, AMA-REPRESENTED COMPANIES SIGN OFF ON ARRAY OF CORONAVIRUS PROTECTIVE PROTOCOLS WHOOPING COUGH COULD AFFECT INDIVIDUALS ACROSS AGE SPECTRUM LNG CONVERSION PROJECTS CONTINUES SEAFARERS DELIVER IN 'DEEP FREEZE' Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 4/1/2020 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 VOLUME 82, NO. 4 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d09afd736881f5a6ca4ab6c759a64d67.pdf 0555ee116f20062791828fa9cfbcb8ad PDF Text Text MAY 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O COVID-19 As the world grapples with the global spread of the COVID-19 virus, SIU members continue delivering vital cargoes and supporting American military personnel (generic image at immediate right). At press time, the only SIU-crewed vessels known to be out of service as a result of the pandemic were the cruise ship Pride of America and numerous NY Waterway passenger ferries. The hospital ships USNS Mercy (above, left) and USNS Comfort (above, right) have mobilized to provide relief by treating non-coronavirus patients in Los Angeles and New York, respectively. The civilian crews of the hospital ships include members of the SIU Government Services Division. The SIU has taken significant steps to help ensure members’ safety while also facilitating the flow of crucial commerce. Mariners have been declared essential workers by federal and state governments. Pages 2-4. (USNS Mercy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey Adams; USNS Comfort photo by Bill Mesta. Maritime Strategy Issued Page 5 OSG Completes Purchase of Tankers Page 10 �President’s Report We’re Up to the Challenge As of this writing in early April, our country was bracing for what was expected to be a surge of confirmed coronavirus cases, despite nationwide efforts to limit their spread. You all know that the COVID-19 pandemic is tragic, complicated and unpredictable. It has upended what we recently considered “normal life” in so many ways. The loss of lives around the world has been devastating; the economic harm figures to be massive. There are two things above all else that I want SIU members and your families to know. First, every decision made by me and our other officials has been done first and foremost with your wellbeing in mind. We have been conducting weekly SIU video conferences (along with participating in what sometimes feels like a million conference calls with various agencies and operators). I open and close those SIU-specific Michael Sacco online meetings the same way: by telling everyone to keep safety at the absolute top of the list in every single action we take. The second main point is that we will indeed get through this together. Our organization has a rock-solid history of rising to the occasion, no matter the circumstances. Our members take a backseat to no one when it comes to serving as America’s fourth arm of defense. No one knows how long the pandemic will last, but better days lie ahead – and SIU-crewed vessels will help lead the way in the recovery. Meanwhile, please make sure you’re getting the latest union news from our website, from our text service if you’re so inclined, and definitely from the hiring halls, which are staffed as usual and reachable by phone and email even though they’re closed to walkins. As many of you know, we’re active on social media as well, so that’s another way to keep up with announcements. I know you’ll stick together, support each other, and keep up your wonderful professionalism aboard the ships. There’s a reason the U.S. Merchant Marine has been designated as an essential part of the workforce – and there is no doubt we’ll deliver. Jones Act Turns 100 On a much different note, next month marks the centennial for arguably the most important maritime law in U.S. history. The Jones Act always has been vital to America’s national, economic and homeland security. Without it, the American-flag fleet would be wiped out, as would the pool of U.S. citizen mariners who crew our commercial and military-support vessels. In turn, our country would face monumental security risks as foreign-flag vessels and boats and foreign crews had free reign on our rivers, waterways and coastlines. The Jones Act regularly comes under attack by foreign-flag interests and misguided free-traders who don’t give a damn about the U.S. Merchant Marine or America’s better interests. They conveniently overlook the bipartisan support enjoyed by the nation’s freight cabotage law, along with the top-level backing from our military leaders. And don’t expect the anti-Jones Act crowd to acknowledge the 653,000 American jobs supported by the law, or the fact that 91 nations around the world maintain some form of cabotage law. The Jones Act was exceptionally sound policy when it was enacted in June 1920. Today, it’s arguably more important than ever, and I’m proud to lead all of us in supporting it. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 5 May 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Maritime Labor Leaders Urge Congress: Protect Jones Act The heads of nine maritime-oriented labor organizations, including SIU President Michael Sacco, recently fired off a letter to the chairs and ranking members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Armed Services committees to preserve the nation’s freight cabotage law (the Jones Act) as they crafted legislation to help American workers and businesses caught in the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The letter arrived on Capitol Hill on March 19 as foreign-flag interests were scheming new ways to cripple the 100-year-old law that states cargo moved from one domestic port to another must be carried aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-flagged vessels. As hotel, casino, restaurant, retail, transportation and manufacturing workers were being laid off, some were calling for financial assistance to the foreign-flag cruise ship industry, which pays little to no federal taxes. The letter reads: “As you may be aware, a number of groups and individuals are attempting to use the current coronavirus pandemic as a rationale to waive one or more of our nation’s maritime cabotage laws. We strongly oppose such efforts and ask your help to ensure that such harmful, unwarranted and unjustifiable waivers of the cabotage laws are not included in the various stimulus packages designed to help the American worker and American industries. “At a time when American workers and their families are facing economic hardship, the public health crisis should not be exploited to the benefit of foreignflagged industries that do not employ American workers, avoid paying U.S. taxes, pay substandard wages to their foreign employees and want to use these hard times to break into our nation’s vital industries,” the letter continued. “We oppose any efforts to waive the Jones Act that would undermine the wellbeing of American mariners and the domestic maritime workforce. When this crisis is over, irresponsibly weakening the fundamental laws governing the U.S. maritime industry would only contribute to the growing loss of American jobs to foreign interests. “We thank you for your consistent support for the American maritime worker and appreciate your efforts to protect American maritime jobs,” the letter concludes. It was signed by Sacco; MEBA President Marshall Ainley; SUP President Dave Connolly; AMO President Paul Doell; Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan; MM&P President Don Marcus; MFOW President Anthony Poplawski; IBU of the Pacific President Marina Secchitano; and Transportation Trades Department President Larry Willis. Jones Act Support Evident in Hearing The leader of the U.S. Maritime Administration and a U.S. congressman both expressed strong backing for America’s freight cabotage law during a March 11 hearing on Capitol Hill. Their respective comments were made as the House Armed Services Subcommittees on Readiness and Seapower and Projection Forces conducted a joint hearing on Sealift and Mobility Requirements and the National Defense Strategy. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut), chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, stated, “This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act. For a century the Jones Act has helped promote a robust domestic maritime industry while preserving our nation’s security. We are a maritime nation and the Jones Act is one of the foundation pillars of a strong maritime policy now and in the future.” Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby said, “We also remain committed to our domestic Jones Act fleet. Jones Act requirements support U.S. shipyards and repair facilities, sustained supply chains that produce and repair American-built ships and the employment of U.S. citizen mariners. It is the indispensable foundation of the U.S. maritime industry and our economic and national security.” The Jones Act, which supports approximately 650,000 American jobs, requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. Approximately 90 nations around the world maintain some form of cabotage law. News Article Further Exposes Pitfalls of Runaway-Flags A story posted by Politico on March 11 focused on how the United States could not effectively deal with the recent coronavirus health scares aboard foreignflag cruise ships, even though a great many Americans were passengers. “The cruise industry disproportionately counts Americans as customers but operates primarily in international waters and avoids tough scrutiny by registering ships mostly in small Caribbean countries with little incentive to enforce international treaties,” wrote Tanya Snyder in an article titled “Coronavirus on the High Seas: Why the U.S. Can’t Touch Cruise Lines.” “That has led to a hodgepodge of loosely enforced standards, which regulators in the U.S. won’t be able to change quickly,” the story added. The article identifies the cruise lines sailing under so-called “flags of convenience,” a system the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has fought against for decades. (The SIU is affiliated with the London-based ITF, which is composed of more than 650 transportation-related unions from 150 countries.) The flag-of-convenience (FOC) system, also known as runaway flags, allows vessel owners from one nation to register their ships in a different country that features lower standards for worker qualifications, safety, pay and taxes, and hire crews from still other nations. (Like the ITF, the SIU also has fought against FOCs for many years.) “In essence, cruise ships are a regulatory black hole,” Snyder wrote. The Politico story listed several attempts by members of the Congress to upgrade the United States’ ability to better enforce health and safety policies on cruise ships with American passengers. These attempts have failed. More recently, international media focused on pas- sengers on several cruise ships being stranded aboard their vessels because the coronavirus was detected among both the crew and tourists. Once a ship docks, according to Politico, a country can apply some jurisdiction. “A Japanese infectious diseases expert was allowed onto the Diamond Princess, where more than 600 passengers were infected with the coronavirus, released a video on YouTube blasting the ‘chaotic’ process to try to control the spread of the disease on board the ship, conducted by people with no background in infection control,” Snyder wrote. Cruise lines have been among the hardest hit during the recent stock market downturn, which led to talk about a possible bailout for the industry, much of which is based in Florida. When Politico reached out to the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), regarding such a proposal, he replied, “They aren’t American. They don’t pay taxes in the United States of America. If they want to reflag their ships … and pay U.S. wages and pay U.S. taxes, then maybe.” FOC cruise lines did not receive money in the relief bill that was enacted in late March. Meanwhile, the ITF over the years has brought thousands of FOC cargo ships under ITF contract while striving to promote a genuine link between flag states and vessels. As pointed out by the ITF, for workers, runaway-flag shipping can mean “very low wages, poor on-board conditions, inadequate food and clean drinking water, and long periods of work without proper rest, leading to stress and fatigue.” The federation further notes that by “flagging out, shipowners can take advantage of minimal regulation, cheap registration fees, low or no taxes, and freedom to employ cheap labor from the global labor market.” May 2020 �COVID-19 PANDEMIC SIU Members Deliver Despite Pandemic Deemed “essential workers” by the federal government, SIU members remained on the job as the world continued grappling with a devastating pandemic. By early April, the coronavirus outbreak had sickened hundreds of thousands around the world, killed tens of thousands, and severely damaged the global economy. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said the COVID-19 pandemic signaled a challenge unseen since World War II. “It is a combination, on one hand, of a disease that represents a threat to everybody in the world and, second, because it has an economic impact that will bring a recession that probably has no parallel in the recent past,” he said. “This is, indeed, the most challenging crisis we have faced since the Second World War.” For the SIU, the pandemic has led to unprecedented steps aimed at protecting individual safety while still facilitating the flow of essential commerce along with military support. In late March, the union announced that its hiring halls were closed to nonemployees until further notice, although members can still conduct their union business by phone, email and fax. The SIU also publicized an agreement with many of its contracted companies that included temporary restrictions to ship, suspension of crew reliefs, and detailed protocols for combatting the virus. At press time, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan was finalizing modifications to various benefits in order to help members and their dependents. The union-affiliated Paul Hall Cen- Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly has his temperature read as part of a COVID-19 screening prior to a tour of the Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Mercy in Los Angeles on March 31. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Natalie M. Byers) ter for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), located in Piney Point, Maryland, also had taken exceptional steps to protect apprentices, upgraders and employ- How to Obtain The Latest Union And Industry Info The SIU is promptly posting and otherwise circulating union- and industry-specific updates related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some ways members can stay informed: Visit the SIU home page: www.seafarers.org. The page includes a prominent section dedicated to COVID-19 news. Sign up for SIU text alerts. We use them sparingly, and anyone can opt out. To sign up, text the word “join” (without the quotation marks, and it’s not case-sensitive) to 97779. Stay in touch with your hiring hall. As reported elsewhere, the halls are closed to non-employees, but are still staffed by union officials and office workers. Call them or email them. For those on social media, check the SIU Facebook page (@SeafarersInternational). Our social-media sites also are linked on the home page of the SIU website. We’re also active on Twitter but generally don’t use that medium for time-sensitive communications to the membership. The SIU home page includes a section dedicated to updates about the pandemic. May 2020 ees. The school in mid-March cancelled or postponed all upcoming classes. However, the PHC also continued to conduct courses already underway, while giving students the option to drop the class and leave, without penalty. At press time, only around a dozen upgraders were at the school, along with around 50 apprentices. Many steps were being taken to keep classrooms, offices and other parts of the campus sanitized while observing “social distancing,” a term that has come to dominate modern dialogue. SIU headquarters cut back to a skeleton crew and was closed to visitors. Employees continued processing claims, pension checks and vacation applications. (Those Seafarers and retirees not already signed up for direct deposit were encouraged to enroll.) The membership assistance department and others also remained open, with reduced staff on hand and others teleworking. Incredibly, as of March 31, the only members who’d been formally diagnosed with the coronavirus were aboard the cruise ship Pride of America. A very small number of positive cases were being addressed aboard the vessel. According to regular communications between the union, company and crew members, morale remained good, and all concerned were handling the situation well. Similarly, rank-and-file reaction to the extraordinary circumstances largely seemed relatively upbeat and determined, notwithstanding questions about possible extra pay, restriction to ship, and crew changes. Seafarers on social media regularly encouraged each other, whether they were working or stuck at home because of various government orders. Members expressed a desire to rise to the occasion, stick together and get through the pandemic, and they clearly maintained a sense of humor despite the challenging circumstances. Recertified Steward Karl Meyer wrote, “Sitting on the hook off Tianjin, China, moving boxes. Commerce does not stop, nor do we.” Chief Cook Sherron DeCoteau posted, “I’m on the beach, but being safe and prepared to relieve my shipmates when needed.” Chief Steward Jorcell Davis encouraged his fellow Seafarers with this popular post: “Steward depart, this is your time to do what you do best. People’s spirits are down and all they have to look forward to is three hot meals and a paycheck…. Put your foot on the gas and go above and beyond. We control the morale on the ships…. Bon voyage, stay safe out there.” While most SIU-crewed vessels (deep sea, Great Lakes and inland) remained in operation, there were at least two notable exceptions. One is the aforementioned Pride of America. The other, collectively, is the passenger ferries owned and operated by NY Waterway. Most of NY Waterway’s customers are daily commuters. With New York at the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S., the company quickly went from having 180 captains and deckhands working aboard dozens of boats to only around a dozen mariners and two or three ferries. By contrast, the SIU-crewed hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort seemed to give the nation a boost when they were mobilized in late March. President Trump travelled to Norfolk, Virginia, to help see off the Comfort as it left for New York; Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly visited the Mercy in Los Angeles. Those vessels’ respective crews include members of the SIU Government Services Division; the Masters, Mates and Pilots; and the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association. The hospital ships were deployed to help relieve overcrowding at hospitals by taking on non-coronavirus patients. “This great ship behind me is a 70,000ton message of hope and solidarity to the incredible people of New York, a place I know very well, a place I love,” Trump said, standing in front of the gleaming Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 3 �COVID-19 PANDEMIC SIU President Sends Message to Membership Editor’s note: This communication was posted to the SIU website on March 23, and also was sent to a number of SIU President Michael Sacco vessels, federal agencies, and ship-operating companies. Dear SIU Brothers and Sisters: Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and patience as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. Through your sacrifices and service, you are writing a significant chapter in SIU history. While the worst part of the pandemic is, obviously, loss of life, I think the other greatest difficulty is not having many answers. People historically are very resilient when they understand the challenge. In this case, no one knows exactly what the “all clear” will look like or when it’ll happen, or even the best way to get there. But in the meantime, I cannot overemphasize this point: Every decision and every action the SIU takes is being done with your safety and health in mind. The health of you and your loved ones is my top priority. The same goes for our officials and employees. That is why, for instance, we not only didn’t object to temporarily stopping routine crew changes and implementing restriction to ship, we supported it. The inconveniences are a sacrifice that must be made in order to maximize your safety. In many ways, this is the shipboard version of helping “flatten curve” (slowing the virus’ spread). At the same time, and as you well know, our country depends on us. The U.S. Merchant Marine is vital to the nation’s national, economic and homeland security. That’s why it’s so important for you to keep up the good work and guard your health. At some point, we also undoubtedly will be at the tip of the spear of the country’s economic recovery. And, at all times, we still must be able to crew up ships if there’s an activation. The union is in virtually constant contact with our ship operators and the leaders at the Maritime Administration, TRANSCOM, and MSC. We’re all pulling together and will continue doing so. I’m sure you’re aware of some of the measures that have been implemented by those agencies, including travel, shore-leave and turnover restrictions. Like us, they’re taking extraordinary measures because these are extraordinary times. In that spirit, I well remember how SIU members realized that times had changed during the Middle East wars – and how you responded in outstanding fashion. I know you’ll do the same now. Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for updates, and you can also stay in touch with your hiring hall. I also recommend periodically checking the National Maritime Center website – we’re re-posting their announcements (for example, the recent one about credential extensions), but of course the information will land there first. I also offer a special word of thanks to our members aboard the hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort – and indeed, to all of our CIVMARS throughout the fleet. Thank you for stepping up during this time of need. Last but definitely not least, I am sensitive to your concerns about your families as you make work-related sacrifices. This goes back to my main point: Every step the union takes is being done in order to maximize the chances of everyone reuniting in good health. Thank you for upholding the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. In Solidarity, Michael Sacco President President Trump Signs $2.2 Trillion U.S. Stimulus Package into Law March 29 President Donald Trump on March 29 signed into law a massive $2.2 trillion stimulus package in an attempt to alleviate the worst effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the American public and the U.S. economy. According to several sources, the farreaching legislation stands as the largest emergency aid package in U.S. history. It represents an enormous financial injection into a struggling economy with provisions aimed at helping American workers, small businesses and industries grappling with the economic disruption. A centerpiece of the stimulus package is that it will provide direct financial assistance to Americans in the form of checks, with the amount received based on income. Individuals who earn $75,000 in adjusted gross income or less will get one-time direct payments of $1,200 each, with married couples earning up to $150,000 receiving $2,400 – and an additional $500 per child. The payment will scale down by income, phasing out entirely at $99,000 for singles and $198,000 for couples without children. It also gives money to directly to state governments, and bolsters the unemployment benefits program. Under the law, jobless benefits will be extended to those not normally covered, such as freelancers and workers in the gig economy. In addition, the package will provide billions of dollars in aid to hard-hit hospitals struggling to deal with the outbreak as well for state and local governments that are cash-strapped due to their response to coronavirus. The new law will also provide distressed businesses and industries with hundreds of billions of dollars – $500 billion to be exact – in zero-interest loans, tax breaks, and other emergency aid. That portion of the package sparked criticism from progressive 4 Seafarers LOG lawmakers like Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez (D-New York), who attacked it on the House floor as a corporate bailout. “We have to go into this vote eyes wide open. What did the Senate majority fight for,” she said. “One of the largest corporate bailouts with as few strings as possible in American history. Shameful! The greed of that fight is wrong for crumbs for our families. And the option that we have is to either let them suffer with nothing or to allow this greed and billions of dollars, which will be leveraged into trillions of dollars, to contribute to the largest income inequality gap in our future.” In a compromise move, the final deal provided for accountability through an independent Inspector General and congressional oversight panel regarding how these funds are dispersed. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, appearing on Fox Business, had a mixed reaction. “The (Senate) bill makes many important investments” but “it falls short in protecting frontline workers and does nothing to preserve America’s pensions,” he said. Service Employees President Mary Kay Henry agreed, calling the measure “a good first step to address the economic and health problems faced by working people of all races and ethnicities.” But it’s “no substitute” for coordinated administration action. “We still need to do more,” she said. “Congress should immediately begin work on a new bill that ensures every working American has paid sick days, everyone can get coronavirus testing and treatment free of charge, no matter their immigration status, and working people continue to come before corporations. In particular, continuing to bar Dreamers, TPS-holders, and undocumented families from access to testing and medical services will have devastating public health consequences.” In New York, Lt. Cmdr. Nevin Yazici demonstrates how to properly fit an N95 respiratory protective device aboard the Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Comfort as the vessel prepares to admit patients March 31 in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sara Eshleman) Seafarers Continue to Perform Vital Mission Even With Worldwide Plague Continued from Page 3 white hull of the Comfort. “We’re here for you. We are fighting for you and we are with you all the way and we always will be. You have the unwavering support of the entire nation.” “I would like to personally thank the men and women embarked aboard Mercy,” said Modly. “I’m proud of the hard work and agility they demonstrated to get the Mercy to Los Angeles (from San Diego) and begin accepting patients almost immediately. “The white hull and red cross of this ship have been a welcome sight around the world, standing at the forefront of our humanitarian mission,” he continued. “And now this great ship is serving our own people in this time of need, providing critical surge hospital capacity to the people of Los Angeles. This is just one of the many ways the Department of the Navy is responding to protect the American people in this time of need.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center posted a series of updates about credentialing and customer service. All 17 of the agency’s regional examination centers and three monitoring units are closed to the public until further notice. Various extensions have been given for merchant mariner credentials, medical certificates and STCW endorsements. Drug-testing protocols also have been modified. May 2020 �DOT Releases National Maritime Strategy Report Spells Out Vital Need for Strong U.S. Merchant Marine America’s long-awaited national maritime strategy is here – and it supports taking aggressive steps to ensure the ongoing viability of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The Department of Transportation earlier this year issued the strategic document in the form of a report to Congress titled, “Goals and Objectives for a Stronger Maritime Nation.” As noted on its cover page, the report was developed by the DOT and its Maritime Administration “with interagency engagement through the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System.” Among other declarations and recommendations, the report expresses powerful backing of the Jones Act, the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), and cargo preference laws. It calls for boosting domestic shipbuilding, repeatedly cites the critical value of merchant mariners, and categorically states the need to recapitalize the Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Mandated by legislation from 2014, the report establishes four “strategic goals” with 39 “objectives” therein. The goals are to “strengthen U.S. Maritime Capabilities Essential to National Security and Economic Prosperity; Ensure the Availability of a U.S. Maritime Workforce that Will Support the Sea lift Resource Needs of the National Security Strategy; Support Enhancement of U.S. Port Infrastructure and Performance; and, Enable Maritime Industry Innovation in Information, Automation, Safety, Environmental Impact and Other Areas.” The DOT has committed to the following steps within one year: prioritize the 39 objectives for near, medium and long-term capability; develop an implementation plan for the near-term objectives; consider a timeline for addressing the medium and long-term objectives; and, review and report on regulations that impact the competitiveness of the U.S.-flag fleet. As noted in the report’s introduction, America’s military sealift capability al- Plans Administrator Issues Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan Notice As you may be aware, the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan’s (SMPPP) last valuation date was December 31, 2019. Since that date, the world has been experiencing a pandemic arising from the spread of COVID-19. A state of national emergency has been declared in the U.S. As a result of the health scare, the financial markets have experienced substantial loses. Unfortunately, the value of your defined contribution account between the valuation date and the disbursement date has been affected. Under federal law, the Plan’s Board of Trustees are required to act in the best interest of all Plan participants. This includes those who are now eligible for distributions from the SMPPP and all the other remaining participants in the Plan. Large withdrawals by few participants could have an unintended detrimental impact on the remaining participants. The Plan must balance the interest of those remaining participants with those who are currently withdrawing their benefits. In order to mitigate the potential size of the losses to the remaining participants, the Trustees have decided to temporarily withhold 20% from all current benefit payments. The Trustees will review this action in the future with the hope that the immediate financial crisis will be resolved, allowing the Plan to remit the balance in the future. Of course, this does not impact the mandatory 20% federal tax withholding that will also be deducted. I hope that you and your family will remain in good health throughout this emergency. – Margaret Bowen, Seafarers Plans Administrator ways has depended on private-sector crews and vessels. “Privately owned U.S.-flag ships in the international trades, the U.S. mariners they employ, and the U.S. shipyards and port facilities that support and sustain the ships’ operation and maintenance have long been relied upon as primary resources to serve as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency,” the report asserts. “These ships, mariners, and facilities have been integral and essential to the defense of our Nation.” In that vein, the report later states, “Maritime readiness supports national security and a more resilient economy. DOT strongly supports DOD and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in their missions to protect our citizens and national interests in times of crisis and natural disaster.” Instructively, the agency cites the historic reliability of U.S. mariners – but warns against any further erosion of the shipboard manpower pool. “The United States maintains a workforce of highly qualified maritime professionals, reflecting a strong tradition of maritime education and training,” DOT says. “As large U.S. flag commercial vessels have left the fleet and international credentialing and certification requirements have become more stringent and costly, it is possible that the size of the mariner workforce will decline. Any further decline of the mariner workforce increases the risk of not having a sufficient number of mariners with appropriate experience and credentials to support sustained operations of more than six months by the full U.S. Government surge sealift fleet, U.S. Government non-surge fleet, and U.S.-flag commercial fleet during a wartime emergency.” Later, the report spells out the aforementioned four goals and underlying objectives. That section includes: Goal 1: Strengthen U.S. Maritime Capabilities Essential to National Security and Economic Prosperity Objectives for Goal 1: 1.1 Leverage U.S. maritime policies to advance U.S. commercial interests in the global economy. 1.2 Increase the use of U.S.-flagged vessels in domestic energy transportation and international energy markets. 1.3 Develop and expand marine highway service options and facilitate their further integration into the current U.S. surface transportation system through the America’s Marine Highway Program, especially where water-based transport is the most efficient, effective and sustainable option. 1.4 Adapt organizational structures and related authorities, roles, and responsibilities to ensure the sustained ability to monitor the global performance of the U.S.-flagged fleet and the third-party organizations that perform delegated inspection and certification functions on the U.S. Government’s behalf. 1.5 Ensure effective use of third parties for inspection and certification by strengthening third-party oversight, auditing, and integrated risk management. 1.6 Address the challenges of the Arctic’s rapidly changing environment to ensure the safety and security of the U.S. marine transportation system. 1.7 Recapitalize the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) with modern vessels as ships reach the end of their usable lives. 1.8 Improve the capability of U.S.-flag international trading vessels to better align with DOD and DOT sealift requirements through a combination of MSP funding, MSC chartering, enforcement of preference cargo requirements, regulatory reform and policy, and incentives to reduce vessel operating costs. 1.9 Examine new ways to support shipbuilding and repair facilities, and increase U.S. coastwise trade for eligible U.S.-flag vessels. 1.10 Enhance the U.S. shipyard base by fostering support for shipyard modernization and innovation, and promoting use of the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) and Construction Reserve Fund (CRF) programs. Continued on Page 11 SIU Regional VP Sends Message to American Steamship Crews Editor’s note: This communication was posted on the SIU website in early March. Dear SIU Brothers and Sisters: On March 6, GATX Corporation formally notified the union that its subsidiary American Steamship Company (ASC) plans to operate all 11 vessels this season. This is what we anticipated, but it wasn’t until a few days ago that we received written confirmation. Further, and as many of you know, GATX is in the process of selling ASC to Rand Logistics, Inc. The transaction is not a certainty and may take many months to finalize, partly because it’s subject to review by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. In any case, the sale will not affect your union contract, which remains in effect until June 15, 2020. The SIU will work with the new owners to secure a subsequent contract and to protect your jobs. In the meantime, please keep up the great work throughout this sailing season. Your continued professionalism will help everyone involved. Fraternally, Tom Orzechowski SIU VP Great Lakes and Inland Waters May 2020 SIU jobs are secure aboard American Steamship Co. vessels including the Walter J. McCarthy Jr., pictured in Superior, Wisconsin. Seafarers LOG 5 �PITCHING IN FOR COMMON GOOD – Prior to the temporary closures of the hiring halls, Jacksonville, Florida-area Seafarers help keep that facility sanitized. In addition to the work of the nighttime cleaning crew, Port Agent Ashley Nelson and staff “wiped down” the hall at least once per day. As usual, SIU members stepped up to help. Among those lending a hand were QMED Steve Wilson (above, left) and Bosun Robert Bryson (above, center). Also pitching in (photo at right, from left) were QMED Lawrence Brooks, AB John Paul and AB Mehdi Youssef. These photos were taken in mid-March. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WITH CIVMARS ON WEST COAST – SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (right) and SIU Representative Jesse Ruth (standing) meet with SIU Government Services Division members in late February at the CSU West Coast. WELCOME ASHORE IN BALTIMORE – Recertified Bosun Brian Fountain (right) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall, where he is congratulated by Port Agent John Hoskins. AT THE JACKSONVILLE HALL – Taking the union oath during the March membership meeting (from left) are QMED Antonio Griffin, OS Darryl Brown and QMED Justin D’Angelo. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right. Brother Griffin received his A-seniority book; the other two Seafarers are B-seniority members who received their full books. ABOARD CROWLEY TUG – Cook/AB Marilyn Olson is pictured aboard the Ocean Wave in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 6 Seafarers LOG WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS – From left, Reefer Engineer Frank Buckman, OS Carlene Mitchell, OS Christian Howe and AB Eric Gardner are pictured aboard the Joshua Humphreys in Norfolk, Virginia, shortly after joining the SIU Government Services Division. May 2020 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN ALGONAC – GUDE Husam Yahya (left in photo at left) receives his B-book from Port Agent Todd Brdak. In photo at center, ACU Ahmed Said (left) gets his A-book from Safety Director Gerret Jarman. (Said was scheduled to upgrade to chief cook.) In remaining photo at right, GUDE Abdulhamid Salem (left) receives his probationary B-book, while AB Abdo Alasaadi (right) picks up his A-book. They are pictured with Jarman. ABOARD OVERSEAS LOS ANGELES – Pictured March 1 aboard the OSG vessel in Richmond, California, are (photo at left, back row, from left) SA Jessie Espiritu, ABG Mohammed Haruna, GUDE Ahmed Saleh, AB Joseph Nicodemus, GUDE Salah Alosfur, (front) Chief Cook Keith Hall, Steward/Baker Johnny Sawyer, Recertified Bosun Teodulfo Alanano and SIU Oakland Port Agent Nick Marrone II AT THE HOUSTON HALL – AB Regina Ewing already was taking the threat of COVID-19 seriously when she stopped by the hall in mid-March. ABOARD SUNSHINE STATE – Pictured on the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel are (from left) Recertified Bosun Marc Marcus, ABM Daniel Harris, ABM Randy Shaw and Third Mate Julian Martinez. The masks were for routine work-related reasons, not COVID-19. May 2020 EMPHASIZING SAFETY – Labor and management always team up at Watco to promote safe operations. Pictured at the company’s marine transfer station in Elizabeth, New Jersey, are (standing, from left) Watco supervisor Andrew Jones, Seafarers Scott Howe, Scott C. Smith, Scott Smith, Thomas Napoli and Watco manager Chris Jackson, and (front, from left) Seafarers Stephen Krupp, Michael Mazzone and Corey Hornig. Seafarers LOG 7 �Several World War II mariners (front row, in dark jackets) were honored at last year’s National Maritime Day ceremony in Washington, D.C. They and their comrades now are eligible for a Congressional Gold Medal. The photo above, taken right after the ceremony, also includes Paul Hall Center apprentices, featured speakers, SIU officials and others. Among those pictured are (back row, from left) SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Port Agent Victor Nunez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, President Michael Sacco, Gen. Stephen Lyons (USA, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command), Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. New Law Honors WWII Mariners with Gold Medal The U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II recently received some long-overdue recognition. President Donald Trump on March 13 signed into law the Merchant Mariners Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020. The legislation previously passed the House and Senate without objection. The measure provides for the award of a Congressional gold medal collectively, to the United States Merchant Mariners of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated and vital service. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress. In an opinion piece published March 14 in the New York Post, Dr. Peter Navarro, assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, wrote, “Let this Congressional Gold Medal not only celebrate some of the most unsung heroes of World War II; let it also reawaken our interest in promoting U.S.flagged ships and credentialed merchant seamen and strengthening our shipyards and broader defense industrial base. Such a result would be a truly lasting tribute to those World War II merchant mariners who defended freedom then and a broad salute to our future merchant mariners who will defend us in the tomorrows to come.” As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the legislation leading to the act becoming law originally was co-sponsored in the House by U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-California), Don Young (R-Alaska) and Susan W. Brooks (R-Indiana) and in the Senate by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Angus King, Jr. (I-Maine), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island). The medal will be displayed in the American Merchant Marine Museum at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York. Duplicates then will be struck and made available to the public. The SIU and the Transportation Institute, alongside a number of other backers, took lead roles in obtaining co-sponsors for both the House and Senate bills. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in wartime service during World War II. “Throughout the Second World War, our armed forces relied on the U.S. Merchant Marine to ferry supplies, cargo and personnel into both theaters of operation, and they paid a heavy price in service to their country,” said Garamendi. “The U.S. Merchant Marine suffered the highest per-capita casualty rate in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. An estimated 8,300 mariners lost their lives, and another 12,000 were wounded, to make sure our service members could keep fighting. Yet, these mariners who put their lives on the line were not even given veteran status until 1988.” He added, “I had the opportunity to meet with three World War II Merchant Mariners in my office. These mariners put their lives on the line for this country, braving German and Japanese submarines in their Liberty ships as they delivered critical supplies to our service members in the European and Pacific theaters. Unfortunately, their sacrifice is commonly overlooked. A Congressional Gold Medal would give them the recognition they deserve, and I’m pleased that this bill is poised to be signed into law to give these veterans and their families the honor and respect they are SIU Headquarters Gets State-Ordered Change of Address dress despite not having physically relocated their headquarters operations. As of April 22, and because of Maryland State Government-ordered action, the street name changed from Auth Way to Capital Gateway Drive. The numerical portion of the address, as well as all phone and fax numbers for the building, remain unchanged. The new address thus became: As previously announced in the Seafarers LOG, the union and the Seafarers Plans now have a new ad- 8 Seafarers LOG owed. Thank you to Senator Murkowski for championing this legislation in the Senate and for her partnership.” “Despite their loyalty and patriotic services and commitment to the United States, our World War II Merchant Mariners didn’t receive their veteran status until nearly 40 years after the war had ended,” Murkowski said. “The merchant mariners provided crucial services during World War II by transporting soldiers, tanks, airplanes, ammunition, fuel and food to aid soldiers on the front lines. This legislation recognizes the unsung heroes of the World War II conflict, for their loyalty and bravery, as they risked their lives to keep the Allied troops properly equipped. I’m thankful my Senate colleagues recognize the importance of honoring the brave merchant mariners for their pivotal role in our nation’s history and their efforts in defense of freedom.” There are approximately 4,000 World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners alive today, according to Murkowski’s office. AMMV Provides Answers To Growing List of ‘FAQs’ About Mariners’ Decoration Editor’s note: The American Merchant Marine Veterans organization developed the following list of frequently asked questions, which answers inquiries about the process for distribution of the recently approved Congressional Gold Medal for WWII Merchant Mariners. It was provided for publication by the American Maritime Partnership. Q: What does “collective medal” mean? A: It means that one Gold Medal will be presented collectively to the entire group of WWII U.S. Merchant Mariners (USMM) who are entitled to receive it. This medal will be housed in the Ameri5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. As members and most other stakeholders are aware, the old address, (since 1982, when the SIU relocated from New York) was 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. The union nor Seafarers Plans sought this address change. In fact, both petitioned responsible officials against it, but can Merchant Marine Museum in Kings Point, New York. The U.S. Mint and the American Merchant Marine Veterans organization (AMMV) will work together to design the final medal. Generally, the medal design process takes about 6-8 months. Q: Who is eligible to receive the Congressional Gold Medal? A: Any Merchant Marine Veteran who served Honorably at any time from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946. This includes all American merchant mariners in oceangoing service Continued on next page to no avail. Other organizations along the same street in Prince George’s County also are being forced to comply with the alteration. The street itself already had been named Capital Gateway Drive beyond the Seafarers building, which is next to a subway station. Mailings from headquarters are being sent to SIU pensioners and other interested parties, alerting them of this change. May 2020 �Labor Mourns Passing Of BCTGM President Durkee Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) International President David B. Durkee passed away March 30 following an extended battle with cancer. He was 66 years old. Durkee was a 47-year member of the union, having started his career in his native Indiana. In announcing his passing, the union’s website stated, “There was no fight he wouldn’t lead, no adversary he wouldn’t confront, if the best interests of the BCTGM were at risk.” Durkee received the Paul Hall Award last year from the Maritime Port Council of Greater New York/New Jersey. He was a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council and had served on the Maritime Trades Department executive board prior to his becoming BCTGM president. “David Durkee always stood up for his members,” recalled MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco. “He was a quiet, effective leader and will be greatly missed.” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said, “The entire labor movement is saddened by the death of Dave Durkee. We have lost a brother, a friend and a fierce defender of working families. Dave spent his life fighting for workers’ rights and advocating for a fair and just society. His dedication to our movement and our country leaves a lasting legacy…. It is a sad day for those of us who had the privilege of knowing Dave. We mourn his passing and will continue to fight like hell for the values he held dear.” United Mine Workers of America International President Cecil E. Roberts stated, “David Durkee was one of my heroes in the labor movement. He fought like a lion on behalf of his members, unafraid to take on giant international corporations with courage, conviction and determination to preserve their jobs, their pensions and their communities. His ability to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions was an inspira- David Durkee (right) is pictured last year with MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan. tion not just to me, but to all who worked with him.” The BCTGM further described Durkee as “an amazing and sometimes radical union activist but also an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. A devoted family man, he always said the fight was about more than the gains we could win FAQ: Merchant Mariners Of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020 for present union members; the fight was to make a better world for his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.” When he was honored by the port council, Durkee said the late Paul Hall (who served as SIU and MTD President from 1957 to 1980) stood for “strong and principled leadership … creativity, innovation and breaking new indicated, individual veterans desiring a medal may purchase them at a cost of about $54; family members of deceased mariners can purchase the CGM in their honor for the same price. Costs associated with the purchase of the bronze replica are beyond the scope of the government’s responsibility; however, a funding site possibly will be set up for donations so that each veteran will receive their medals free of cost. Continued from Page 8 during the period of armed conflict, December 7, 1941, to August 15, 1945, and who meet the following prerequisites: „�Was employed by the War Shipping Administration or Office of Defense Transportation (or their agents) as a merchant seaman documented by the U.S. Coast Guard or the Department of Commerce (Merchant Mariner’s Document/Certificate of Service), or as a civil servant employed by the U.S. Army Transport Service (later redesignated U.S. Army Transportation Corps, Water Division) or the Naval Transportation Service, and „�Served satisfactorily as a crew member during the period of armed conflict (December 7, 1941, to August 15, 1945) aboard merchant vessels in oceangoing—foreign, intercoastal, or coastwise—service (per 46 U.S.C. §§10301 and 10501) and further to include near foreign voyages between the United States and Canada, Mexico, or the West Indies via ocean routes, or public vessels in oceangoing service or foreign waters. Q: Will each eligible veteran receive a Congressional Gold Medal? A: No. Only one Congressional Gold Medal will be minted and housed at the Kings Point Merchant Marine Museum. Individual veterans desiring a medal must each apply for and purchase replica bronze medals at a cost of about $54 each. Family members of deceased mariners will be allowed to purchase a replica bronze medal on behalf of their family member. Q: Are veterans expected to pay for the bronze replica of the CGM? A: Yes. In accordance with the law, bronze replicas of the U.S. Merchant Marine CGM will be available for sale by mid-2021. These replicas and other CGMs are also available as the law allows for purchase via the U.S. Mint’s online catalog. As was previously May 2020 Q: Are families of deceased veterans eligible to receive a bronze replica of the CGM? A: Yes, the closest surviving relative of a deceased veteran may receive a bronze duplicate of the CGM on behalf of the veteran. It is the deceased veteran, however, (not the next of kin) who is the awardee of the CGM under Public Law 115-337 Q: How and when do I apply for this bronze replica? A: Currently, there is no time frame for when the application process or the medals will be complete. Usually, a veterans’ group, along with the government, will establish and implement a registration process. No such process exists yet. The AMMV will publish updated information on its website as it becomes available. Historically, individuals and groups approved for medals have received them approximately 8-10 months after earning them. As examples, the Filipino Scouts WWII were approved for the medal in December 2016 and were awarded their medals in October of 2017. The Chinese American WWII Veterans were approved for their medals in December 2018. They were slated to accept their medals in the fall of 2019; however, the ceremony has been changed to the Spring of 2020 (now cancelled) in Washington, D.C. Medal awards are normally a threeday program hosted by the government and include tours, dinners and ceremonies. Q: What if I cannot go to D.C. for the ceremony? A: To ensure that all veterans receive their medals, the plan is for several regional ceremonies to be conducted across the country. At this point, 12 regional ceremonies (covering almost every section of the nation) are in the works. Details will be made available as soon as possible. Q: What kind of information is required to qualify for the CGM? ground to improve the lives and standard of living of his members and their families … unflinching courage … an unyielding commitment to the highest values and standards of trade unionism. He was about labor solidarity and always being there for fellow union members and he never forgot where he came from.” A: The veteran’s military service can be verified by the following documentation: „�Submission of Honorable Discharge or Separation Papers (DD-214) „� Other forms of verification can be used, but these will not be made public until they are received from Congress. All documents must be scanned and uploaded. Veterans/family members should not mail in anything or send any original documents. Those who do not own or have access to scanners should visit any of the following sources to scan documents (once it is safe): university or college library; public library; retail outlets such as Kinko’s/FedEx, UPS Stores, Office Depot or Office Max; and neighbors or family members. Q: How do I get my relative’s DD-214? A: Three options are available through which family members may obtain their relatives’ DD-214: Option 1 – The easiest way is to contact your congressman. For those who don’t know who their congressperson is, visit www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative. Congressmen have access to all records and can get them more easily. Normally, congressmen are very accommodating in this regard. They may present medals directly to veterans or family members. Should this be the case, it’s a great idea to take photos or invite local media to attend the ceremony. Option 2 – For those who do not wish to go through their congressperson, DD-214s may be obtained through the mail. For those choosing this option, visit www.usmm.org/contact.htm1#contact2. This site contains all information required to obtain the needed form. Option 3 – Go to the U.S. Coast Guard website at www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/AssistantCommandant-for-Prevention-Policy-CG-5P/National-Maritime-Center-NMC/record_request. This site contains a wealth information on mariner records and how to obtain them. Q: Where can I direct additional questions? A: Contact the AMMV’s national headquarters: P.O. Box 2024 Darien, CT 06820-2024 Phone: (475) 470-9200 Email: ammermarvets@gmail.com Seafarers LOG 9 �SIU President Issues Pre-Balloting Report May 4, 2020 Pursuant to Article X, section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am submitting my Pre-Balloting Report. As everyone is aware, the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the adoption of procedural changes by most organizations and businesses around the world. The SIU Executive Board, in an effort to protect the health and safety of the membership and staff, has suspended inperson membership meetings until it is deemed safe to resume them. My pre-balloting report, by constitution and practice, is generally read at the regular May membership meetings; however, at this time it appears unlikely that we will be able to hold in-person meetings in May. We will endeavor to get the information contained in my report to the membership by all means reasonably possible. The following is my report. The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2021-2024 will commence on November 1, 2020 and continue through December 31, 2020. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our Constitution, as amended and effective March 15, 2013, 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 2020 General Election of Officers for the term 2021–2024: „ 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 West Coast „ 1 Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters „ 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 West Coast „ 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters „ 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries „ 10 Port Agents There shall be one (1) Port Agent in each of the ten (10) constitutional ports; namely: New Jersey, 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, 2020 and close August 15, 2020. The foregoing constitutes your President’s PreBalloting Report and, subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Fraternally submitted, Michael Sacco President Puerto Rico Rebuilds During Pandemic While the nation adjusts to new precautions stemming from the continuing outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), unions and their members are still hard at work helping the affected areas of Puerto Rico rebuild after a series of devastating earthquakes in January. Now, the union-led relief efforts are facing the added challenge of working to provide aid during this COVID-19 pandemic. SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo said, “Our situation in Puerto Rico, pertaining to COVID-19, is no different than the mainland. The Puerto Rican governement has established a curfew, from 7 p.m. till 5 a.m., with no exceptions unless one works in the healthcare, transportation, or security industries.” Crespo continued, “As far our local membership, so far no one has informed me that they are sick with the virus, thank God. I’m in contact with the membership that’s returning to their respective jobs, assisting them with documents, clinicals and whatever else is required to return to work, and none of them have contracted the virus.” He concluded, “In other words, the work continues.” SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) pauses from unloading a cargo container of relief supplies to pose for a picture with other Seafarers. Historian Recalls Plight Of Mariners on High Seas During World War II Continued from Page 20 of the German Reich. We are not yielding and we do not propose to yield.” There were other incidents involving American ships prior to Pearl Harbor: the bombing of the Steel Seafarer in the Gulf of Suez; the sinking of the freighter Lehigh; the mysterious disappearance of the tanker Astral, and the sinking of the freighter Sagahodac only four days before the attack upon Honolulu. But it was in January 1942 that the merchant marine felt the full fury of the war at sea. And then, with a suddenness that found us totally unprepared, the U-boats struck – not in foreign waters nor on the convoy routes to Europe, but along the shores of our own Atlantic Coast. One of the first ships to feel this Nazi thrust in the western Atlantic was the SIU-manned City of Atlanta. U-Boat Lane There was a chill breeze and a long, glassy swell on the sea, as the SIU-manned Seatrain Texas came up the Carolina coast at full speed in the morning of January 19, 1942. Captain Albert Dalzell was on the bridge and every officer and unlicensed man aboard was on the alert, for Sparks had been receiving messages of ships being attacked by submarines. During the night there had been flashes of gunfire on the horizon and, though they supposed it was practice fire by the Navy or Coast Guard, they were taking no chances. The ship was holding as close to the shore as safe navigation would permit. The officer of the watch had just taken a bearing on Wimble Shoals buoy, when a call came from the lookout that there was wreckage on the water ahead. Captain Dalzell got his glasses and swept the sea in the direction toward which the lookout had pointed. There were small black specks bobbing on the long swells and, as he focused more clearly on the area, he saw a man’s hand wave from one of the bits of flotsam. It waved again, weakly. All he could see was the hand, for the man’s head and shoulders were too close to the water. Turning to the Mate, the Skipper ordered a boat prepared for lowering. The engine room telegraph jingled as speed was decreased, and the freighter ran swiftly up on the scattered wreckage now becoming more visible. They could see pieces of boards and shattered odds and ends of ship’s fittings strewn for a mile here and there across the undulating water, but careful scrutiny through the glasses revealed only five bodies amid the debris. One man was holding onto the frame of a wheelhouse door. As the Seatrain Texas came to a stop, the lifeboat was put quickly over the side in the well-coordinated movements of a veteran crew and was soon pulling through the water-soaked wreckage. The boat’s crew worked fast, for Captain Dalzell couldn’t endanger his vessel and her crew a minute longer than was necessary. For all they knew, a submarine was watching every movement they made. To Be Continued Overseas Shipholding Group Completes ATC Purchase Company Also Announces Plans to Build ATB Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG) recently announced that its subsidiaries have completed the purchase of three SIU-crewed, U.S.-flagged tankers – the Alaskan Explorer, Alaskan Legend, and Alaskan Navigator – from BP Oil Shipping Company USA and BP AMI Leasing Inc. OSG has also entered into a bareboat charter with BP for a fourth vessel, the Alaskan Frontier, as well as completing the acquisition of Alaska Tanker Company LLC (ATC), which still serves as 10 Seafarers LOG the operator of the vessels. As previously reported, all SIU jobs remain secure aboard the ships. The vessels purchased will continue to be operated by ATC under time charters with BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc., with firm charter periods lasting until 2022, 2025, and 2026. Each charter also provides for five one-year extension options. OSG President and CEO Sam Norton stated, “The swift completion of this series of transactions within 80 days of reaching definitive agreements is a testimony to both the commitment of and co-operation among OSG and ATC personnel. All involved worked extremely hard to bring about the successful outcome that we are announcing today, an outcome that once again reflects well on both organizations’ focus on excellence in execution of all aspects of work undertaken. I am gratified to be part of such a dedicated team of professionals and salute their achievement.” Norton continued, “We have long viewed consolidation among owners of Jones Act tankers as an opportunity for OSG to build on its industry-leading franchise in serving the distribution needs of domestic oil producers and refiners. The addition of ATC and its operated vessels to OSG’s platform is a notable achievement in this context, providing the opportunity for substantial additional revenue in the years to come and cementing a long-standing presence in the highly demanding and important Alaskan crude oil trade.” Anil Mathur, ATC’s outgoing president and CEO, and special advisor to OSG, stated, “These are indeed exciting times for ATC. Being part of the OSG family provides new additional opportunities for ATC personnel. I am also pleased that we are retaining the shipboard and the shore support personnel directly responsible for the operations integrity of the tankers. This best provides for continuity of ATC’s strong safety and environmental performance.” Meanwhile, OSG in late March announced that it has finalized plans to build an articulated tug-barge (ATB) at Gunderson Marine in Portland, Oregon. The new tonnage is slated for delivery later this year. May 2020 �New Maritime Strategy Supports Ensuring Viability Of Strong Merchant Marine Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 3-April 2. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 3. Total Registered Continued from Page 5 Port A All Groups B Total Shipped C A All Groups B Registered on Beach C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C Goal 2: Ensure the Availability of a U.S. Maritime Workforce that Will Support the Sealift Resource Needs of the National Security Strategy Objectives for Goal 2: 2.1 Attract and equip mariners and other maritime workers with skills needed to support the Nation’s sealift and economic needs. 2.2 Develop an accurate roster of sealift-qualified mariner volunteers. 2.3 Foster innovation in maritime education and training…. 2.9 Support the training and education of unlicensed mariners (ratings) using domestic Centers of Maritime Excellence. 2.10 Incentivize the qualification of steam engineers to assure an adequate pool to support full RFF activation until full RRF recapitalization is achieved. 2.11 Engage with community colleges, K-12 schools, and non-SMA training institutions to promote the development of future mariners and other skilled maritime workers. 2.12 Work with interagency partners to improve credentialing processes for mariners, shipyard workers, port workers, and transitioning veterans. Before the report was finalized, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a related document explaining the background of the maritime policy mandate (and offering candid looks at why the report was delayed). In the course of its own reporting, the GAO underscored the importance of the Jones Act, pointing out that one purpose of the nation’s freight cabotage law “is to provide the nation with a strong domestic maritime industry that can serve as a naval or military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency.” Modifying or repealing the law would cripple the industry, according the Jones Act supporters, and while the GAO didn’t phrase the point as strongly, it did acknowledge that such steps would “affect the reliability of the industry and have a negative effect on the U.S.-flag maritime industry and national security.” Later, the GAO indirectly quoted Defense officials who cited the need for more U.S.-flag tankers, partly because “access to allied foreign-flag petroleum tankers is increasingly uncertain in the current geo-political environment.” ATTENTION SEAFARERS Another New Ship SPAD Works For You Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD May 2020 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer 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 This month’s question was answered March 26 by upgraders at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What are some of your thoughts about the pandemic? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Lareesa Warren Chief Cook Honestly, being with the union, I think we lucked out being on this side, since we’re able to still have employment, whereas a lot of people with land jobs are having more of a struggle than we are. I feel a lot safer here at Piney Point than I would at home. Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Esperanza Crespo Chief Cook It’s dangerous. The whole world is suffering. Things are going fine at the school. We’re taking care of everything – washing our hands, maintaining distance from each other, things like that. I think it’s going to last a few more months, maybe even the whole year. BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 Robert Hunter Chief Cook So far, since I’ve been at the school, I feel they are taking proper precautions to make sure we are safe. This is something to take seriously, but we as a country should have had things in place to prevent it from happening. I agree with slowly winding down, not taking in more upgraders. The union has taken the measures they need to take to make sure we’re safe. HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 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 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 Myles Otis Chief Cook I’m glad that we made it to the school right before this started. A lot of people left, but I’m glad we were able to stay to complete our program. The pandemic is definitely crazy – I have to check on family and friends every day. Being a chief cook, I’ve been staying clean as normal. That’s routine to me, but some people aren’t as sanitary. I’m still in good spirits. All I can do is pray for anybody who has it. Ronald Williams Chief Cook It wasn’t as serious in the beginning, but now the seriousness is disturbing. I believe we’ll get through it. The school is going great, and in fact, this is one of the places I prefer to be now that the pandemic is going on. There are no active cases here, and the chances of running across a case are very slim. I like my chances here more so than in any city. Seth Alonzo Chief Cook I know everyone is worried, but I’m trying to keep focused and stay openminded and not go crazy. I’m being patient, taking it one step at time. It’s not too busy at school, since there are mainly just chief cooks and some staff here. I’d probably say half a year from now, roughly, we’ll be through it. Pic From The Past The Hoosier Mariner, pictured in 1953, carried an SIU crew and initially was operated by Isthmian. According to the U.S. Maritime Administration, the vessel was one of the final ships designed by the U.S. Maritime Commission. “The Mariner-class (ships) did not go into production until after the U.S. government had reorganized the agency as the Maritime Administration under the Department of Commerce,” MARAD notes. The ships were “successors to the warera Victory ships and standard ‘C’ types.” The agency “built 29 Mariners for six of the larger U.S. shipping companies between 1952 and 1955.” Mariner-class ships were 564 feet long, had a capacity of 14,000 deadweight tons, and an operational speed of 20 knots. 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 2020 �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 JOEMAR ABAGAT Brother Joemar Abagat, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1993, initially sailing on the Producer. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1996. Brother Abagat most recently sailed on the Liberty. He makes his home in San Diego. ROBERTA BLUM Sister Roberta Blum, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1980 when she sailed aboard the Voyager. She was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Blum’s final vessel was the Eugene Obregon. She makes her home in New Rochelle, New York. CHRISTOPHER BROERMAN Brother Christopher Broerman, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1979, initially shipping on the Aleutian Developer. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1988. Brother Broerman last sailed on the Tacoma in 2000. He resides in Bullhead City, Arizona. JAMES BURNS Brother James Burns, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Penny. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Burns last shipped on the Maersk Missouri. He calls Newbury Port, Massachusetts, home. LEOPOLDO CALDERON Brother Leopoldo Calderon, 66, signed on with the Seafarers in 1999, when he sailed on the Silas Bent. He was a steward department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Calderon most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Denver. He resides in Richmond, Texas. FRANK CAMPOBASSO Brother Frank Campobasso, 67, started shipping with the union in 1973, initially sailing on the Brooklyn. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother Campobasso’s final vessel was the Maersk Idaho. He lives in Tuckerton, New Jersey. BRIAN FOUNTAIN Brother Brian Fountain, 67, joined the union in 1980. He was a member of the deck department and first sailed aboard the Cantigny. Brother Fountain upgraded often at the Piney May 2020 Point school. He most recently shipped on the Florida and settled in Baltimore. DONALD GILBERT Brother Donald Gilbert, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1977 when he sailed aboard the Galveston. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1980. Brother Gilbert’s final vessel was the Overseas New Orleans. He makes his home in Huntsville, Alabama. CRESCENCIO GONZALEZ Brother Crescencio Gonzalez, 66, signed on with the union in 2005, first sailing on the Sirius. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and was an engine department member. Brother Gonzalez’s last ship was the SBX. He resides in Miami. TINO GUITY Brother Tino Guity, 69, joined the union in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Chemical Pioneer. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Kinloss. Brother Guity lives in Bronx, New York. CHARLES HORTON Brother Charles Horton, 65, began shipping with the union in 2006 when he sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Horton last shipped on the SBX. He resides in Mount Vernon, Missouri. JIMMIE JOSEPH Brother Jimmie Joseph, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2002, first sailing on the Chemical Explorer. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Joseph’s last vessel was the Green Ridge. He settled in Kennard, Texas. ROBERT MENSCHING Brother Robert Mensching, 60, signed on with the SIU in 1988. A steward department member, he initially sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Mensching upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the American Liberty. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. WILLIAM MOE Brother William Moe, 65, joined the union in 1982, first sailing aboard the Independence. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Moe most recently sailed aboard the Maunalei and settled in Henderson, Nevada. ROBERT MORRISON Brother Robert Morrison, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2005, initially shipping on the USNS Chesapeake. A deck department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Morrison last sailed aboard the Yorktown Express. He calls Grand Island, Florida, home. ARTIS PILGRIM Brother Artis Pilgrim, 57, started his career with the Seafarers in 1999 when he sailed on the Robert E. Lee. He was a steward department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Pilgrim’s final vessel was the Liberty Glory. He lives in Sugarland, Texas. ROBERT SMITH Brother Robert Smith, 65, joined the SIU in 1977, initially sailing aboard the Long Lines. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1979 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Smith last sailed on the Virgo and makes his home in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. BENNIE SPENCER Brother Bennie Spencer, 61, signed on with the union in 1978 when he shipped on the Cantigny. The deck department member upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Spencer most recently sailed aboard the Gopher State. He lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. RUSTY STEWART Brother Rusty Stewart, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1972. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Stewart’s first vessel was the Merrimac; his last, the Liberty. He calls Poulsbo, Washington, home. DELSRAEL WILLIAMS Brother Delsrael Williams, 48, began sailing with the union in 1998, initially working on the Bellatrix. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Williams last sailed on the Overseas Texas City. He resides in Hammond, Louisiana. MICHAEL ZOABI Brother Michael Zoabi, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1987. He was a steward department member and first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Zoabi upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the SBX and settled in Honolulu. G&H Towing. Sailing in the engine department, he remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Cook makes his home in La Marque, Texas. LUIS GOMEZ Brother Luis Gomez, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1976. He was first employed by Crowley Puerto Rico and shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Gomez most recently sailed with Puerto Rico Towing and Barge. He resides in Puerto Rico. GREAT LAKES CHARLES ALLEN Brother Charles Allen, 66, joined the union in 1975, when he shipped on the Sam Laud. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Allen concluded his career aboard the Padre Island and resides in Kingston, Washington. DENNIS FITZPATRICK Brother Dennis Fitzpatrick, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1974, initially sailing aboard the J.A. King. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Fitzpatrick most recently shipped on the American Mariner and settled in Alpena, Michigan. INLAND DONALD BOND Brother Donald Bond, 59, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1990. He was first employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia and primarily sailed in the engine department. Brother Bond upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked for Penn Maritime and lives in Saucier, Mississippi. RILEY BUSH Brother Riley Bush, 62, joined the union in 1983. He first worked for HVIDE Marine and primarily sailed in the engine department. Brother Bush most recently shipped aboard the Zeus. He calls Jasper, Texas, home. HOWARD COOK Brother Howard Cook, 60, signed on with the SIU in 2000, working with BILLY HARROFF Brother Billy Harroff, 66, joined the SIU in 1978, first working for G&H Towing. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Harroff last sailed aboard the William Button in 1991. He settled in Mesquite, Texas. RICHARD HEATH Brother Richard Heath, 63, signed on with the union in 1981. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1996. Brother Heath was employed by Moran Towing of Texas for the duration of his career. He resides in Kerens, Texas. ROBERT KIEFFER Brother Robert Kieffer, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Sugar Island. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Kieffer’s final vessel was the Padre Island. He settled in Reno, Nevada. LAVERN MCDOWELL Brother Lavern McDowell, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1999 when he sailed aboard the Alaska. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001. Brother McDowell last shipped with Foss Maritime. He makes his home in Mobile, Alabama. NMU CYNTHIA SASSE Sister Cynthia Sasse, 69, signed on with the union in 2001. She sailed with the NMU prior to the SIU/ NMU merger. Sister Sasse sailed in the steward department and last shipped aboard the Liberator. She is a Houston resident. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA NASAR ALFAQIH Pensioner Nasar Alfaqih, 86, died February 23. He signed on with the SIU in 1969 and first shipped on the Frank Denton. Brother Alfaqih was a member of the steward department. He concluded his career on the Express and became a pensioner in 1999. Brother Alfaqih resided in Hamtramck, Michigan. PABLO ALVAREZ Pensioner Pablo Alvarez, 71, passed away February 29. He joined the SIU in 1989. A steward department member, Brother Alvarez first sailed aboard the Independence. He last shipped on the Harriette and went on pension in 2010. Brother Alvarez was a Houston resident. SILVERIO ARANA Pensioner Silverio Arana, 89, died February 1. He began sailing with the union in 1985 when he shipped on the USNS Algol. Brother Arana was a member of the steward department. He concluded his career on the Robert E. Lee and retired in 2001. Brother Arana lived in Houston. MICHAEL BAUGHMAN Pensioner Michael Baughman, 70, passed away March 3. He began his career with the SIU in 1999, initially sailing aboard the Cape Jacob. Brother Baughman was an engine department member, and became a pensioner in 2014. He made his home in Grafton, West Virginia. Brother Boone was a steward department member and last sailed on the Robert E. Lee. He retired in 1991 and made his home in New Orleans. RAMON BORRERO Pensioner Ramon Borrero, 53, died March 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1987 when he sailed on the Libra. An engine department member, Brother Borrero concluded his career on the Isla Bella. He began collecting his pension in 2017 and resided in Puerto Rico. JIMMIE BROWN Pensioner Jimmie Brown, 80, passed away March 29. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1958 when he sailed with Ocean Cargo Ships Inc. An engine department member, Brother Brown last worked on the Consumer. He retired in 2011 and settled in Freeport, Florida. NORMAN DUBOIS Pensioner Norman Dubois, 95, died March 29. He started sailing with the SIU in 1953. Brother Dubois sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Sam Houston. He became a pensioner in 1986 and resided in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. WILLIAM FEAZEL Pensioner William Feazel, 74, passed away March 6. He signed on with the SIU in 2000 when he sailed aboard the USNS Effective. Brother Feazel worked in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Paul Buck and went on pension in 2009. Brother Feazel lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. LAVERNE BERASIS Pensioner Laverne Berasis, 80, died March 27. She joined the union in 1998, and her first vessel was the Independence. Sister Berasis was a steward department member and last shipped on the USNS Charlton. She began collecting her pension in 2011 and settled in Honolulu. RICHARD HILBERT Pensioner Richard Hilbert, 74, died March 12. He joined the Seafarers in 1990, first sailing on the Cape Clear. Brother Hilbert was a member of the deck department. He last shipped on the Honor, and began collecting his pension in 2010. Brother Hilbert was a resident of St. Petersburg, Florida. DANIEL BOONE Pensioner Daniel Boone, 93, passed away March 12. He donned the SIU colors in 1959, initially working for Isco Inc. OGDEN LAFAYE Pensioner Ogden Lafaye, 79, passed away February 8. He began his career with the union 14 Seafarers LOG in 1981, initially sailing aboard the Liberator. Brother Lafaye shipped in the engine department. He last sailed on the Motivator before going on pension in 2009. Brother Lafaye called Roseburg, Virginia, home. JULIO LOBO Brother Julio Lobo, 65, has passed away. He joined the SIU in 2001 and sailed in the steward department. Brother Lobo’s first vessel was the Energy Enterprise; his last, the Maersk Saratoga. He resided in New Bedford, Massachusetts, WILLIE MADISON Pensioner Willie Madison, 74, died February 22. He started sailing with the SIU in 1967, initially shipping on the Mayaguez. Brother Madison sailed in the steward department and concluded his career on the Lightning. He retired in 2015 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. EFRAIN VELAZQUEZ Pensioner Efrain Velazquez, 83, passed away March 9. He joined the union in 1969 when he sailed aboard the Ames Victory. Brother Velazquez worked in both the steward and engine departments. He went on pension in 2001 after sailing on his final vessel, the Mayaguez. Brother Velazquez made his home in Deltona, Florida. GREAT LAKES MARVIN LARSON Pensioner Marvin Larson, 82, passed away March 7. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing on the American Republic. Brother Larson was a steward department member and concluded his career on the Buffalo. He went on pension in 2002 and called Alpena, Michigan, home. INLAND FELIX AGUILAR Pensioner Felix Aguilar, 81, died February 29. He donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he worked for Crowley Puerto Rico. Brother Aguilar was a member of the deck department and continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. He retired in 2001 and lived in Puerto Rico. LARRY JAMIESON Pensioner Larry Jamieson, 69, passed away February 21. He started sailing with the SIU in 1979, initially working for Crowley Towing & Transportation. Brother Jamieson primarily shipped in the steward department. He last sailed for Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning, and went on pension in 2011. He resided in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. JAMES PRUITT Pensioner James Pruitt, 78, died March 7. Signing on with the SIU in 1969, he first worked for Steuart Transportation. Brother Pruitt was a member of the deck department. He last shipped with Express Marine, and became a pensioner in 2003. Brother Pruitt lived in Crisfield, Maryland. Towing of Virginia. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Roughton remained with the same company for his entire career. He began collecting his pension in 2003 and was a resident of Chesapeake, Virginia. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Canales, Esequiel Canu, Albert Derkits, Michael Funke, Fred Hamilton, Fred Jones, William Mendez, Rafael Pope, James Racine, Eustase AGE 98 96 94 87 84 94 90 90 97 DOD 03/15/2020 03/02/2020 03/07/2020 03/12/2020 03/01/2020 02/05/2020 10/19/2019 02/20/2020 03/18/2020 CHARLES ROUGHTON Pensioner Charles Roughton, 81, passed away February 22. He joined the SIU in 1962 when he worked for McAllister UNION PLUS CAN HELP COVID-19 has impacted all of us. Union Plus can help. Our Union Plus program partners have accommodations for members struggling during this public health crisis. Participants in our Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan, or Supplemental Insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance through the Union Plus Mortgage Assistance Program and Union Plus Hardship Help. Visit unionplus.org and follow Union Plus on Facebook at facebook.com/unionplus for ongoing program updates and resources. Be well and stay healthy, The Union Plus team For details visit unionplus.org 5/20 May 2020 �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. Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), January 19 – Chairman Karl Mayhew, Secretary Memo Elfeky, Educational Director Darrell Goggins, Engine Delegate Syed Iqbal, Steward Delegate Leonardo Bagnol. Educational director reminded members to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks for steward department for a job well done, including SA Leonardo Bagnol, who was nominated for January Safety Award. Daymen Rogelio Agustin and Mariano Lino were awarded the November and December Safety Awards, respectively. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship Management), January 26 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary Mohsen Ali Al-Adani, Educational Director Anthony Hulsey, Deck Delegate Michael Ross, Engine Delegate Jr Lee Eludo, Steward Delegate Michael Ray. Chairman advised crew to leave clean rooms for relief members and to stay on top of documents. Secretary reminded members to return dishes to galley. Educational director encouraged crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested more soda and snacks on board, a better selection of movies and a PlayStation 4 game console. New mattress support pads needed. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals. Next port: Portland, Oregon. JOHN U.D. PAGE (Sealift Inc.), February 5 – Chairman Eugene Perez, Secretary Raymond Gordon, Engine Delegate Nathan Bryant, Steward Delegate Toddrick Harold. Members discussed Wi-Fi access aboard ship. Chairman thanked crew for working together at shipyard. Secretary reiterated importance of cleanliness on ship. Educational director mentioned Culinary 2.0 courses and recommended upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. Crew requested company-provided coveralls and personal protective equipment for work conditions. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were encouraged to donated to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), February 7 – Chairman Terry Hester, Secretary Ronoldo Torres, Educational Director Trever Cohn, Deck Delegate John Walsh, Engine Delegate Abdulnaser Saeed, Steward Delegate Erik Loret. Chairman encouraged crew to read President’s Report in Seafarers LOG (available online and in print). Vote of thanks given to the steward department for good food. Educational director advised members to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increase in vacation pay and TVs in each stateroom. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. USNS BRUCE C. HEEZEN (Ocean Shipholdings), February 9 – Secretary Sean Outlaw, Ed- ucational Director Randy Corey, Steward Delegate Lizzy Robinson. Cargo hoist installation taking place on ship. Members were encouraged to maintain a healthy work environment. Chairman reminded crew to continue working safely. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew went over President’s Report from LOG. Members requested eight hours off for every 30 hours worked or 16 days for 30. In the (hypothetical) event of harassment, crew was directed to use proper chain of command and have the ability to provide valid facts, dates, times, etc. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), February 20 – Chairman Leroy Sierra, Secre- tary Oscar Gomez, Educational Director Jing Hui Huang, Steward Delegate Alfrancis Bauzon. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members expressed appreciation for Wi-Fi installation. New vacuum needed. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for a job well done. Crew gave special thanks to captain for his support and putting extra money in the pot. Teaming up for Military Exercise The SIU-crewed Baldomero Lopez looms large as Navy personnel see an improved lighterage system in action Feb. 13 in Mayport, Florida. The offload operations were part of an exercise described by the Navy as training “critical expeditionary capabilities and facilitates bridging the seam between operations on land and sea.” The Lopez is operated by Crowley. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryin J. Venegas) Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt May 2020 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #858 – Graduated December 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandon Bradley, Eliezer Estremera, Joel Frederick, Stephen Fretwell, Steven Gray, Alexus Guillory, Joseph Horton, Cordera Looney, Julian Misla-Mendez, Taylor Rabb, Reinaldo Rivera, Johanns Rivera-Rivera, Kevin Santiago De Jesus, Kameron Sims, Melvin Singletary, Matthew Waiwaiole, Devon Watson and Herbert Weiss. Welding – Graduated January 31 (above, left): Hector Jose Ginel. With Ginel is his instructor, Chris Raley. Government Vessels (Apprentices) – Graduated January 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Edward Harnish, Kendall Harris, Robert Lange, Jamal Matthews, D’Artis Mitchell, Eric Amauris Rivas-Martinez and Juan Rafael SantiagoRobles. Government Vessels (Upgraders) – Graduated December 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Glennorris Alston III, Erik Bain, Marlon Brown, Johnathan Davis, Matthew Juan Domen, William Flores-Gueits, Cody Higgs, Joanna Hoyt, Ferdinand Gabonada Hullana, Nicholas Jackson, Christopher Janics, Austin Leamer, Michael McDonald, Alexandre Mitchell, Ian Nichols, Christian Perito, Walter Sleva, Mykola Smirnov, Krystal Vancil, Enrique Velez, Steve Voth, Antonio Watson and Gary Williams. 16 Seafarers LOG May 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes BAPO – Graduated December 6: Javier Murillo (above, left) and Johnathan Davis. RFPNW – Graduated December 6: Hamlet Ferreras (above, left) and Jose Gonzalez. Tankship Familiarization LG – Graduated December 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Mohamed Abdul Alomari, Christopher Baxter, Manolo Velasquez Delos Santos, Leopoldo Estrada Martinez, Jose Gonzalez, Richard Huffman, Tina Knox, Joseph Eligino Lacaden, Nathaniel Miller, Waverly Moore, Jason Newsham, Renaudo Pierce, Abel Rios Jr., Chester Roberson Jr., Christopher Lim Sanchez, Jose Smith, Dennis Vale and Duane Washington. MSC Ship Reaction Force – Graduated January 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Bell-Wright, Kees Elling, Joshua Hinton, Devin Hoerr, Michael Pockat II, Salvador Vela Jr., Davis Vickery, Aleksey Gavrilovich Vigovskiy and Samuel Watterson. Class instructors John Thomas and Matthew Rogers are at the far left and far right, respectively. May 2020 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated January 10 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Brandy Baker, Jorge Arturo Corrales Barrantes, Thomas Cyrus Jr., Archie Eldridge Jr., Marvette Gallop, Devon Gray, Carter Powell, Hermano Rony Sillon, Benjamin Stanley and Nadiyah Taylor. Basic Motor Plant – Graduated November 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdul-Ghaffar Abu-Bakr, Rodney Holmes, Donte Sawyer, Reginald White and Saddam Mohamed Yahia. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated November 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Gonzalez, Kurt Walker and Jonathan White. 18 Seafarers LOG Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated December 13: Michael Covington (above). Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated November 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Antonio Jose Hernandez, Anthony Pace, Gennadiy Yuryevich Skripochenko, Rebecca Soriano and Edward Williams. May 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Certified Chief Cook (Module 1) – Graduated January 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Howard Brooks Jr., Mashonda Corley, Steven Ariel Lopez Ferrer, Lebrena Simmons and Darius Williams. Certified Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated January 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Steven Eberspacher, Alberto Casintahan Insong, Fernando Javier Marques Ortiz and Michelle Taylor. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated January 31 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Earl Castain, Justo Rufino Lacayo, Simone Solomon and James Watson. Certified Chief Cook (Module 3) – Graduated February 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Howard Brooks Jr., Kristina Jones and Luis Sony Perez-Menendez Jr. Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated February 7 (above, from left) Teresito Oflas Reyes, Edgar Villanueva Castillo and Marcelo Guevarra Param. Chief Steward – Graduated February 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Bryan Onill Alvarez, Johnson Ashun, Jesus Geovannie Ortiz-Rivera and Jayson Velez-Cruz. (Note: Not all are pictured.) May 2020 Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated February 14 (above, in alphabetical order): John Greubel, Christina Mateer and Norma West. Seafarers LOG 19 �VOLUME 82, NO. 5 MAY 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Union Document Recalls SIU’s War Effort Editor’s note: Coinciding with enactment of the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020, the LOG is reprinting excerpts from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the war. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Ready Then – Ready Now! As timely as the next call for duty is this brief story of the Seafarers in World War II. It’s a story of heroism and daring and a tremendous job ably done. Trained crews from the Seafarers International Union are ready now – just as they were in World War II – to sail the ships wherever the freights of war must go; to bring home those hundreds of vital materials indispensable to our industrial economy. Before any of the nation’s armed services were ready for all-out duty in World War II, the merchant marine and the men who manned it were on the front lines of global action. No executive manifestos, no formal enlistment, no testings of loyalty or pledges of devotion to their country’s service were required to put SIU crews into action or prove their willingness to face danger – and death. They helped to man the nation’s cargo carriers long before there were guns or convoys to protect them, inspired by that sense of patriotism and pride of profession which has characterized the maritime industry and its merchant seamen time and again throughout the nation’s history. As employees of a private industry which converted almost overnight to 100 percent war service, SIU crews did their jobs in World War II with an efficiency that saved the nation millions of dollars. They were paid at wage rates prevailing in shore-side industries for comparable skills and responsibilities, not to mention the great personal risk to which they were subjected in front line service. Throughout the war, SIU ships were crewed through the union’s hiring halls in an efficient system of manning which dispatched thousands of men to freighters, tugs, tankers and transports. The union also served as a practical means of recruiting personnel for the merchant service. Through a great expansion of facilities since the war, the SIU is well equipped to do the job of recruitment and manning even more completely in any future emergency. In these critical days when the nation’s armed forces are scattered over large parts of the world and we are becoming increasingly dependent on foreign lands for raw materials, the merchant marine is one of the country’s most vital assets. Historically resilient and tough of fiber, nurturing a race of men who are skillful and resourceful, the merchant marine is ever first to make available its men and facilities for the nation’s service. And the men of the Seafarers International Union are ready now as they were in 1942 to write another chapter of loy- The SIU-crewed Robin Moor is pictured in 1941 alty and able performance of duty into the annals of the American merchant service. The Robin Moor … Prelude To War This is the story of SIU ships in World War II – the thrilling saga of the cargo ships and the men who sailed them over the far-flung ocean tracks to write an epic chapter in American maritime history. Here is the story of the storm-swept, submarine-swept, bomb-packed road to Russia over the misty Arctic – the epic of the ships that sailed alone during the first hectic months after Pearl Harbor, when there were no coastal convoys and torpedoed tankers became faming pyres along our eastern seaboard; when the freight ships and the tankers went out unprotected and unarmed but never lacked for crews. Here, too, is the log of fighting freighters whose Oerlikon guns traced tales of high courage in a myriad of foreign skies. Wherever the freights of war were needed, these cargo carriers sailed them through. SIU ships freighted everything imaginable in the way of war goods and the necessities of life to our Allies, to our overseas garrisons, to the beachheads and the supply ports for the fighting fronts. Assorted Cargoes Ships left the States loaded deep with everything from cigarettes to Sherman tanks; with barbed wire, guns, powder, railroad cars, airplanes, dehydrated eggs, beans, grain, flour, bombs, trucks, clothing, oil, gasoline – and so many other items that a complete manifest could never be made of it all. In addition to supplying half the world with fuel, food and the tools of war, ships of the Seafarers International Union brought back to this, the world’s arsenal of democracy, the vital raw materials without which a war effort on such a tremendous scale would have been impossible. Little has been said about this homeward-bound traffic from foreign lands during the war, but it was just as important as the bombs, the grain and the cannon that were carried out of American ports in an endless stream for five warharried years. Our freighters and those of our Allies brought to this country manganese, burlap, mica, rubber, timber, bauxite, iron ore, sugar, jute, spices and hundreds of other industrial necessities, without which we would have found the fighting of a war not only most inconvenient but downright impossible. They also helped to carry what normal commerce there was between the United States and Caribbean, Central and South American countries, which depended upon us for the numerous requirements of daily existence. When the war at sea was finally through and bright lights shone through the open ports of ships at sea, on peaceful missions once again, the Seafarers International Union had paid a heavy price in ships and men. The merchant marine as a whole lost 6,000 seamen, dead or missing. A total of 1,554 America-flag ships were lost by torpedoing, bombing, mines and the varied other accidents of war. Of these, no less than 570 were lost in direct action with the enemy! Our merchant marine had its baptism of fire long before Pearl Harbor. The SS City of Rayville struck a mine and sank off Australia in 1940 to be followed by the Charles Pratt, a Standard Oil Company tanker, which was torpedoed off West Africa in December of the same year. Even before these actions, the SS City of Flint had made the headlines and caused an international furor when it was captured, while en route to Norway in October 1939, by the German pocket battleship Deutschland on the charge that it was carrying contraband. After the eventual release of this ship and her crew, it was still many months before Pearl Harbor. Then came the incident of the SIU-manned SS Robin Moor, bound for South Africa from New York, which was shelled and sunk by a German submarine, eliciting from President Roosevelt a historic pronouncement on freedom of the seas. Chief Officer Melvin Mundy was on the bridge of the Robin Moor at four o’clock in the morning of May 21, when he saw a light blinking on the horizon, signaling in international code the letters AAA or “what ship are you?” Mr. Mundy answered: “American steamship, Robin Moor.” Captain William W. Myers came on the bridge, and to the Moor’s question “Who are you?” the answer was signaled back “Submarine.” This was followed by the com- mand, “Don’t use your wireless.” A boat was then launched from the freighter, according to the U-boat’s orders, and pulled over to the submarine, where the Germans questioned First Mate Mundy about the vessel’s destination and cargo. The sub commander insisted that the Robin Moor carried contraband, despite Mr. Mundy’s assertions that the cargo included nothing more warlike than pleasure automobiles, engines, tin plate, and general merchandise for South African stores. Crew and passengers were given 20 minutes to dress and get into the boats, after which the sub put 33 shells into the ship, sinking her in 18 minutes and without any chance to dispatch an SOS. Until weeks later nothing was known of the freighter’s fate, for the submarine departed without reporting the incident and the 45 crew members and passengers were left adrift. Of the four lifeboats that got safely away from the ship, the first was picked up by a freighter 13 days later and the last was not found until it had sailed 700 miles, its occupants subsisting on a meager ration of biscuits and water. When the first survivors of the Robin Moor were landed and news of the sinking stirred the nation, President Roosevelt sent a special message to Congress. The date was June 20, 1941. Said the President: “I am under the necessity of bringing to the attention of the Congress the ruthless sinking by a German submarine of an American ship, the Robin Moor, in the South Atlantic Ocean (25 degrees and 40 minutes west, 6 degrees and 10 minutes north) while the vessel was on the high seas en route to Africa. ‘We are not Yielding’ “…. We must take it that notice has now been served upon us that no American ship or cargo on any of the seven seas can consider itself immune from the acts of piracy. Notice is served on us, in effect, that the German Reich proposes so to intimidate the United States that we would be dissuaded from carrying out our chosen policy of helping Britain to survive. “…. Were we to yield on this we would inevitably submit to world domination at the hands of the present leaders Continued on Page 10 � 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 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the 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 2010-2019 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: MARITIME LABOR LEADERS URGE CONGRESS: PROTECT JONES ACT JONES ACT SUPPORT EVIDENT IN HEARING NEWS ARTICLE FURTHER EXPOSES PITFALLS OF RUNAWAY-FLAGS SIU MEMBERS DELIVER DESPITE PANDEMIC SIU PRESIDENT SENDS MESSAGE TO MEMBERSHIP PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS $2.2 TRILLION U.S. STIMULUS PACKAGE INTO LAW MARCH 29 DOT RELEASES NATIONAL MARITIME STRATEGY PLANS ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN NOTICE SIU REGIONAL VP SENDS MESSAGE TO AMERICAN STEAMSHIP CREWS NEW LAW HONORS WWII MARINERS WITH GOLD MEDAL AMMV PROVIDES ANSWERS TO GROWING LIST OF 'FAQS' ABOUT MARINERS' DECORATION LABOR MOURNS PASSING OF BCTGM PRESIDENT DURKEE SIU PRESIDENT ISSUES PRE-BALLOTING REPORT PUERTO RICO REBUILDS DURING PANDEMIC OVERSEAS SHIPHOLDING GROUP COMPLETES ATC PURCHASE UNION DOCUMENT RECALLS SIU'S WAR EFFORT 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 5/1/2020 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. 82, No. 5 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/10bca92d7cb342de02013d7b240007c5.pdf 42da4248d7eb04c9f62714a9fdedd6c7 PDF Text Text JUNE 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Delivers During Pandemic Seafarers Adapt to Worldwide Challenges As the United States continues grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, dedicated SIU members are still on the job – in addition to assisting others in their respective communities. Virtually no part of life has been unaffected by the global outbreak, but despite a few vessels laying up in late April, the vast majority of SIU-crewed ships are still operating. In the large group photo at immediate right, Seafarers aboard the USNS Maury (operated by Ocean Shipholdings) demonstrate social distancing during a group photo. Pictured from left are (first row) OMU Kevin Willis, OMU Zachary Cartwright, MDR Brandon Maeda, SK Michael Dupee, (second row) Bosun Kwesi Adu-Gyamfi, (third row) SA Pedro Maysonet, AB Christian Nunez, GVA Mason Kamhed, GVA Arabi Muthala, (back row) Steward/Baker Christopher King and OMU Karl Morrow. In photo directly below, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman (right) checks the temperature of an oncoming individual at the gangway of the USNS Algol (Ocean Duchess) in San Francisco. Acuman built the testing area in part to block the wind. In the remaining photos at the lower right, SIU personnel pitch in with a Honolulu food drive to assist local residents. Pictured from left in the group photo are SIU Safety Director Amber Akana, Dion Dizon of the Hawaii AFL-CIO, and SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. Page 3. New Coalition Page 4 SIU Election Info Page 6 Pension Plan Funding Notice Page 8 �President’s Report Worthy Addition to Next Stimulus For all the alterations to day-to-day life brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing that hasn’t changed is the SIU’s constant effort to promote and protect the U.S. Merchant Marine. As reported elsewhere in this edition and on our website, American maritime remains fully engaged in standing up for the Jones Act (which turns 100 this month), the Maritime Security Program, cargo-preference laws – and, most importantly to me, for the dedicated mariners who continue to deliver during this time of crisis. There is another important topic, however, that is flying at least a little bit under the radar as Congress weighs the potential contents of its next stimulus package. That subject is retirement security, and no matter what happens this summer, it’s certainly an issue we are bound to hear discussed during election season. We are fortunate in the SIU. Again as reported elsewhere in this issue, the Seafarers Pension Plan is fully funded and in great shape. (Members have additional avenues toward retirement security, including the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, and the Seafarers 401K Plan.) But that doesn’t mean the future is guaranteed, or Michael Sacco that many millions of our fellow Americans aren’t concerned about having enough money for retirement. Age doesn’t matter. True, a 25-year-old may not be looking at retirement income the same way a 55-year-old would, but planning a secure future is something that affects everyone. Thanks to the struggles of union members following World War II, blue-collar workers gave up part of their contracted pay raises to invest in pensions for retirement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized this when he said, “The Labor Movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, government relief for the destitute, and above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life.” For many union members, multiemployer pension plans were created. These programs typically covered highly mobile workers who moved from one employer to another, often for short periods of time. Some of the industries included transportation, building and construction, entertainment, retail and others. In these industries, the workers would belong to one union but have different employers throughout their careers. The average plan would have between 500 to 2,000 participants, with between 20 to 40 contributing employers. Pensions supplemented by Social Security and savings were considered a mainstay of the middle-class. However, the financial downturns at the beginning of this century hit companies and workers hard. Industry deregulation and other factors led to companies merging or going out of business. Changes in the law allowed creative usage of bankruptcy by firms to discard their pension obligations. Therefore, fewer companies with downsized workforces were paying less into these plans. While many of the nearly 1,400 multiemployer plans weathered these storms, just over 100 have not been as fortunate. With that in mind, the AFL-CIO has endorsed passage of the Rehabilitation of Multiemployer Pensions Act, also known as the Butch Lewis Act. The bill addresses the multiemployer pension crisis facing more than one million Americans, serving as an important backstop to ensure that retirees do not lose the pensions they earned through decades of hard work. The Butch Lewis Act would address the pension crisis by creating a new office within the Treasury Department called the Pension Rehabilitation Administration (PRA). The PRA would allow pension plans to borrow money needed to remain solvent and continue providing security for retirees and workers for decades to come. In order to do this, the PRA would sell Treasury-issued bonds to large investors in the open market, such as financial firms. The PRA would then lend the money from the sale of bonds to the financially troubled pension plans with long-term, low-interest loans, buying time for the pension plans to continue providing benefits while refocusing their investments for long-term health. The Butch Lewis Act was awaiting action by the U.S. Senate after being approved in the House of Representatives last summer. It’s now a candidate for addition to the next stimulus package, and that’s a move that makes sense for our country. Defense Scholar: Time is Now To Refocus on U.S.-Flag Fleet Loren Thompson, the chief operating officer for the Lexington Institute, recently wrote an op-ed for the Forbes website strongly stating that the current coronavirus pandemic should refocus the government’s attention to rebuilding the U.S.-flag fleet. In an April 17 article titled “Coronavirus Makes the National Security Case for Rebuilding U.S. Maritime Power Compelling,” Thompson states as China continues to expand its maritime footprint around the world, especially in shipbuilding and global port operations, America is sailing away. “The problem here isn’t that China is competing with U.S. maritime interests and winning,” he notes. “The problem is that official Washington has largely deserted the field, failing to frame policies that can maintain a reasonable balance of maritime interests.” After recalling how U.S. maritime capabilities were severely lacking at the start of both World War I and II, Thompson reflects how in the present time, “This could be disastrous for the United States. In a major conflict, the U.S. might lack the capacity to import essential goods from other countries, it might lack the shipping tonnage to sustain a protracted sealift effort, and it might lack the merchant seamen to operate what vessels it does possess. “Without a reasonably robust American-flagged commercial fleet, there won’t be enough experi- enced seamen to sustain a military sealift operation in wartime,” he adds. Thompson saluted the efforts to support and protect the Jones Act (the nation’s freight cabotage law) and the Maritime Security Program (which provides annual stipends for 60 militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels capable of being deployed in military or national emergency operations), but they are not enough: “Such policies are helpful but inadequate.” He proposes Congress “bolster the American commercial oceangoing fleet and mariner community by raising the cargo preference requirement for all federally assisted loads to 100 percent.” In addition, he believes there should be a comprehensive domestic shipbuilding program and an effort to “defray the differential operating costs of U.S. ships once they went to sea, since some nations impose virtually no requirements on the credentialing and work conditions of merchant mariners.” Thompson wraps up his case by stating, “As policymakers rethink economic priorities in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis, now would be a good time to recommit to being a first-class commercial seafaring nation.” The Lexington Institute is a Virginia-based public policy think-tank that focuses on national security-related issues. U.S.-Flag Maritime Industry United in Opposing Oil Companies’ Scheme for Jones Act Waiver Union and non-union mariners, shipowners, dredgers, schools, barge operators, pilots, suppliers and other stakeholders within the U.S.-flag maritime industry – large and small – recently joined together to send a letter to President Donald Trump indicating their vehement opposition to waiving the Jones Act, the nation’s freight cabotage law. The letter was sent to the White House on April 2, one day before the president met with executives from oil and petroleum companies who publicly expressed their desire to waive the 100-year-old law. SIU President Michael Sacco was among the letter’s nearly 250 signers. According to numerous sources, including ones from the meeting, the waiver request didn’t happen. “Waiving the Jones Act means outsourcing American maritime jobs to foreign shipping companies that do not pay U.S. taxes,” the letter reads. “Many of the foreign vessels would have been made in China and are operated by foreign crews who do not pay U.S. taxes and cannot be counted on to go into harm’s way for America’s interests.” The letter further notes, “The American domestic maritime industry produces 650,000 jobs nationwide that have been designated by the Department of Homeland Security as part of the essential critical infrastructure workforce.” Referring to the current coronavirus pandemic and the economic downturn it has caused, the letter continues, “A Jones Act waiver in these circumstances – replacing American mariners and American ships with foreign mariners and foreign ships in our home waters – is unnecessary and contrary to our collective need to come together as a nation to fight this virus.” The SIU has long fought for the Jones Act, which continues to receive bipartisan support on Capitol Hill despite continuous efforts by outside forces to cripple the law. More than 90 countries have some type of cabotage law on their books. With Seafarers Aboard Maersk Michigan O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 6 June 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Part of the SIU crew is pictured aboard the vessel in April while delivering cargo in the Far East. Included are Pumpman Walden Galacgac, AB Donald Bernard, Chief Steward Elizabeth Byrd, AB Zachary Ballard, GVA Ibrahim Ghalib, AB Hussen Mohamed, AB DM Fernando Haber, QMED Theodore Gonzales, AB DM Tomas Calderon Robinson and QMED Raymond Roldan. Thanks to vessel master Capt. T. Pham for the photo and IDs. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG June 2020 �COVID-19 PANDEMIC The Global Sentinel deck gang is pictured behind a flag painting done by Thor Young. (See page 4 for additional photos from the Sentinel.) SIU Weathering COVID-19 Pandemic Union Ramps Up Crew Changes; USCG Eases Requirements With the world still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, SIU crews around the globe continued delivering the goods as of early May. At press time, a few SIU-crewed ships were on the verge of laying up due to lack of cargo – a direct result of the novel coronavirus that had infected more than one million people worldwide while claiming more than 66,000 lives in the United States. However, the vast majority of Seafarers-crewed vessels and tugs were still operating. Two noteworthy exceptions are the cruise ship Pride of America and the passenger ferries of NY Waterway. The cruise ship has been idled in Honolulu since mid-March, and it remains the only known vessel where any SIU members (a minimal number) have been diagnosed with the virus. Most of NY Waterway’s ferries are out of service because of quarantines in New York and New Jersey. With U.S. unemployment having already reached Great Recession levels and threatening to worsen, the U.S. Merchant Marine’s essential nature has been underscored while mariners remain on the job. Perhaps the two most visible examples were the CIVMARcrewed hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, both of which were mobilized fairly early in the crisis. However, in terms of scope and sheer numbers, the larger contribution to U.S. national, economic and homeland security is being made by various cargo ships, tankers, tugs, barges and other platforms. Meanwhile, the SIU in late April implemented protocols for larger-scale crew changes following an initial month-long moratorium that was designed to protect members’ safety. Preparations also were being made to reopen the hiring halls whenever it’s safe to do so (there is no target date for now), and modifications were made to some of the Seafarers Plans in order to assist participants. The U.S. Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration, respectively, also made numerous alterations covering testing for credentials, renewals, TWICs and more. Similarly, the State Department announced that U.S. Passport Services will accommodate mariners whose current valid passports expire within 13 months, and those who need a passport for international voyages. (Editor’s note: All of these developments are reported in detail on the SIU website. Check the COVID-19 section on our home page.) While Seafarers largely seem to have adapted to myriad changes caused by the pandemic, one contentious subject exists in Precautionary setups are now the norm on SIU-crewed ships, including the USNS Maury. June 2020 the SIU Government Services Division. The SIU (along with the MM&P and MEBA) filed a grievance against the Military Sealift Command because of a restriction-to-ship order that the unions charge is not being applied to non-crew members. In part, the SIU grievance (which only applies to federal-sector mariners) reads, “The SIU recognizes we are living through extraordinary and distressing times and we support all reasonable efforts to keep the CIVMAR crews safe, but this restriction is not achieving that goal and is causing extreme distress to the unlicensed members we represent.” Meanwhile, at least one SIU-crewed ship initially didn’t feel much of a disruption. The Global Sentinel (SubCom) had been at sea from Feb. 20 through most of April, laying cable on the West Coast. “We are one of the safest ships out there,” noted Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman. “We are about to touch dry land and then head out for 70 more days. The crew that is coming on has been quarantined for 14 days in a hotel. The entire ship is grateful and thanks the union for their support.” He added, “The crew has been great and just rolled with the punches.” AB Alicia Plunkett makes the most of extra shipboard time on the USNS John Glenn (Ocean Shipholdings) in Saipan. At press time, SIU headquarters continued operating with a skeleton crew, as did the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The school was still training approximately 30 apprentices, but all upgrading courses had concluded. Modifications are happening in hiring halls for whenever the facilities can safely reopen. These late-April photos from Houston show new dividers at the counter (bottom right), fresh paint (left), and wider spacing of seating arrangements (top right). Seafarers LOG 3 �New Wisconsin Maritime Coalition Announced In late April, labor and business leaders from around the Badger State stood up the Wisconsin Domestic Maritime Coalition (WIDMAC) as the voice of the domestic maritime industry in Wisconsin. The coalition, comprised of leading unions and employers from throughout the state, launched with an announcement of 41% growth of domestic maritime industry jobs in Wisconsin. These jobs are critical to the state’s supply chain, enabling the delivery of vital resources and supplies that businesses and citizens need during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the findings of a new report conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the Transportation Institute (TI), Wisconsin ranks among the top 20 states in the nation for the number of domestic maritime jobs, employing 9,670 individuals and generating more than $635.3 million in worker income. This thriving industry produces $2.2 billion annually for the Wisconsin economy – an 88% increase since the previous study was completed. The backbone of the domestic maritime in- dustry is the Jones Act, serving as a pillar of economic strength and job creation for Wisconsin. Specifically, this law states that the transportation of cargo between U.S. points is reserved for ships that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American. The new coalition will educate state leaders, media, and policymakers on the importance of this vibrant, growing industry, fighting for the nearly 10,000 domestic maritime workers in the state who continue to keep America’s supply chain moving forward in a safe and efficient manner. “It’s a fact – the Jones Act is a jobs creator and economic driver for Wisconsin,” said Michael Gerhardt, president of WIDMAC and vice president of the Dredging Contractors of America. “Shipyards alone account for more than 8,000 jobs and $437.2 million in worker income, having delivered over 1,800 American-made vessels for the U.S. government and private sector, including over 60 dredges. Deep-draft commercial ports and small recreational harbors are dredged and kept open by second- and third-generation family-owned, entrepreneurial U.S. companies, enabling domestic shipping companies to move millions of tons of cargo each year, which boosts local economies and strengthens the overall health of the state.” James Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association, said, “Great Lakes vessels carry the raw materials that drive the nation’s economy. Our lakers are crucial to keeping the American economy running, and maritime workers across Wisconsin have stepped up to meet demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our ships are made and maintained in Wisconsin shipyards and move iron ore, grain, and coal from Wisconsin ports and deliver salt, cement, stone, and fuel to Wisconsin docks. With many of our sailors living in Wisconsin, we proudly stand up for this vibrant, all-American maritime economy.” “The state of Wisconsin is a leader in the domestic maritime industry, supporting over 9,000 family-wage jobs and contributing over $2.2 billion to the economy,” said James L. Henry, TI chairman and president. “The findings in our most recent study and growing impacts in Wisconsin demonstrate the strength and necessity of the Jones Act.” “These numbers show how the Jones Act is crucial to not only national security but also economic security and job growth. We’re proud to see the domestic maritime industry’s investments in Wisconsin lead to job growth like this,” said Michael Roberts, president of the American Maritime Partnership. Thanks to the Jones Act, the domestic maritime industry now employs approximately 650,000 Americans across all 50 states, creates $41 billion in labor income for American workers, and adds more than $154.8 billion in annual economic output each year. Nationally, there are more than 40,000 American vessels – built in American shipyards, crewed by American mariners, and owned by American companies – that operate in our waters 24-hours a day, seven days a week. With Seafarers Aboard Global Sentinel Galley gang, led by Chief Steward Josh Hinton Chief Electrician Aleksey Vigovskiy ABs Mike Pockat, Ivan Perez and Alex Reyes 4 Seafarers LOG AB Tony Arizala June 2020 �USA Maritime to Congress: Prioritize Sealift A major maritime coalition recently urged the United States Congress to support America’s sealift capability. USA Maritime, to which the SIU is affiliated, sent a communication in late April to the majority and minority leaders in both the House and Senate. The letter was signed by the SIU and other affiliates. It was delivered to the respective offices of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-New York), House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California). The letter reads as follows: “On behalf of the undersigned maritime labor organizations and U.S.-flag shipping companies belonging to the USA Maritime Coalition and operating and crewing all U.S.flag vessels enrolled in the Maritime Security Program, we respectfully ask Congress for urgently needed assistance to sustain our industry’s essential role in protecting and enhancing our nation’s economic and military security, and to ensure the continued retention and employment of the essential American maritime workforce who crew our U.S.-flag vessels. Assistance as requested below will ensure that the militarily-useful commercial vessels enrolled in the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and their U.S. citizen crews remain in a state of operational readiness available to provide the commercial sealift readiness capability as needed by the Department of Defense. We respectfully ask that such assistance be a priority as Congress considers the next Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. “The worldwide impact of COVID-19 is having a significant and extremely negative effect on the operation of U.S.-flag vessels in the international trades. The COVID-19 emergency has essentially stopped the global commercial seaborne trade and halted most U.S. military and civilian government cargo on which the U.S. maritime industry largely depends. This situation, which shows no realistic signs of ending any time in the immediate future, puts at severe risk the ongoing ability of our industry to provide the sealift readiness capability and surge support relied upon by the Department of Defense and to support American troops deployed anywhere in the world. Moreover, without the assistance we are requesting, there is a serious risk that the already dangerous shortfall in the number of trained and qualified American merchant mariners will worsen, thereby jeopardizing sealift readiness. “As you know, Congress has repeatedly reaffirmed its strong support for the Maritime Security Program and the critical importance of maintaining its maritime security fleet of 60 militarily-useful United States-flag and United States citizen-crewed commercial vessels. Congress has demonstrated this support most recently by including language in the last national defense authorizations legislation to extend the program through fiscal year 2035. Equally important, at the same time Congress GOP Senators Urge President to Leave Jones Act Alone Seven United States Senators — all Republicans — called on President Trump to keep the Jones Act intact, and even look for ways to strengthen it, during the nation’s coronavirus pandemic. The elected officials represent various parts of the nation. The signatories to the letter supporting the Jones Act are Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy of Louisiana, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, and Deb Fischer of Nebraska. Dated April 27, the letter to the president reads: “We appreciate the strong leadership you have shown during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. As the nation prepares to reopen the economy, we urge you to oppose any proposal that would weaken the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly referred to as the Jones Act (P.L. 66-261). Undermining this law would cost American jobs and damage the domestic maritime industry. “The Jones Act has enhanced American prosperity and national security for 100 years. It ensures that maritime transportation between two U.S. ports is carried out by vessels that are U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-crewed. The law is fully consistent with your Buy American, Hire American agenda. “Unfortunately, opponents of the Jones Act have used the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to attempt to undermine existing law. There is absolutely no connection between the Jones Act and COVID-19. In fact, the law has helped produce the types of vessels and qualified mariners necessary to support a variety of crisis response operations. If anything, the Administration and Congress should look for ways to strengthen the Jones Act. “We ask that you join us in opposing any efforts to weaken the Jones Act.” As noted in the letter, passage of the Jones Act occurred 100 years ago. Since the SIU was chartered in 1938, the union has fought constantly for the nation’s freight cabotage law, which declares any cargo moved from one American port to another must be carried by U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-flagged vessels. More than 90 nations have some form of cabotage laws in existence. June 2020 adjusted the annual stipend that supplements the revenue derived through the carriage of commercial and government cargoes in order to ensure the continued operation of the vessels enrolled in the maritime security fleet. Taken together, these three components – the annual stipend available under MSP, the carriage of commercial cargo, and the carriage of government cargoes – are the primary means by which the U.S.-flag international fleet ensures that our country can depend on the U.S.-flag vessels, worldwide intermodal logistics networks and U.S. citizen crews needed to provide the requisite commercial sealift readiness capability when needed by our nation. “Absent significant action by Congress, vessels enrolled in the MSP are facing protracted lay-up, and the American mariners who crew these vessels are facing long-term unemployment. The assistance we are requesting will significantly mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on the U.S.-flag international fleet, the U.S. citizen merchant mariners who have been recognized as part of America’s essential workforce, and the commercial sealift capability provided by our industry under the Maritime Security Program. While the stipend plus an emergency relief payment will leave significant carrier expenses uncovered, including those related to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, the emergency readiness payment will permit the MSP vessels to remain 100% militarily ready, including full crewing, during the crisis. “Specifically, we respectfully ask Congress to approve an emergency relief payment to offset the negative impacts of COVID-19. This payment is essential to maintain the U.S.-flag vessels enrolled in the MSP in a constant state of operational readiness, which includes the continued full employment of a vessel’s crew. We urge Congress to authorize and appropriate $109.8 million to provide $1.83 million to each MSP vessel for the period April 1, 2020 to the end of the current fiscal year, as well as to authorize $1.82 million per vessel with a total authorization of $109 million for the period October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 to be appropriated as needed. “Without this additional assistance, coupled with the loss of revenue associated with the carriage of commercial and government cargoes, vessel operators will not be able to maintain laid-up vessels in the readiness status needed by the Department of Defense, and the licensed and unlicensed American merchant mariners will be facing protracted unemployment. “Maritime labor and the U.S.-flag shipping companies stand together during this difficult time for our industry and our country. We will continue to do what we can to meet this current challenge. However, we need your help and we again ask Congress to provide the financial assistance discussed above to protect the jobs of American merchant mariners and to ensure the continued viability and effectiveness of the Maritime Security Program and the international U.S.-flag shipping industry.” UNREP in the Atlantic SIU CIVMARS from the union’s Government Services Division help in sending fuel and stores from the USNS Supply to the destroyer USS Donald Cook (foreground). The underway replenishment took place April 28 in the North Atlantic. (Photo by Lt. Lauren Spaziano, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet) BLS Says 30 Million People Are Jobless Another 3.84 million Americans filed for jobless benefits nationwide in the last full week of April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced on April 30. That pushed the number of jobless individuals due to closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic to more than 30 million. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) warns that 30 million may actually be an undercount. Its survey of jobless people in the weeks before late April found 40% of those seeking to claim benefits from the various states couldn’t get through as the unemployment systems were overloaded and crashed. The BLS figure was seasonally adjusted, but the actual number of claims in the week ending April 25 was 3.49 million. That’s 792,000 fewer claims than the week of April 18. But the BLS also used a base of 145.79 million people in the workforce, and 30 million is more than 20% of that. The BLS says, however, the “seasonally adjusted” figure – not the actual number of jobless claims – is just short of 20 million. Michigan (21.8%) and Vermont (21.2%) now exceed the reported national jobless rate, the BLS said. They’re followed by Connecticut and Pennsylvania (18.5%), Nevada (16.8%), Rhode Island (16.7%) and Washington (16%). Nevada’s entire Las Vegas strip, which is highly unionized, is shut. EPI says even 30 million reported jobless may be too low. “Millions of the newly jobless are going without benefits as the unemployment system buckles under the weight of new claims, according to our new national survey, conducted in mid-April,” EPI senior analysts Elise Gould and Ben Zipperer reported. “For every 10 people who said they successfully filed for unemployment benefits during the previous four weeks, three to four additional people tried to apply but could not get through the system to make a claim and two additional people did not try to apply because it was too difficult to do so.” Which means, they added, that only “half of potential unemployment insurance applicants are actually receiving benefits.” The system needs basic reforms, Gould and Zipperer declared, starting with a change to a new basic assumption: That everyone who seeks benefits is jobless and deserves them, rather than having to prove they’re jobless before getting any cash. Proof can wait until later, “when the flood of claims slows down,” they added. For the week of April 18, that flood continued in Florida, which saw 326,251 more residents seek jobless benefits than did so in the week ending April 11. The next four states with rising numbers of claims – Connecticut, West Virginia, Louisiana and Texas – had an increase of slightly more than 119,000 new claims, combined. Seafarers LOG 5 �Secretary-Treasurer Sends Message to SIU Members Concerning Union Elections Editor’s note: This letter was mailed to active Seafarers in mid-April and also is available on the SIU website. April 17, 2020 Dear SIU Brothers and Sisters: In addition to 2020 being a presidential election year, we are also scheduled to conduct our union election. While we still plan to run the SIU election as usual pursuant to the union’s constitution, we are taking extra steps in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to help ensure the ongoing safety of all concerned while also promoting maximum participation. With that in mind, the union’s executive board has approved lenience for prospective candidates who are unable to pay their dues on time for the second and/or third quarters of this year because of the pandemic. Our constitution specifies that candidates must have been in continuous good standing for at least three years (12 calendar quarters) immediately prior to the nomination period (which is July 15-August 15). Per executive board action, any candidate who was in good standing for at least 10 consecutive quarters as of the end of the first quarter of 2020 will not be precluded from nomination because of late dues payments in the second or third quarters this year. Please also note that the board has cancelled the May membership meetings, again due to the pandemic. Normally, the president’s pre-balloting report is read at the May meetings. The report will be available on the SIU website and in the May edition of the Seafarers LOG. I urge you to look up the full report as it contains valuable information relative to our elections and specifically the upcoming nominations’ period. In addition, Articles XII and XIII of the constitution contain all the relevant information, and the full constitution is also available on the SIU website. We will ensure that all of our election-related communications are available online. That information also will be available at the hiring halls upon reopening. We are in regular contact with the U.S. Department of Labor to help ensure that we’re following “best practices” and keeping individual safety at the forefront while also facilitating a democratic election with robust participation. We will continually monitor the situation regarding this pandemic and we will try to remain as flexible as is needed, which might mean that additional changes may become necessary as time goes on. Lastly and as a reminder to anyone who’s unaware, we have added a COVID-19 section on our home page, with the intent of making our pandemic-related announcements easy to find. Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters 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, 2020 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, 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 Capital Gateway Drive, 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 Fraternally, David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Notice/Reminder Headquarters Located on Capital Gateway Drive Due to State-Ordered Address Change Both the union and the Seafarers Plans now have a new address despite not having physically relocated their headquarters operations. As previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, because of a Maryland State Gov- 6 Seafarers LOG Officials Release Procedures For Requesting Absentee Ballots For Upcoming SIU Elections ernment-ordered action, the street name changed from Auth Way to Capital Gateway Drive. The numerical portion of the address, as well as all phone and fax numbers for the building, remain unchanged. Thus, as of April 22, the new address became: 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 The old address, as members and most other stakeholders are aware, was 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. It had remained unchanged since 1982, when the SIU relocated to Maryland from New York. The union nor Seafarers Plans sought this address change. In fact, both petitioned responsible officials envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2020 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2020. 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, 2020. 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 self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2020 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2021. against it, but to no avail. Other organizations along the same street in Prince George’s County also are being forced to comply with the alteration. The street itself already had been named Capital Gateway Drive beyond the Seafarers building, which is next to a subway station. Mailings from headquarters were sent to SIU pensioners and other interested parties, alerting them of this change. June 2020 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS BENAVIDEZ – Thanks to American Maritime Officers member and Paul Hall Center alumna Capt. Jennifer Senner for these photos from the U.S. Marine Management vessel, taken in Vlissingen, Netherlands. The deck gang (photo above) includes Bosun Wallace William, AB Glen McCullough, AB Deontre Blount, AB William Zambula, AB Damon Zschoche, OS Vincent Williams, OS Lynne Hazelip and OS Jia’mall Whitaker-Brickers. Engine crew (photo below) includes EO Kurtis Solberg, QMED/E Donna Sylvia, QMED Scott Reynolds, QMED Arvin Heras, QMED Bobby Dunn, Jr. and Wiper Derreqwuan Carroll. Last but definitely not least is the steward department (photo at right), which includes Chief Steward Penny Taylor, Chief Cook Jack Boscia, ACU Elena Hoener, SA Tracy Ward and SA Kaberlyn Daniel. AT THE HONOLULU HALL – Both of these snapshots were taken well before the COVID-19 pandemic. In photo above, AB Dominador Hugo (right) receives his A-seniority book. Congratulating him is Shureen Yatchmenoff, administrative assistant. In the photo below, AB Robert Hinkley (left) picks up his first pension check. At right is Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. ABOARD WASHINGTON EXPRESS – On April 12, Seafarers aboard the Washington Express (Marine Personnel & Provisioning) extended their Easter greetings to fellow “brothers and sisters of the sea, working out there despite the hard times.” These snapshots were taken while the vessel was on its run in Northern Europe (all IDs are from left). In photo directly above are Chief Cook Pauline Crespo, Recertified Bosun Zeki Karaahmet and SA Nikia Cooper. Pictured in the photo at top right are AB Michael Ratigan, Cooper and AB Glenn Davis. In the photo at immediate right are Capt. Adam Labrato, Cooper, Crespo and Chief Steward Jasmine Garrett. June 2020 Seafarers LOG 7 �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. The Plan will now accept money orders as payment for the COBRA premium. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www. seafarers.org, under “Member Benefits-Seafarers Benefit Plans-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at 800-252-4674. Annual Funding Notice Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2019 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities Funded Percentage 2019 2018 January 1, 2019 January 1, 2018 131.9% 142.9% $1,547,219,772 $1,634,843,633 $1,172,841,327 $1,143,708,805 2017 January 1, 2017 133.6% $1,467,872, 431 $1,098,922,827 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2019 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets January 1, 2019 $1,760,410,000 January 1, 2018 $1,547,219,772 January 1, 2017 $1,634,843,633 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2020, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,832. Of this number, 7,491 were current employees, 7,084 were retired and receiving benefits, and 5,257 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employer’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment Objectives Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents Real Estate Target 50% 40% 10% Range 40% - 60% 30% - 50% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on 8 Seafarers LOG all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets. Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other Percentage 0 15 6 0 0 25 6 1 0 0 37 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC 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 notice of its status 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, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. 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 $600, 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 ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 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). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee 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. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at:Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746; 301-899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2020 �Summary Annual Report – 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, 2019. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Supplemental vacation pay 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 $1,611,056 as of July 31, 2019, compared to $1,198,443 as of August 1, 2017. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $412,613. 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 total income of $14,680,171, including employer contributions of $14,593,925, realized gains of $2,326 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $82,706 and other income of $1,214. Plan expenses were $14,267,558. These expenses included $363,757 in administrative expenses and $13,903,801 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% 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., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone number 415-764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.25 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 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, California 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, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. 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, 2019. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Medical exam benefits paid 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 $108,088 as of June 30, 2019 compared to $(108,229) as of July 1, 2018. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $216,317. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $735,543, including employer contributions of $732,554, earnings from investments of $74 and other income of $2,915. Plan expenses were $519,226. These expenses included $230,708 in administrative expenses and $288,518 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 SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone 415-392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.50 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 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, California 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, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Annual Funding Notice MSC Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2019 (“Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2019 January 1, 2019 314.91% $6,561,949 $2,083,726 2018 January 1, 2018 275.26% $6,668,926 $2,422,758 2017 January 1, 2017 164.79% $6,678,855 $4,053,069 Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2019 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2019 $6,700,795 December 31, 2018 $6,478,947 December 31, 2017 $6,843,579 Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 735. Of this number, 308 were current employees, 300 were retired and receiving benefits, and 127 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1..Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation June 2020 Percentage 0 9 12 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 5 50 0 0 0 17. Other 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities – contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746-4275, 301-899-0675. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2020, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC 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 notice of its status 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, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single- employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. 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 $600, 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 ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 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). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee 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. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret Bowen 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, 301-899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856.Annual Funding Notice MSC Supplementary Pension Plan EIN#51-6097856 Seafarers LOG 9 �UNION PLUS CAN HELP COVID-19 has impacted all of us. Union Plus can help. Our Union Plus program partners have accommodations for members struggling during this public health crisis. Participants in our Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan, or Supplemental Insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance through the Union Plus Mortgage Assistance Program and Union Plus Hardship Help. Visit unionplus.org and follow Union Plus on Facebook at facebook.com/unionplus for ongoing program updates and resources. Be well and stay healthy, The Union Plus team For details visit unionplus.org 6/20 10 Seafarers LOG June 2020 �Historian Recalls Role Played By Seafarers During WWII Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 3-May 4. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 5. Continued from Page 20 Caribbean ‘Carnival’ Just as the Atlantic seaboard in 1942 was called “U-boat Lane,” so could the Caribbean and the Gulf have been called “U-Boat Lake” – for the German undersea raiders roamed these waters at will, becoming so bold in their hunt for prey that they sank ships in the very mouth of the Mississippi, in the narrow passage between Key West and Havana, and at the entrance to the Texas oil ports. The height of bold audacity was reached on the evening of July 2, 1942, when a sub entered the harbor of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and sank the SS San Pablo. During the first two months of war, six American ships were torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean and the Gulf. Six more were sent to the bottom in April; and in May the Germans had a month-long field day, sinking no less than five ships on the 4th, two on the 6th, and three on the 12th. The total bag for the month of May in American vessels alone across the Gulf and the Caribbean was 31 ships. By the end of June 1942, a total of 167 Allied freighters and tankers had been sent to the bottom in these warm, southern waters! It was the SIU-manned Robert E. Lee, a former Eastern Steamship Lines passenger ship, that was sunk when almost within the “safety” of the mighty Mississippi – on July 30, with considerable loss of life among both passengers and crew. A surprisingly large number of these U-boat victims were cargo carriers manned by SIU seamen and it would seem, from a study of the war records, that the Germans had a special liking for Waterman, Bull, and Alcoa ships. An entire fleet of them was lost in 1942. Limited space permits describing only a few of the many dramatic incidents involving SIU ships during this phase of the war. A book would be needed to tell about them all. For the undersea raiders it was a Roman holiday – simpler than knocking off clay pigeons at a shotgun shoot. So it was with the Elizabeth and Clare of the Bull Line, as they plodded along the southwest coast of Cuba on the night of May 20, 1942. A bright moon lit up the sea and silhouetted the two ships as they headed south with their holds full of general cargo for the Islands. On the Clare’s bridge, the Skipper watched a light that had been reported a minute or so before by one of the lookouts. He couldn’t tell whether it might be a small Island freighter or a fishing boat, for it was moving across their bow and lay some distance off. Total Registered Port A All Groups B Total Shipped C A All Groups B Registered on Beach C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C Lost in the Dark A rain squall blanketed the moon just as the Skipper was trying to identify the unknown craft, which seemed to be pursuing an erratic course. Up forward in the hot fo’castle, Fireman Ernest Torres was stretched out in his bunk, clad only in a pair of shorts. It was stickily hot and he was trying to read. He had almost decided to take his mattress on deck and stretch out on number one hatch, rain or no rain. Just then a bright searchlight blossomed out on the vessel ahead, playing over the Clare from bow to stern with a blinding intensity. Almost immediately a torpedo smashed into the hull at number one hold; just where Fireman Torres was about to stow his mattress for a cool snooze. “It made one hell of a noise,” says Torres. “The explosion threw me out of my bunk and onto the deck. The old Clare shivered like a shimmy dancer. All the lights went out and I ran like hell to my lifeboat station. I had the book in my hand all the time, but I never even thought of going back for my clothes or my papers. The spray from the explosion gave me a shower bath when I ran down the deck.” So violent had been the blast that water cascaded down the vents into the fireroom. There was no panic on the ship and the Captain visited all the crew’s quarters to make sure that no men were trapped in their rooms, after which he gave the order to abandon ship. Both boats lowered away and the men pulled as hard as they could for the shore. Elizabeth Gets Hit They hadn’t taken many strokes before the Elizabeth, still following along behind and caught proverbially “between the devil and the deep,” received a torpedo amidships, accompanied by a bright flash that momentarily lit up the vessel and then was gone. From the boats the crew of the Clare could see little lights blinking on the Elizabeth as her men ran out of the deck house doors and pushed aside blackout baffles on their way to the boats. Several of the men laughed at the sight, for it seemed amusing in a way to see other guys get it, too. “I bet they don’t save any silk stockings for the girls in Puerto Rico,” someone said. “It ain’t funny,” said an Oiler. “If they got hit in the engine room there’s some good guys goin’ down.” June 2020 Seafarers LOG 11 �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by members either outside or headed to the hiring hall in Oakland, California. In what may be an Inquiring Seafarer first, the question is the same as last month’s query. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What are some of your thoughts about the pandemic? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Casey Coddington AB It’s kind of scary. My family is overseas, but luckily, they’re in the Philippines. I’m more afraid of being here, because there are so many more cases in the U.S. People are trying to get back to work. We’ve got to be flexible; I understand that. These guys here in Oakland are manning the phones and they’ve been a big help. Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Richard Grubbs Bosun Right now, for those of us who are on the shore it’s absolute torture. We’re kind of in a comatose mode, trying to get through day by day. That’s how it feels. You’re just taking it day by day. It’s such a worry about what the future will hold. We wonder if anything will be back to normal again. I feel sorry for people whose lives and livelihoods have been turned upside down.. Nicholas Johnson GUDE It could be a good and a bad thing. A lot of people are getting to spend time with their families and loved ones. It might have delayed our plans to ship, but I believe everybody is where they’re supposed to be. A lot of people are struggling, but there’s always been people out of work. It’s all how a person wants to take it – what they want to make of it. Kevin Brown OMU It’s a hard time right now for everybody, but it’s especially hard for us sailors. Once you’re on a ship, you’re isolated already and away from your family. Then when you get back home, you can’t even do things you normally do. I feel really proud that we do a job where a lot of our vessels deliver essential cargoes. We have an essential purpose. I feel a sense of pride in that. Larry Tharp AB People need to come together mentally and spiritually. We can stay away from each other but still stay in contact. I’m getting closer with my kids. They’re grown and headed in different directions, but we’ve had family meals and cleared up a lot. It’s actually drawing my family closer. There are more important things than petty differences we had before. Joe Gallo Recertified Steward As merchant mariners, we have a duty to support and defend our country in peace and in war. And we have a privilege at this time to show the United States that after 245 years of proud tradition, we are at the helm. All individuals on ships and on the shore should be ready to man the ships until properly relieved. This is our duty. This is Brotherhood of the Sea. I understand there are some contractual issues to be ironed out, but duty comes before contract. We’ll sort all of that stuff out a later time. We are, in this war, the first line of defense. 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 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 Pic From The Past Retired Recertified Bosun Ronald Mena submitted this 1959 photo of his late father, Pedro Mena, sailing as a deckhand aboard the SS Mayflower. 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 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org June 2020 �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 RENE ALFARO Brother Rene Alfaro, 72, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2003, initially sailing on the Matej Kocak. He was a steward department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Alfaro most recently sailed on the SBX. He makes his home in Loxahatchee, Florida. SHIRLEY BELLAMY Perales most recently sailed aboard the Seabulk Trader. She resides in El Paso, Texas. most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Michigan and lives in Stockton, California. DAVID PERRY CHARLES WASHINGTON Brother David Perry, 70, joined the SIU in 2004, first sailing aboard the Atlantic Forest. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2016. Brother Perry last sailed on the USNS John Glenn and settled in Abbeville, Louisiana. Brother Charles Washington, 65, began shipping with the union in 1991 when he sailed aboard the Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Washington last shipped on the Cape Victory. He resides in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Sister Shirley Bellamy, 67, started sailing with the union in 1997 when she shipped on the Global Mariner. A member of the steward department, she upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Sister Bellamy last sailed on the Alliance Fairfax and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Kamin Raji, 69, started shipping with the union in 1989, initially sailing on the Independence. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother Raji’s final vessel was the Maersk Atlanta. He lives in Jersey City, New Jersey. MARCO GALLIANO HERMAN STITH Brother Marco Galliano, 71, signed on with the SIU in 1970 when he sailed aboard the Summit. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Galliano’s final vessel was the Liberty Pride. He makes his home in Spring Hill, Florida. Brother Herman Stith, 66, joined the union in 1997. He was a member of the steward department and first sailed aboard the Cape May. Brother Stith upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Carolina and settled in Norfolk, Virginia. MUHARAM HUSIN WALTER TAULMAN Brother Muharam Husin, 74, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1981, initially shipping on the Golden Monarch. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Husin last sailed on the Maersk Kensington. He resides in Woodside, New York. Brother Walter Taulman, 71, donned the SIU colors in 1992 when he sailed aboard the Indian Ocean. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Taulman’s final vessel was the Maersk Kensington. He makes his home in Houston. STEPHEN AIKENS ROBERT VAZQUEZ Brother Robert Baumann, 65, signed on with the union in 1976. He first worked for Orgulf Transport and shipped in the deck department. Brother Baumann was last employed by Mariner Towing in 1987. He makes his home in Stratford, New Jersey. ALICE KWASNJUK Sister Alice Kwasnjuk, 65, started her career with the union in 1999, first sailing aboard the Kinsman Independent. She upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and was a member of the steward department. Sister Kwasnjuk’s final vessel was the John Paul Bobo. She makes her home in Aitkin, Minnesota. RODOLFO OPINALDO Brother Rodolfo Opinaldo, 71, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002 when he sailed aboard the Gus W. Darnell. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Opinaldo last shipped on the Magnolia State. He calls Hayward, California, home. LETICIA PERALES Sister Leticia Perales, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1980, when she sailed on the El Paso Southern. She was a steward department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Sister June 2020 KAMIN RAJI Brother Robert Vazquez, 59, signed on with the union in 1989, first sailing on the Rover. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and was a deck department member. Brother Vazquez’s last ship was the Maersk Yorktown. He resides in New York. CORNELIO VILLANO Brother Cornelio Villano, 73, joined the union in 1985, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Villano JOHN WELLS Brother John Wells, 68, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1970, first sailing on the Sea Ohio. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Wells’ last vessel was the USNS Seay. He settled in Moira, New York. STEPHEN WILLIAMS Brother Stephen Williams, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1977. A deck department member, he initially sailed aboard the Penn. Brother Williams upgraded at the Piney Point school within his first year. He most recently shipped aboard the Wilson and makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. GREAT LAKES Brother Stephen Aikens, 70, joined the SIU in 1976 when he sailed aboard the E.M. Ford. A deck department member, he concluded his career on the J.A.W. Iglehart. Brother Aikens resides in Clovis, California. member of the deck department. Brother Grachico’s final vessel was the Dodge Island. He calls Portland, Oregon, home. TIMOTHY HAGAN Brother Timothy Hagan, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1974, working with Inland Tugs. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Hagan’s final vessel was the Developer. He makes his home in Deming, Washington. PHILIP INMAN Brother Philip Inman, 65, joined the SIU in 1975, first working for Stone Towing Line. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Inman last sailed with Express Marine. He settled in Wilmington, North Carolina. GREGORY LUCE Brother Gregory Luce, 62, became a member of the SIU in 1977. Sailing in the deck department, he was initially employed by Mariner Towing. Brother Luce last worked with Turecamo Maritime and makes his home in Philadelphia. INLAND CLIFTON NOE ROBERT BAUMANN Brother Clifton Noe, 62, signed on with the union in 1999 when he worked for Allied Transportation. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Noe’s final vessel was the Resolve. He resides in Smyrna, North Carolina. PABLO LUIS PEREZ NOBREGAS MARK FITHIAN Brother Mark Fithian, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1974. He was first employed with Gulf Atlantic Transport and sailed in the deck department. Brother Fithian upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1993. He last sailed on the Manhattan Island and lives in The Villages, Florida. ISMAEL GRACHICO Brother Ismael Grachico, 67, joined the union in 2003. He first shipped aboard the Sugar Island and was a Brother Pablo Luis Perez Nobregas, 68, began sailing with the union in 2012, initially working with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Perez Nobregas most recently shipped aboard the Innovation. He calls Cape Coral, Florida, home. Star. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and shipped in the deck department. Brother Raquet most recently sailed on the Courage. He lives in High Springs, Florida. MELVIN ROLON HUERTAS Brother Melvin Rolon Huertas, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1986. He was first employed by Crowley Puerto Rico and sailed in the deck department. Brother Rolon Huertas continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. He lives in Staten Island, New York. MITCHELL ROBERTS Brother Mitchell Roberts, 58, signed on with the SIU in 1990. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Roberts worked for OSG Ship Management for the majority of his career and settled in Grantsboro, North Carolina. EMMANUEL ROLDAN Brother Emmanuel Roldan, 63, became a member of the union in 1989, initially sailing with OSG Ship Management. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Roldan worked for the same company for most of his career. He resides in Kissimmee, Florida. MICHAEL SCHMIDT Brother Michael Schmidt, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1978 when he worked for HVIDE Marine. A deck department member, he upgraded on several occasions at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Schmidt was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in Lynden, Washington. LOUIS SMITH Brother Louis Smith, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1997. He shipped in the engine department and was employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia for the duration of his career. He lives in Hudgins, Virginia. WILBERT WILSON Brother Wilbert Wilson, 64, began sailing with the union in 1989. A deck department member, he was employed by Orgulf Transport for the duration of his career. Brother Wilson calls Fayette, Mississippi, home. BRUCE RAQUET Brother Bruce Raquet, 62, started his career with the SIU in 2009, initially sailing aboard the Noble Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ABDULLA ALMANSOOB Pensioner Abdulla Almansoob, 84, died March 30. He signed on with the SIU in 1976 and first shipped on the Overseas Juneau. Brother Almansoob was a member of the steward department. He concluded his career on the El Faro and became a pensioner in 2001. Brother Almansoob resided in Dearborn, Michigan. GERONIMO BARRENG Pensioner Geronimo Barreng, 66, passed away January 31. He joined the SIU in 1980. A steward department member, Brother Barreng first sailed aboard the Oceanic Independence. He last shipped on the USNS Petersburg and went on pension in 2005. Brother Barreng was a Honolulu resident. RICHARD HOUGHTON Pensioner Richard Houghton, 81, died April 22. He became a member of the union in 1961, initially working for Taylor Marine Towing. Brother Houghton sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Liberty Sun before becoming a pensioner in 2004. Brother Houghton lived in Highlands, Texas. JOE LOCKETTE Pensioner Joe Lockette, 67, passed away April 29. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2002; his first vessel was the Developer. Brother Lockette primarily worked in the deck department. He most recently sailed aboard the Green Cove and became a pensioner in 2017. Brother Lockette was a Houston resident. ANSELMO LOPEZ Pensioner Anselmo Lopez, 78, died April 7. He joined the SIU in 1991, initially sailing on the Independence. Brother Lopez was a steward department member and last shipped on the Maersk Georgia. He began collecting his pension in 2008 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. LYNN MCGIVENS Pensioner Lynn McGivens, 81, passed away April 9. She began sailing with the union in 1962 14 Seafarers LOG when she shipped on the Overseas Ulla. Sister McGivens was a member of the steward department. She concluded her career on the USNS Bellatrix and retired in 2005. Sister McGivens lived in New Orleans. JOSEPH MOORE Pensioner Joseph Moore, 78, died February 24. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1963 when he sailed aboard the Inger. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Moore last shipped on the Liberty Sun. He became a pensioner in 2004 and resided in Independence, Louisiana. MARIANO MOREIRA Pensioner Mariano Moreira, 91, passed away April 4. He began his career with the SIU in 1989, initially sailing aboard the USNS Altair. Brother Moreira was a steward department member, and last sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce. He became a pensioner in 1987 and made his home in Lawrenceville, Georgia. SUZANNE SANTORA Pensioner Suzanne Santora, 77, died April 14. She joined the SIU in 1998, first sailing on the Charles L. Brown. Sister Santora shipped in the steward department. She concluded her career aboard the Liberty Island and retired in 2007. Sister Santora called Hanover, Maryland, home. JOSEPH SPELLER Pensioner Joseph Speller, 86, passed away March 18. He started sailing with the union in 1957 when he worked for Ore Navigation. Brother Speller was a steward department member and last shipped on the Galveston Bay. He began collecting his pension in 1996 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. RANDOLPH TANNIS Pensioner Randolph Tannis, 79, died February 27. He donned the SIU colors in 1970, initially sailing aboard the Western Clipper. Brother Tannis was an engine department member and last sailed on the Maersk Missouri. He retired in 2006 and made his home in Staten Island, New York. GREAT LAKES KIRK DIENER Pensioner Kirk Diener, 71, passed away March 4. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1974, initially sailing on the Detroit Edison. Brother Diener was a steward department member and concluded his career on the American Mariner. He went on pension in 2013 and called Indiana River, Michigan, home. WILLIAM STRAUB Pensioner William Straub, 73, died March 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1968 when he worked for Esco Dredge and Oil. Brother Straub was a member of the engine department and last sailed aboard the St. John. He retired in 2009 and lived in Erie, Pennsylvania. INLAND JUAN CANALES Pensioner Juan Canales, 81, passed away April 5. He started sailing with the SIU in 1976, initially sailing aboard the Eagle Traveler. Brother Canales shipped in the deck department. He concluded his career on the USNS Soderman, and went on pension in 2003. Brother Canales resided in San Juan, Puerto Rico. HOWARD COOK Pensioner Howard Cook, 60, died March 28. Signing on with the SIU in 2000, he first worked for G&H Towing. Brother Cook was a member of the engine department. He continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career and became a pensioner in 2020. Brother Cook lived in La Marque, Texas. NASA JENNETTE Pensioner Nasa Jennette, 89, passed away April 8. He was a deck department member and began sailing with the union in 1967. Brother Jennette worked with IBCO for the duration of his career. He retired in 1991 and resided in Buxton, North Carolina. WILSON REX Pensioner Wilson Rex, 91, died April 10. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1981 when he worked for Interstate Oil. Brother Rex was a deck department member. He last sailed with OSG Ship Management and became a pensioner in 1999. Brother Rex lived in West Sand Lake, New York. RANDALL SCOTT Pensioner Randall Scott, 66, passed away April 12. He donned the SIU colors in 2003, first sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Scott shipped in the deck department and remained with the same company until his retirement in 2016. He made his home in Tallahassee, Florida. Seafarers in 1973, initially working with Allied Transportation. Brother Smith was a deck department member and last sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He went on pension in 2015 and settled in Salem, Oregon. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Campbell, Harold 81 Cimaglia, Nicholas 81 Coleman, Clifford 91 Dunwoody, Peter 67 Feliciano, Paulino 90 Foster, Edward 83 Hunt, Sidney 87 Jackson, Rubin 87 Jones, William 97 Knox, Quinton 97 Lake, Julio 86 Laurent, Verdell 87 Lawrence, Henry 90 Levy, Theodore 91 Lizano, Fernando 84 Martinez, Roman 84 Muehlberger, Floyd 82 Rosario, Amilcar 98 Santiago, George 73 Surillo, Manuel 75 Vazquez, Tomas 87 92 Villa, Julio Yip, Jow 94 Zorrilla, Daniel 90 DOD 04/28/2020 04/04/2020 04/03/2020 03/18/2020 04/11/2020 02/29/2020 02/08/2020 03/12/2020 04/15/2020 04/05/2020 04/20/2020 04/11/2020 04/04/2020 03/31/2020 04/08/2020 04/15/2020 03/03/2020 04/25/2020 04/08/2020 04/04/2020 04/19/2020 04/25/2020 02/06/2020 04/11/2020 CRAIG SMITH Pensioner Craig Smith, 69, passed away March 21. He joined the Absentee Voting Information With the COVID-19 pandemic dominating the news cycle, it can be easy to forget that 2020 is an election year. (Okay, maybe not easy, but at least possible.) The following information (accurate as of press time) outlines which states allow for some form of alternative voting. Absentee Voting Laws Thirty-four states offer “noexcuse” absentee ballots, and will mail residents an early ballot upon request: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. You can request your absentee ballot online by visiting www. absentee.vote.org, and filling out a short request form. Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington send ballots to all eligible voters, so residents do not need to request one. All states permit residents who will be outside their home county to vote absentee, as well as voters with an illness or disability. Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia also offer the option to elderly voters. Early In-Person Voting Laws Thirty-nine states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands offer the option to vote early and in-person. Only Alabama, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, do not offer early voting. Early voting periods range in length from four days to 45 days; the average length is 19 days. Visit www.vote.org for your specific county’s laws. June 2020 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings OVERSEAS TEXAS CITY (Overseas Shipholding Group), January 19 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Keesha Holloway, Educational Director James Rodweller, Deck Delegate Romulo Gutierrez, Engine Delegate Gerardo Gamboa, Steward Delegate Randall Campbell. Chairman commended crew for a job well done with cargo. Everyone worked safely. Steward department thanked for doing a great job. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, and to check the member portal. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested refrigerators and fans for all rooms. Members need new bath towels. NATIONAL GLORY (Crowley), February 2 – Chairman Jerrold Foke, Secretary Rose Ward, Educational Director Linarys Castillo Ortiz, Deck Delegate Vince Adolph. Chairman reminded members to address issues and follow proper protocols so problems do not escalate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Members request TV in crew lounge and stronger Wi-Fi availability. Ship continuing to deliver relief supplies to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria and recent earthquake. Next port: San Juan, Puerto Rico. WASHINGTON (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), February 2 – Chairman Modesto Rabena, Secretary Samuel Harris, Educational Director Edgardo Barrios, Deck Delegate Dionisio Bermudez, Engine Delegate Philip Francia, Steward Delegate Gary Loftin. Chairman advised crew to encourage family members to apply for the apprenticeship program. He urged members to keep up with documents. Educational director recommended crew upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT 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. reported. Crew requested internet and Wi-Fi installation aboard ship. Next port: Oakland, California. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), February 23 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary John Hale, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Steward Delegate Keith Small. Chairman reminded members to renew documents and keep up with dues. He discussed the transition from Alaska Tanker Company to Overseas Shipholding Group. Educational director advised crew to view upcoming classes at the Paul Hall Center online. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members request increase pertaining to extra meal for steward department. Crew asked for increased optical benefits and vacation days along with improvements to pension plan. Next port: Long Beach, California. MAERSK MONTANA (Maersk Line, Limited), February 23 – Chairman Arsenio Omabao, Secretary James Cameron, Educational Director Steven Miller, Deck Delegate Julius Morala, Engine Delegate Antonio McAdams, Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Chairman urged members to take necessary courses at the Piney Point school. Secretary thanked SA and GVA for keeping house clean. He reminded members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Educational director instructed crew to pay close attention to expiration dates on credentials. He encouraged everyone to renew well in advance. Vote of thanks given to steward department. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Secretary advised members to read the president’s report in latest Seafarers LOG. Crew requested increases to health, pension and vacation benefits. Members asked for upgrades to Wi-Fi. Bosun reiterated importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Easter Cookout on USNS Button Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson submitted these photos from the Crowley-operated vessel, where the steward department treated everyone to an Easter cookout. Pictured in the larger group photo immediately below (no particular order) are : Chief Steward Lamond Fulton, Chief Cook Steve Riley and SAs Sam Ortiz, Mario Siclot, Jasmine Donahue and Johanns Rivera. Jackson said the feast “was very much appreciated by all crew members.” The photo directly above includes (from left) Chief Mate/SIU Hawsepiper Michael J. Parks, AB Samuel Thatcher and Capt. Mark A. Schwamm. Thatcher designed and built the cornhole boards, with support from Parks. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt June 2020 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #859 – Graduated January 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Lexter A. Alfaro-Rivera, Robert Dagata, Jessica Davis, Shamir Jameil Ford, Tyler Foster, Keon Hatcher, Austin Jandreau, Stephen Jarrell, Tanner Jefferies, Anson Johny, Roger Mathews, Kalin Mitchell, Peter Pataki, Taylor Rabb, Raul Soto, Chadon Williams and Woodrow Williams. Water Survival (Upgrader) – Graduated February 21 (above): Ameer Amin Hussein Ali. GMDSS – Graduated February 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile and Ian Michael McDonough. Class instructor Patrick Shoenberger is at the far left. RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated February 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Diquan Adamson, Andre Barbary Jr., Kaleb Josef Bogan, Christian Spiros Cavathas, Zaid Cooper, Jacob Couvillon, Nicholas Kai Fortunato, Solomon Foster Jr., Allen Gilmore, Christian Kalinowski, Chauncey Malcolm Kaniloa Kukahiko, James Moody II, Draven Nolan, Marcell Gabriel Santos-Pascual, Jonathan Silva, Kenneth Smith Jr., and Luis Ricard Venegas Nolasco. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of unioncrewed vessels. 16 Seafarers LOG June 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated February 21 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Ja’shon Adams, Jalen Denson, Christopher Fisher, Troy Hubbard, Robert Mason III, Zeke Alec Pasquarelli, Jahmiah Peets, Shannon Peterson and Anthony Rahsell Timmson-Brown. Christopher Morgan, their instructor, is at the far left. Once their training is completed, each plans to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels. Medical Care Provider – Graduated February 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile and Kevin Hunt. Government Vessels (Apprentices) – Graduated February 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandon Bradley, Eliezer Estremera, Alexus Guillory, Reinaldo Rivera, Johanns Rivera-Rivera and Kevin Santiago De Jesus. Government Vessels (Upgraders) – Graduated February 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Bonifacio Adote, Saleh Musa Ali, Santiago Aquino, Arkady Bichevsky, Eric IvanRay Castle, Agustin Clotter, Antonio Jones, Richard Lawson, Mark Lettman, Juan McCakeren, Fayez Mohamed Mussa, Mohamed Ali Saleh Nagi, Bashir Mohamed Nasser, Steven Roberts and Marquisha Keyonna Simmons. June 2020 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Junior Engineer – Graduated February 7 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Joel Boyd, Caleb Donovan, Paul Hudgins, Jacob Laroche, Tyriq Mills, Re’sean Peters, Dontrell Riddick, Andy Salado, Maksim Shpylyevyy, Daniel Lowie Rivera Surell and Kevin Willis. Instructor Bill Dodd is at the far left. Tankship Familiarization DL – Graduated February 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Saleh Musa Ali, Eduardo Arroyo, Carlton Banks, Thomas Drummond III, Mark Feldhaus, Daniel Fields, Lance Gibson, Wayne Gomillion Jr., Brandy Griffin, Mohamad Mahmoud Kammoun, Joshua Kraynak, Salah Ahmed Muthana, Bashir Mohamed Nasser, James Sanchez, Shewanna Jones Stephenson, Travis Arnez Sumpter, Victor Jose Velez Perez and Wilfredo Velez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tankship Familiarization LG – Graduated February 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Eduardo Arroyo, Frederick Ashby, Thomas Drummond III, Lance Gibson, Wayne Gomillion Jr., George Kee Jr., Joshua Kraynak, Dennis Naing Morallo, James Sanchez, Shewanna Jones Stephenson, Travis Sumpter and Victor Jose Velez Perez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 18 Seafarers LOG June 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization DL – Graduated February 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Mark Bolin, Todd Colabella, Kevin Hale, Frank Harris III, Dominic Hix, Mason Con Melland and Gavin Scott. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Basic Training (Advance Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated February 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Karen Gossett, Richard Huffman, Gilbert Johnson, Tyrone Leonard and Joseph Longo. Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated February 14 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Austin Anderson, Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Eric Garcia, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Michael Hodges, Kevin Hunt, Melvin Hunter Jr., Antonio Jones, Vicente Ordonez, John O’Shaughnessy and Andrzej Tlalka. Basic Self Unloading – Graduated February 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Gerald Birgy, Maurice Antonio Brodie, Hayder Jebur, Brian Smith and Parker Tiffany. Class instructor Don Jaegle is at the far left. Galley Ops (Phase III)– Graduated February 21 (above): Osmar Luis Ramos. Upon the completion of his training, Ramos plans to work in the steward department aboard SIU contracted vessels. Galley Operations – Graduated February 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Hussein Monsar Al-Qari, Roche Aurea Bonita, Claribel Cabral, Atrenique Tramani Deamus, Agnes Jocson Gamboa, Maurice Henry Jr., and Sharde Merria Ross. Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated February 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Monserrate Blas Jr., (Note: Not all are pictured.) Daniel Kane, Rashaad Jalloud Mangram, Saleh Mohsin Saleh and Milton Sivells. June 2020 Seafarers LOG 19 �VOLUME 82, NO. 6 JUNE 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Played Vital Role in WWII Editor’s note: This is the second installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the war. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. The first installment was published in the May 2020 LOG and is available on the SIU website. This one picks up aboard the SIU-crewed Seatrain Texas, which had just arrived on a site strewn with wreckage off the East Coast (around the Carolinas). The date was June 19, 1942. U-Boat Lane The men stopped at one wave-washed collection of flotsam, lifted an inert body aboard and then went to another, where a grimy seaman half lifted himself out of the water, trying to grip the gunwales of the boat. Strong Hands Help Strong hands bore him to safety, while those on the Seatrain’s bridge used megaphones to direct the crew to where a third and fourth body could be seen half-alive, half-dead in the winter sea. In a matter of minutes, the boatmen had done their work, and were back at the vessel’s side to be hoisted aboard with their human cargo. At first the survivors were too weak to talk, but when they had been warmed with hot coffee and wrapped in blankets, they revealed that their ship had been the City of Atlanta. They told how the one-time passenger vessel had been torpedoed without warning early that morning – how she had gone down so fast that there had hardly been time to jump over the side … how the burning hulk had rolled over to starboard onto the only lifeboat that cleared the ship, crushing its unfortunate men beneath the sea. For a while after the sinking, they recounted, some of the crew had floated around on bits of wreckage while they joked and sang in an attempt to keep their spirits up. Then, one by one, all but five of them had sunk beneath the cold, dark waters. And of the five who were still afloat at daybreak, only three were alive when the Seatrain Texas hove by. The others lay astride their bits of wreckage, but had died sometime during the morning hours. Living to tell the story of the City of Atlanta, one of the most costly sinkings along the Atlantic Coast, were Oiler Robert Fennell, Jr., Seaman Earl Dowdy, and Second Mate George Tavelle. Captain Albert Dalzell and Chief Engineer Tom Kenney of the Seatrain Texas heard their story without wanting to believe it could be true. Tragic Coincidence For the Chief it was a hard story to hear. His father was Chief Engineer of the City of Atlanta. Both Capt. Dalzell and Chief Kenney had started their seafaring careers on the City of Atlanta many years before, when she was a well-known coastwise passenger liner. Capt. Dalzell’s father had commanded her for many years before Capt. Leemon Urquehart took over. “U-boat lane” they called Atlantic coastal waters now. Nazi submarines ambled down the seaboard on sinking sprees that cost hundreds of lives, and sent scores of ships to the bottom with a huge loss in precious cargoes. The SIU-crewed Seatrain Texas docks in Northern Ireland in October 1943. (Photo courtesy National Archives) There was no naval defense worthy of the name, and it was to be five months yet before the first convoy was organized for protection of shipping along the seaboard, in the Gulf and the Caribbean. Merchant ships, in the meantime, sailed unescorted and, in most cases, unarmed – with the Uboats so bold, they shelled their prey even within sight of the Delaware Capes. As the rate of sinkings increased, no seaman could be sure that his ship would reach its destination. Legion were those that didn’t, but they kept sailing, nonetheless, and none of them idled in port for lack of crews. In some cases, there were even more men willing to “ship out” at SIU Halls than swimming soon.” This call came two minutes later: “Torpedoed twice. Ship still afloat but listing badly. Captain requests assistance immediately.” He then gave the ship’s position a number of times. The third and last message was heard at 1:22 a.m. “Cannot stay afloat much longer.” No more reports came through, for soon after the radio man had tapped out this message on his key the Venore sank and Sparks, true to the tradition of his calling, stayed at his post too long to escape. Several lifeboats were launched by the Venore’s crew and the survivors were picked up 38 hours later. “In some cases, there were even more men willing to ship out at SIU Halls than there were ships for them to sail.” - John Bunker, SIU Historian there were ships for them to sail. At the old New York Hall of the SIU, at number two Stone Street, across from famous Bowling Green, men reported for the hourly “calls” as though there was no war within ten thousand miles. They manned the ships and kept the cargoes moving. On January 25, torpedoes struck again, sinking the 550-foot Venore off Cape Hatteras with a loss of 18 men. She, too, was a well-known SIU ship. The end of this vessel is dramatically told in the terse, urgent calls for help sent out by her radio operator. At 12:47 a.m. he flashed this SOS: “Two crashes so far. Will keep informed. Think Sinking declined along the Atlantic seaboard after coastal convoys were inaugurated in May of 1942, but the U-boats prowled these waters off and on right up till the end of the war. In fact, the collier Black Point was torpedoed just a few miles from the big naval base at Newport, Rhode Island, on the fifth of May, 1945, the last American ship to be lost in the war. Many more SIU vessels were to be numbered among the 154 Allied ships sunk along the coast and in the northwest Atlantic between January and June of 1942. Among them were the Robin Hood, Alcoa Guide, Oakmar, Marore, Major Wheeler and Pipestone County. The Major Wheeler – of the Bull Line – completely disappeared, never to be heard from again, while the Robin Line Pipestone County, a well-liked freighter among men who sailed SIU ships, was sunk en route from Trinidad to Boston, about 200 miles due west of Bermuda. Two of her boats spent 16 days at sea before being picked up. Chilore Gets it U-boats continued their attacks despite the use of convoys, and the SIU-manned Chilore of the Ore Shipping Company was hit while in a heavily protected convoy under escort of surface ships, planes and blimps. Known as convoy KS 520, this fleet of 19 merchantmen left Lynnhaven Roads in the Chesapeake on July 14, 1942. When it was off Cape Hatteras the next day it ran into a flock of torpedoes. No one even saw a tin fish until the Chilore got smacked, to be followed a minute or so later by the tanker Mowinckel. The Bluefields, a small Nicaraguan freighter carrying explosives, was blown up while the escort ran around dropping depth charges and the escorting bombers spattered the water with bombs and machine gun fire. It was the freighter Unicoi, however, which got credit for sinking the doughty sub, along with an Army patrol bomber. The Chilore and Mowinckel dropped out of the convoy and headed for the nearby shore under their own power, but both of them ran into a minefield and suffered more explosions. The big Chilore capsized and sank while being towed toward Baltimore several days later. Continued on Page 11 � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU DELIVERS DURING PANDEMIC DEFENSE SCHOLAR: TIME IS NOW TO REFOCUS ON U.S.-FLAG FLEET U.S.-FLAG MARITIME INDUSTRY UNITED IN OPPOSING OIL COMPANIES' SCHEME FOR JONES ACT WAIVER SIU WEATHERING COVID-19 PANDEMIC NEW WISCONSIN MARITIME COALITION ANNOUNCED USA MARITIME TO CONGRESS: PRIORITIZE SEALIFT GOP SENATORS URGE PRESIDENT TO LEAVE JONES ACT ALONE BLS SAYS 30 MILLION PEOPLE ARE JOBLESS SECRETARY-TREASURER SENDS MESSAGE TO SIU MEMBERS CONCERNING UNION ELECTIONS OFFICIALS RELEASE PROCEUDRES FOR REQUESTING ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR UPCOMING SIU ELECTIONS SIU PLAYED VITAL ROLE IN WWII 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 6/1/2020 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. 82, No. 6 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/0e716f235b4f1821c6718346d527cb72.pdf 2ed17dd8d1838da3642b25037fa355c6 PDF Text Text JULY 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 7 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Supports DEFENDER-Europe 20 Six SIU-crewed vessels earlier this year played vital roles in a large-scale military exercise. Five of the ships are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (segments of the exercise continued at press time). Above, an Abrams tank drives off the SIU-crewed MV Endurance (U.S. Navy photo by Travis Weger). In photo at right, mariners aboard the USNS Benavidez, including SIU Ordinary Seaman Jiamall Whitaker Brickers (far right), steer the ship into position during a convoy with the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf and the Seafarers-crewed MV Resolve (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan R. Bair). Pages 10-11. Halls Reopen, School to Follow SIU hiring halls reopened June 15, and the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has announced plans to resume classes in early August. Across the board, many precautions are being taken – and the situations remain fluid in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crew changes are continuing, though not without assorted complications overseas. Meanwhile, the definition of PPE has expanded during the pandemic, as reflected in the group photo from the USNS Gordon (directly above). Pictured from left aboard the Ocean Shipholdings vessel are 2/E Shy, EO Rob Fink, Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew, 3/M Forrest G., AB Karen Allen, Chief Engineer Ken, STOS Brandon Williams and C/M Andy Lucchese. They are sporting face coverings that were hand-made by a good friend of the ship’s 1st Engineer Elizabeth Mack. The photo at left shows SIU members lined up at the Jacksonville, Florida, hiring hall as it reopens June 15. Page 3. National Maritime Day Page 4 Jones Act Turns 100 Page 5 �President’s Report Opportunity for Justice For those of us in the labor movement, or, really, for anyone familiar with our work, the awful irony was impossible to miss. Vandals extensively damaged the lobby and other first-floor areas of the AFL-CIO headquarters building late on May 31. They broke windows and doors and set fires in the facility as other individuals engaged in peaceful, legitimate demonstrations in the nation’s capital (and across the country). For those who don’t know, the AFL-CIO building is across from the White House. Ultimately, as AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said, the building itself is just that – a building. Thankfully, no one was inside at the time, and the sprinkler system at least limited the damage, which nevertheless was extensive. The irony, of course, is that the federation and its affiliates, including the SIU, have long been on the front lines of the fight for racial justice – not just when it comes to law enforcement, but also Michael Sacco for economic equality. Unions typically have higher percentages of minorities in their memberships than the general public. The gains we’ve secured throughout the decades have helped union and unrepresented workers (of all colors) alike, but for those who enjoy the benefits of membership, we focus not on race but on the “black and white” written in the contract. Many, many years ago, the SIU was segregated. I am not blind to the racism that existed in the labor movement in general, either. Thankfully, we turned the corner within our ranks a long time ago. It’s certainly possible to cherry-pick examples of current individual discrimination, but on the whole, organized labor has been and remains at the forefront of this fight. While we’re on the subject, let’s get something straight. When someone says, “Black Lives Matter,” they are not saying other lives don’t matter. We all saw the video of George Floyd being suffocated by a police officer – a sickening sight that ultimately resulted in Floyd’s death. It’s not an isolated example, and it called attention to a longstanding problem in a way that cannot and must not be avoided. But that’s not the only struggle faced by our African-American brothers and sisters. I’m not sure how widely known this is, but historically, black workers have faced unemployment rates twice as high as those of their white counterparts. And from what I’ve read, the statistics can’t be explained away by differences in levels of education. At every level of education, the black unemployment rate is significantly higher than the white unemployment rate, even for those workers with college or advanced degrees. Outside the labor movement, there are also, to this day, significant wage gaps between white and black workers. No matter how you slice the data, that’s the reality. Here’s some more reality: Almost all police officers are decent people doing their best in a difficult job. Most people aren’t racists, and, as we saw with the AFL-CIO building, there are those who want to create trouble. But we still live in a world divided in many ways by color lines. To build a different, better economy and better way of life, we need power that can only come from solidarity – and solidarity has to start with having all our voices be heard. We should begin by acknowledging our own shortcomings and honestly addressing issues that are faced by the communities in which our members live – both the problems and the solutions. We have to find a way to see with each other’s eyes. As with any longstanding problem, there isn’t an overnight solution here. But I’m confident in our country, our movement, our union. Let’s keep the lines of communication and dialogue open and let’s work – together – for meaningful change. Secretary Chao Thanks Industry United States Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao released a video statement on May 7, in which she expressed her gratitude to the men and women of the American maritime industry. “During these challenging times, I want to send a grateful message to everyone in the U.S. maritime industry to thank you for your work and dedication,” Chao began. “Our nation is so thankful for your continued service to our country during this most unusual time.” She continued, “U.S. mariners and the U.S.-flag shipping fleet have been critical in helping to keep supply chains moving, and are an important part of our national defense. The department is on the job 24/7, doing everything possible to help you. Knowing that U.S. mariners will always respond to the call of duty gives all of us a sense of security. You are helping our country get through this crisis, and successfully prepare for economic recovery. “For that, you are to be applauded. You are an inspiration. Thank you, for all that you do for our country,” she concluded. The video is linked on the SIU website. Elaine L. Chao U.S. Secretary of Transportation Congressional Representatives Voice Strong Support for Merchant Marine U.S. Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) and Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) are reminding fellow members of Congress that the U.S. Merchant Marine is vital to national, economic and homeland security. Luria on May 5 hosted a press call featuring Hoyer along with American maritime industry leaders, including SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Marshall Ainley; American Maritime Officers National Vice President Christian Spain; Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan; Maersk Line, Limited President Bill Woodhour, and several others. Luria and Hoyer said they are pushing to include U.S.-flag shipping in upcoming stimulus packages stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, they are urging that participants in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) receive additional stipends. They also recommend increasing American-flag carriage of preference cargoes, and upholding the Jones Act. Tellez thanked both Luria and Hoyer for their continued and steadfast support of the maritime industry, describing them as “staunch allies.” His remarks focused on American mariners rather than the laws and programs that keep Old Glory flying on the oceans, lakes and waterways. “Our members play a vital role in keeping commerce flowing,” Tellez stated. “We’re the folks on the front lines of this crisis, ensuring that the nation’s economic and national security are protected and defended.” He added, “Our folks don’t get to go home at night. They are doing a job, many of them well beyond their normal tour of duty. They know the importance of what they do, and they are dedicated. On behalf of the unsung heroes of the U.S. Merchant Marine, thank you for everything you do for us.” Luria recently sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate leaders asking for their support of American-flag ships and their crews. Expounding on that communication, she said during the call that a drop-off in both government cargo and commercial cargo means it’s the right time to boost the MSP. “This program is an essential part of our national security,” she stated, and then added her ongoing backing of the Jones Act and cargo preference. Hoyer, whose district includes the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, said the pandemic should remind everyone about the importance of maintaining U.S. manufacturing capabilities, American jobs – and a strong U.S.-flag maritime industry. “The maritime industry is an absolutely critical component of our national security infrastructure,” he stated. “COVID-19 has put a lot of our capabilities at risk. One thing it has made clear is the critical need to make things in America. It’s incumbent upon us to maintain our maritime capacity…. If we do not invest in keeping our maritime industry and our sailors ready to go, we will be in real trouble. This is not an optional investment.” He said the maritime industry “is facing the same problems every other business in America has run into. This industry is a national security priority – both the ships and the personnel are critically important. We need to make sure they have the resources to be sustained.” Hoyer also pointed out that Luria’s active-duty service in the U.S. Navy helps make her “a perfect advocate and somebody who has a deep knowledge of the vital role civilian mariners play.” Lastly, he expressed “great pride in the men and women who are in Piney Point (at the Paul Hall Center). They are a wonderful example of how industry and labor work together. The school is one of the great training centers in our country, and maybe in the world. Augie Tellez and the other leaders of our merchant marine are a critical component of our community.” Woodhour said the decline in cargoes “shows no realistic sign of ending anytime in the near future.” He is concerned that the mariner pool will dwindle, and said the proposed additional stipend will help avoid layups and layoffs, even though it’s not a long-term solution. “We stand beside our friends in maritime labor,” Woodhour said. Later, when answering a reporter’s question, Woodhour pointed out that many other countries heavily subsidize different sectors of their maritime industries, on a scale that dwarfs anything done in the U.S. Luria wrapped up the call by conveying her “thanks to civilian mariners. We will keep pushing to support the MSP and the other things that make the U.S. Merchant Marine continue to be a viable, important part of our economy and our national defense.” O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 7 July 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) July 2020 �COVID-19 PANDEMIC Halls Reopen; School Resumes Aug. 1 Union Works with State Dept., Congress, Others for Overseas Crew Changes Editor’s note: The COVID-19 pandemic remains a constantly changing situation. Accordingly, SIU members are encouraged to check the union’s website and stay in touch with the halls for the latest information. There is a prominent COVID-19 section on the home page at www.seafarers. org. For major announcements, the SIU also sends text alerts linking to the web posts. As pandemic-related restrictions started to loosen across the United States, the SIU cautiously and deliberately reopened its hiring halls and announced plans to resume classes at its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Many states began advancing to different phases of reopening from late May to midJune. However, the COVID-19 pandemic remained a massively serious threat – as of June 15, at least 114,000 people had died from the coronavirus in the U.S. and more than two million cases had been reported. Following are some of the major developments since publication of the June edition of the LOG: n A crew member from the USNS Leroy Grumman, which is part of the SIU Government Services Division fleet, became the first known American mariner to die from the coronavirus. Though not a union member, Joseph Bondoc was part of the unlicensed crew. He was one of more than 20 crew members diagnosed with COVID-19 while the vessel was in a Boston shipyard. A contractor from that same yard also died from the virus. n SIU hiring halls reopened June 15, with numerous safeguards. Vessel servicing also resumed on June 15, wherever allowable, and union headquarters (located in Camp Springs, Maryland) transitioned from a skeleton crew to fuller staffing in all departments. Pandemic-related modifications have been made at the halls, including extensive cleanings, installation of dividers, shipments of PPE for members and staff, rearranging seats to promote social distancing, and more. Members are required to wear a face covering when entering the building. (A limited number of masks are available at the halls.) Additionally, visitors must bring a completed medical questionnaire (available on the SIU website) with them when they arrive at a hall. Similar protocols and precautions are in place at headquarters. In an effort to keep the numbers down in Members return to the halls in Oakland, California (photo above) and in Jacksonville, Florida (photo at left, below). Face coverings and temperature checks are among numerous precautions being taken at the halls. SIU VP Nick Celona is at far right in photo above. the halls during this transition of reopening, members should be aware that even after June 15, registration and reclaims are still being done by phone, temporarily. Regular job calls take place for rotary shipping, and general business can be conducted at the halls (filing for vacation benefits, beefs, etc.). n The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, in Piney Point, Maryland, is scheduled to reopen Aug. 1. An array of safety-related modifications are being implemented. Initially, the school will offer a limited number of upgrading courses, with reduced class sizes. The full course content will be presented in a shorter-than-usual period, in order to get students in and out more quickly. Apprentice training will resume in September. At least during the initial reopening period, students must remain on campus for the duration of their respective courses (including weekends). Students are asked to pack and prepare for their time at the school just as if they were heading to a ship. The school does not have a firm timeline for this policy, but envisions it as temporary. The original course schedule for 2020 has been completely scrapped. New course dates are available on the SIU website and will be published in the Seafarers LOG. Course dates will continue to be added. Many steps are being taken to help ensure both functionality and safety. Meal periods will be assigned, altered and staggered. Class starting times will be altered to help promote social distancing. No family members or guests should come to the school until further notice. Gym access will be limited. The following courses will be offered beginning in August: Able Seafarer Deck; Certified Chief Cook; Chief Cook Assessment Programs; BT Revalidation; Chief Steward; Government Vessels; and BT/Advanced Firefighting Revalidation. Those with questions should contact the admissions office by phone at (301) 9940010 (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Eastern Time), or by email at admissions@seafarers.org. n Crew changes have been among the largest challenges of the pandemic, particularly for the SIU-crewed “shuttle” ships that normally remain overseas. Nevertheless, significant progress was happening at press time. In late May, SIU President Michael Sacco and the presidents of five other U.S. maritime unions contacted the U.S. Secretary of State and the U.S. Secretary of Defense with an urgent call to facilitate overseas reliefs for American mariners. Signing the letter were Sacco; AMO President Paul Doell; MEBA President Marshall Ainley; MM&P President Don Marcus; SUP President Dave Connolly; and MFOW President Anthony Poplawski. The letter – which was far from the SIU’s lone effort – reads in part, “Scores of U.S. mariners are presently trapped aboard cargo ships, unable to take leave or return home due to extreme COVID-19 lockdown measures imposed by foreign governments. This humanitarian crisis, if not resolved as soon as possible, may threaten the essential supply chain for some 200,000 active U.S. military personnel now serving overseas. The cargo carried on these U.S. flagged ships supports our troops, our allies and the global economy. “Ship’s captains, officers and crew members who sail under the American flag and perform these essential functions for our country have not been able to set foot on dry land in months. Their workplaces have become floating prisons. Crew members are in danger of losing access to life- sustaining medicines. In many cases, they cannot contact their loved ones at home in the United States as some of these vessels lack Internet access. “It is well documented that isolation and excessive time serving aboard ship can create increased fatigue and psychological stress, raising the risk of marine accidents. Thousands of mariners across the globe who work on foreign-flagged vessels are in the same predicament.” (The full text of the letter is available on the SIU website.) The SIU also is actively coordinating with vessel operators, U.S. embassies, the International Maritime Organization, International Labor Organization, World Health Organization, and directly with the host nations to expedite crew changes. Meanwhile, several SIU-contracted vessel operators chartered a plane to make crew changes in Diego Garcia. That plane returned to the U.S. in late May after the changes were made. Pre-boarding quarantines largely have become the norm, regardless of vessel location. With that in mind, the SIU in late May posted a message to the membership noting, “It’s extremely important that all members adhere to the agreed-upon protocols prior to joining a ship. This applies whether you are self-isolating at home or in a hotel. While we are navigating these uncharted waters, think of the pre-boarding safety regimen as your part of helping ensure the vessel’s crew remains COVID-free. And remember that if you fail to comply, you are affecting not only yourself but your future shipmates and the fellow members who are awaiting reliefs.” n The July membership meetings have been cancelled, but plans are being made to conduct the August meetings, with safety measures. n The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) on June 4 announced several additional extensions for various documentation. Merchant mariner credentials (MMC) and medical certificates (national endorsements only) that expire between March 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2020 are extended until Dec. 31, 2020. Mariners who are actively working on expired credentials that meet the expiration criteria must carry the expired credential with a copy of the NMC notice, which is posted in the Latest News and COVID-19 sections of the SIU website. The agency also announced that MMCs with STCW endorsements that expire between March 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2020 are extended until Dec. 31, 2020. The same is true for STCW medical certificates that expire between March 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. SHBP Relaxes Some Rules Governing Cobra Coverage During the course of this COVID-19 pandemic, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has relaxed certain time limits July 2020 for COBRA coverage and for the submission of appeals for denied medical claims. For detailed information on these changes, you can contact the claims department or the membership assistance department at (800) 252-4674. Seafarers LOG 3 �U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao (left), Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby (center) and Gen. Stephen Lyons (right) are shown in the National Maritime Day video produced by the U.S. Maritime Administration. MARAD Delivers Rousing Maritime Day Video The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and its Maritime Administration (MARAD) definitely made the best of a challenging circumstance for this year’s National Maritime Day celebration in the nation’s capital. The agency produced a half-hour video and posted it on the MARAD YouTube channel the morning of May 22. Viewer comments reflect sincere appreciation for the stirring tribute, which featured comments from DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) Commanding Officer Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby, TV host Mike Rowe and World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners David Yoho, James Monteleone, George Shaw and Hugh Stevens. This year’s theme was, “Resilient Sealift for a Resilient Nation.” “It’s great to be with you today – if only virtually – but Maritime Day must go on,” Buzby said in his opening remarks. He then introduced Chao, whom he described as “a strong advocate for the importance of the maritime industry to our nation’s economic growth, and to our national security.” Chao offered a brief history of the day of remembrance: “National Maritime Day was established by Congress in 1933 to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage of the American steamship Savannah. It was a way to celebrate America’s long and deep maritime tradition, and the innovation that has powered it, from [steamships] to nuclear ships and beyond. In World War II, merchant mariners were an essential part of the war effort, and their casualty rate exceeded that of all the other Armed Forces.” She continued, “Today, we salute the men and women of the American maritime community, who have helped ensure that people, supplies and equipment get to where they need to be during times of peace, war and natural disasters. “Our U.S.-flag fleet is an integral part of our national security, and as we face the COVID-19 crisis of today, the department is doing everything we can to support our country’s maritime sector, and ensure that the industry is able to ramp up when the economic recovery begins.” Buzby then offered his remarks, speaking from the deck of the SIU-crewed Ready Reserve Force vessel SS Cornhusker State in Newport News, Virginia. “Our motto in the U.S. Merchant Marine is, ‘In Peace and War.’ It’s on our merchant marine flag, we talk about it in speeches all the time,” he noted. “It’s been a part of our industry since before this nation was even a nation. It’s what drives all of us who have served at sea and those of us who support those who go to sea. The idea is that we’re going to get it through, no matter what – whether it’s peacetime, wartime, no matter what, we’re going to get it through. “And certainly, throughout our nation’s history, this industry has persevered through a Revolutionary War, a Civil War, two global conflicts and any number of regional conflicts,” Buzby added. “The merchant marine has always been there, and has never faltered. Now here we are, facing a new foe, a new global conflict, but this time instead of man versus man, it’s man versus a virus. And the U.S. Merchant Marine is still persevering through it all.” Buzby then touched on the service of mariners during World War II, before saying, “Congress just approved recently the Congressional Gold Medal to award all those merchant marine veterans of World War II, who … persevered in wartime to make sure the Allies had victory in Europe and in the Pacific. Today, you mariners are facing the same, very grave challenges, and we have to do the very same thing. We have to come up with coun- termeasures, things that are going to mitigate that risk and keep our ships sailing, and you’re doing that – whether it’s through personal protective equipment, social distancing, contact tracking, the deep cleaning of our vessels, you’re making it happen and you’re still getting our ships through. And I think that’s a real tribute, as much to you and this generation as it was to those who preceded you and other generations who did what you had to do to get those ships through. I think it’s something that you all should be very, very proud of. “I’m very proud of the conduct of all of you, whether it’s been labor, the shipowners and operators, or whether it’s been government entities,” he continued. “The level of cooperation that has been exhibited, I think, says so much about this industry and why we are so strong and why we have been able to persevere through all these years.” Buzby concluded, “In the coming months, when we do get this thing behind us, every one of us that had the watch during this time should take a great deal of pride in the fact that, when it was our time, when our nation called upon us, when the challenges were issued, that we all stood tall, did what we had to do, and made it happen. In peace and war.” Lyons said, “As this audience knows, TRANSCOM, one of 11 combatant commands, is responsible to the Secretary of Defense and the Commander in Chief to deploy and sustain military forces around the globe to support our national security interests. In doing so, we count on a strong, U.S.-flag maritime industry – a maritime industry that has a long history of enabling military victory. Today, just as in World War II, the United States-flag merchant ships, the mariners who crew them, and our commercial sealift industry continue to play a critical role in our nation’s defense by providing sealift ships, mariners, and access to global seaport networks.” He continued, “As a result, the United President Issues Maritime Day Proclamation Since the founding of our great Nation, we have relied on merchant mariners to deliver goods to market and strengthen our national security. On National Maritime Day, we recognize the United States Merchant Marine for all it does to facilitate our commerce and protect our interests at sea. Our Nation’s merchant mariners enable peaceful trade with countries around the world and provide vital sealift support to our Armed Forces. Whether on the ocean or our inland waterways, merchant mariners support our economy by transporting billions of dollars of imported and exported goods. These men and women also sail bravely into combat zones to deliver supplies and weapons to our military men and women, playing a critical role in the success of their mission. This year, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, we pay tribute to the United States merchant mariners who served as the “Fourth Arm of Defense” for our 4 Seafarers LOG Nation during the war. Earlier this year, I was proud to sign into law long-overdue legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the valiant civilian merchant mariners who maintained critical supply lines to our overseas troops and allies during the Second World War. Many of these mariners endured brutal attacks from German U-boats, and more than 6,000 of them perished at sea or were held as prisoners of war. This number includes 142 students of the United States Merchant Marine Academy – distinguishing it as the only one of the five service academies authorized to carry a battle standard. As we remember the tremendous sacrifices of the World War II merchant mariners, we also continue to honor the present-day citizen mariners who make up our Nation’s world-class Merchant Marine. Today, we pay tribute to their expertise, patriotism, and dedication to serving our country and ensuring our national security. States’ ability to project and sustain military power across transoceanic distances remains a strategic competitive advantage, and is admired by friends and adversaries. TRANSCOM, working with MARAD and key industry partners, provides an essential element of deterrence and, if necessary, the unquestionable ability to respond with overwhelming, decisive force, most of which will be moved by sealift. The resulting combined effort is a world order that encourages peace, and opportunities for freedom, while deterring a great power war for over 75 years and counting. “The United States is today, and always will be, a maritime nation,” Lyons concluded. “The most important resource of a maritime nation is people: professional men and women of high technical proficiency, who sail with high technical competency, hard work and innovation. That is why, at the end of the day, it is a U.S. flag on a ship, with U.S. crews at the helm, that remain essential to our national defense.” Yoho began by expressing his thanks on behalf of his fellow merchant veterans for the recent passage of the Congressional Gold Medal Act. He then gave a brief history of the merchant marine in World War II, to which fellow veterans Monteleone, Shaw and (now Captain) Stevens added their insights into the life of a World War II mariner. Following those remarks, Buzby placed a ceremonial wreath into the sea, as the traditional Eight Bells were rung in honor of fallen mariners. Afterwards, Rowe spoke about his relationship to the maritime industry, including an uncle who was a mariner, before concluding the ceremony with the singing of the Merchant Marine anthem, “Heave Ho.” Meanwhile, despite pandemic-rooted limitations, the SIU observed National Maritime Day in other newfound ways. SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes were featured in separate online interviews about the industry. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2020, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance and to display 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 twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth. DONALD J. TRUMP July 2020 �Industry Celebrates Jones Act Centennial June 5 marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Within this important legislation is the language that governs America’s waterborne freight cabotage – the Jones Act. Named for the bill’s primary sponsor – U.S. Senator Wesley Jones (R-Washington) – the Jones Act simply states that cargo moved from one domestic port to another domestic port must be carried aboard a U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flagged, U.S.built and U.S.-owned vessel. The Jones Act oversees the movement of goods along America’s ocean shorelines, Great Lakes ports and inland waterways. “The Jones Act remains a pillar of not only the United States maritime industry, but also our country’s national, economic and homeland security,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “It’s a source of family-wage jobs both on the water and ashore. It protects our nation in so many ways.” A 2019 study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the Transportation Institute showed the Jones Act is responsible for 650,000 American jobs creating more than $40 billion annually in income. Workers whose jobs are related to the law can be found in all 50 states. Cargo shipping is not the only maritime aspect covered by the Jones Act. It includes the U.S.-flag dredging industry as well. “The Jones Act has been attacked by unsubstantiated claims for years,” declared Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Vice President Jerry Abell. “In this day and time of viruses that we have no vaccines for and unprecedented death tolls, this act should be our first line of defense to protect the American shipping and dredging industries and the health of the American workforce from foreign enemies. I cannot stress enough how important the Jones Act is to the security and economic success of the country.” (Abell is President/Business Manager for Dredging Local 25 of the International Union of Operating Engineers.) Throughout the decades, the Jones Act has received bipartisan support from the White House and members of Congress. Military leaders also have expressed their backing for the law as it not only provides well-trained American mariners who crew Legislators Issue Statements Backing Vital Maritime Law Following are excerpts of statements issued by members of Congress in recognition of the Jones Act centennial. “The Jones Act has been and remains critical to supporting U.S. mariner jobs and our maritime industry, not to mention bolstering our national security. Over its 100-year history, the Jones Act has been critical in times of war, national emergencies and natural disasters, and global crises such as the current pandemic.” --- U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) “The Jones Act is an integral part of our Nation’s success, and I am proud to recognize its longstanding contributions to our Nation and to advocate for its continued influence in the decades to come. The Jones Act has enhanced American prosperity and national security ever since its enactment on June 5, 1920. It puts America first over subsidized foreign shipbuilders and foreign vessel operators that do not pay U.S. taxes or comply with U.S. regulations. It continues to preserve our role as the world’s leader in commerce and thousands of precious jobs for our American citizens. When it comes to the Jones Act, there is an overwhelming sense of pride from the American people, especially from Mississippians.” --- U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) “At its core, the Jones Act is a critical labor standard that helps put U.S. mariners to work and maintains important workplace rights. In Washington’s Second Congressional District, the district I represent, the Jones Act supports 2,240 jobs which generate more than $130 million in labor income and more than $642 million in economic impact annually…. The Jones Act also underpins U.S. maritime defense policy and is essential to preserving national security interests at home and abroad.” --- U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington) July 2020 vessels taking needed goods for armed forces located around the world, but also supplies another set of eyes from American citizen-seafarers within U.S. ports, harbors and waterways for unlawful activities. “Many people do not realize that the Jones Act was not America’s first cabotage law,” noted MTD Executive SecretaryTreasurer Daniel Duncan. “In fact, among the original laws passed by the first Congress in 1789-90 were several designed to protect the nation’s fledgling maritime industry.” At one time, foreign-flagged and foreign-crewed vessels were permitted to sail along the inland waterways and on the Great Lakes. These vessels and crews did not then, nor have to now, meet America’s labor, building and safety standards. After a series of disasters that claimed American lives, Congress worked on various measures to strengthen the cabotage laws. During World War I, the United States did not have much of a merchant fleet. Many businesses depended on commercial vessels from Britain, France, Germany and other nations to export and import goods. When the war took these vessels away, Americans were forced to pay a premium to move cargo. This led to the 1920 Merchant Marine Act with its inclusion of the Jones Act. Despite its value to the American economy and the nation’s security, the Jones Act continually faces attacks from outside interests. The cabotage law of the Jones Act is not unique to the United States, either. The London-based Seafarers’ Rights International released a study in 2018 listing more than 90 countries that have some type of cabotage law on their books. Maritime unions around the world have identified the Jones Act as the flagship of cabotage laws. “This centennial is worth celebrating – and the Jones Act is worth fully preserving,” proclaimed Sacco. “America’s freight cabotage law has served us extremely well for a century, and that’s why it has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support along with powerful backing from top military leaders. “God bless the Jones Act, which I believe is the most ‘All-American’ law in existence.” “For 100 years, the Jones Act has been protecting Americans and our nation’s waterways. Not only is Louisiana’s First Congressional District number one in the country for Jones Act jobs, the Jones Act is a critical piece of America’s national and economic security. At its heart, this law strengthens American naval capabilities, prevents foreign ships from roaming throughout our inland waterways, and protects our country from unknown foreign threats. The U.S. maritime industry is an important backbone of America’s industrial base, and without the Jones Act, our maritime industry would be unfairly undercut by subsidized foreign entities. I will continue fighting to preserve the Jones Act so we can protect our national security, and to ensure these high-skilled, high-paying jobs remain in Louisiana and in America.” --- U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) “The bedrock principles and protections of the Jones Act are as essential today as they were when the bill was passed a century ago. We are, at our core, a maritime nation. The U.S. Merchant Marine enables the country to project force anywhere around the globe and ensures the security of our waters at home. We cannot be complacent in our defense of the Jones Act, which remains a critical component of U.S. maritime and military strategy.” --- U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-New York) “This week, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act and its century of fostering our domestic maritime industry and supporting our national security. Named in honor of its author, former Senator Wesley Jones, the Jones Act has helped provide economic benefits in times of peace and has safeguarded resources to expand our military maritime capacity for times of war. For the Department of Defense, maintaining a U.S.flagged fleet is critical to ensuring we have sufficient U.S. sealift capacity, available at a moment’s notice, to defend our nation…. Not only does the Jones Act support this vital national security requirement, it also provides an economic benefit to our nation.” --- U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Texas) Seafarers LOG 5 �Retired Paul Hall Center Instructor Bernabe Pelingon Passes Away May 2 at 68 When Bernabe Pelingon finished a 20-year stint in the U.S. Navy in 1997, he earnestly considered an array of second careers. But it didn’t take long for him to choose the SIU. Pelingon joined the union and sailed for two years before becoming an instructor at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. He taught at the school for nearly 20 years, mixing in some ongoing work as an active mariner, before retiring in late 2018. Pelingon, known to all as Bernie, cited health concerns when he retired. He died May 2 at age 68. “He was beloved by staff and students alike, and his influence can be seen on many people working in the deck department throughout the SIU,” said Paul Hall Center Acting Vice President Tom Orzechowski. “He was around when I took my AB course and he was a sailor’s sailor.” Stan Beck worked with Pelingon both in the armed forces and at the school. “Bernie was one of my shipmates in the U.S. Navy,” Beck recalled. “We were on the USS Detroit together and we were both at the Paul Hall Center (as instructors) for 20 years each. He loved teaching students and was everyone’s mentor. He was always willing to help with anything we needed, and he will be missed very much.” Another instructor, Tom Truitt, noted, “Bernie’s best interest was always for the student. He was always looking to give the students the most beneficial information so they could succeed after they left the school. He was a wealth of knowledge and I knew if I had a question, he would answer it or know where to find the answer. I really enjoyed working with him, and he was a true professional.” Even after retirement, Pelingon lived on the secondary road leading to the school. A native of the Philippines, Pelingon hailed from a family of educators. He received college degrees in nautical science and marine transportation and also secured his third mate’s license. In the Navy, he served as quartermaster first class, earning many decorations along the way in addition to working as an instructor. In Piney Point, he became the school’s lead instructor for able seamen – but he did far more than classroom work. Pelingon recruited other veterans to the school, both as students and instructors. He served as a peer tutor and mentor for upgraders, some of whom had English as a second language. In his retirement letter, Pelingon said that working at the school “has been a wonderful experience, and I will cherish the memories.” Bernabe Pelingon (left) was a fixture in Piney Point for nearly 20 years. He served as lead instructor in the deck department and also recruited for the school. USCG Waives MMC Fees For Active Duty Personnel Editor’s note: The following information was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard on May 26. The announcement is posted on the SIU website, in the Latest News section, and includes all of the related links. 6 Seafarers LOG The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing has published CG-MMC Policy Letter 02-20 titled: Guidance on Waiver of Merchant Mariner Credential Application Fees for Active Duty Officials Release Procedures For Requesting Absentee Ballots For Upcoming SIU Elections Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters 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, 2020 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, 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 Capital Gateway Drive, 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 Members of the Uniformed Services. Active duty members of the uniformed services are eligible for a waiver of fees for evaluation of an application for an MMC, the administration of an examination required for an endorsement, and for the issuance of an MMC. The waiver applies to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2020 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2020. 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, 2020. 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 self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2020 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2021. Public Health Service. This policy is available on the Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentialing policy website on the MMC Policy Webpage. It may also be accessed by selecting “Policy & Regulations” on the National Maritime Center’s website. Mariners and other interested parties should contact the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division at MMCPolicy@uscg.mil or (202) 372-2357 with any questions or feedback. July 2020 �MTD Calls for Justice for All AFL-CIO Pledges to Continue Fighting for Reforms As demonstrations for just treatment of minorities spread across the country, two SIU-affiliated organizations spoke out in strong support of the peaceful protesters’ goals – most if not all of which are shared by organized labor. Many union members and their families were part of the grassroots mobilizations, often under the banner of Black Lives Matter. Both the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) and the AFL-CIO responded not only to the rallies but also to the destruction that occurred at the AFL-CIO headquarters building late on May 31. Vandals damaged the building, which is directly across the street from the White House. They broke windows and set fires in the lobby. SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as president of the MTD. The department’s statement reads, “The Sisters and Brothers of MTD affiliates who crew U.S.-flag ships, who build U.S.-flag vessels, who work on U.S. docks, and who supply these American workers know the value of teamwork and working together. These members of our Port Councils and unions have marched, do march and will march when we witness and experience injustice. The death of George Floyd was uncalled for and only the latest. The call for justice is valid. We will continue to work to bring equality and justice for ALL Americans. It must happen. “However, destruction solves nothing. Words mean little if there is no action. It is way past time for all Americans to realize that ‘We, the People’ needs to truly come to all – people of color, native Americans, immigrants seeking a better life. “Unionism is solidarity. The MTD stands, marches and fights for solidarity – peaceful solidarity – for all.” George Perry Floyd Jr. was an AfricanAmerican man who was killed by police during an arrest in Minneapolis on May 25. Protests in response to both Floyd’s death, and more broadly to police violence against other black people, quickly spread across the United States and internationally. On June 1, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka issued the following statement: “My heart is heavy at the events of the past few days. I watched the video of George Floyd pleading for his life under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer. No person of conscience can hear Floyd’s Union members gather near AFL-CIO headquarters for a spontaneous demonstration June 8 in the nation’s capital. (Photo courtesy Union Veterans Council) cries for help and not understand that something is deeply wrong in America. “What happened to George Floyd, what happened to Ahmaud Arbery, what happened to far too many unarmed people of color has happened for centuries. The difference is now we have cell phones. It’s there for all of us to see. And we can’t turn our heads and look away because we feel uncomfortable. “Racism plays an insidious role in the daily lives of all working people of color. This is a labor issue because it is a workplace issue. It is a community issue, and unions are the community. We must and will continue to fight for reforms in policing and to address issues of racial and economic inequality. Aboard the Safmarine Mafadi Recertified Steward Lauren Oram (right) reports that the galley gang aboard the Maersk Line, Limited vessel is quite busy keeping the ship sanitary. She’s pictured with (from left) SA Claribel Cabral and Chief Cook Juan Poblete Inostroza. July 2020 “We categorically reject those on the fringes who are engaging in violence and destroying property. Attacks like the one on the AFL-CIO headquarters are senseless, disgraceful and only play into the hands of those who have oppressed workers of color for generations and detract from the peaceful, passionate protesters who are rightly bringing issues of racism to the forefront. “But in the end, the labor movement is not a building. We are a living collection of working people who will never stop fighting for economic, social and racial justice. We are united unequivocally against the forces of hate who seek to divide this nation for their own personal and political gain at our expense. “We will clean up the glass, sweep away the ashes and keep doing our part to bring a better day out of this hour of darkness and despair. “Today and always, the important work of the AFL-CIO continues unabated. U.S. Coast Guard Announces AB and Lifeboatman Surveys Some SIU members soon may receive an email from the U.S. Coast Guard pertaining to a survey. The agency’s announcement, dated June 11, appears below and is available on the SIU website (check the Latest News section). Able Seaman and Lifeboatman Surveys The Coast Guard is seeking input from mariners who hold Merchant Mariner Credential endorsements as Able Seaman (AB) and Lifeboatman (LB) to validate information gathered as part of a Job Task Analysis (JTA). Since 2016, the Coast Guard has been working on several initiatives to improve the quality of the content of credentialing examinations. One initiative is to validate the real-world occupational tasks carried out by mariners in today’s merchant fleet by conducting JTAs. The first JTA is for AB and LB endorsements. We worked with members of industry with AB/LB experience to identify the tasks that AB and LB are responsible for while signed on a vessel. The Coast Guard is inviting you to be a part of this exciting and worthwhile effort by: n Validating the AB and LB tasks. n Telling us how frequently you complete the tasks. n Telling us how difficult it is to complete the tasks. n Telling us how important it is to complete the tasks. This is a unique opportunity for you to provide insight into your job, either as an AB/LB or as a supervisor, and contribute to Coast Guard examination improvements. The Coast Guard will use the results of the JTA in consultation with industry to evaluate and update examination content for these endorsements. Mariners who hold endorsements as AB and/or LB will receive an e-mail from JobTaskAnalysis@uscg.mil containing a link to the survey and the dates the survey is open. Your link to the survey will have a unique identifier to record your responses. It is not linked to you personally and the information you provide will remain anonymous. Your participation is encouraged for the benefit of the maritime community and safety of the Marine Transportation System. If you have questions regarding the survey, please contact us at JobTaskAnalysis@uscg.mil. Seafarers LOG 7 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU GOLDEN SHELLBACK – Mariners aboard the Matson ship M/V Kamokuiki recently crossed the Equator and International Date Line, and then received a Golden Shellback certificate. SIU Steward/Baker Adele E. Williams is pictured fourth from left. The crew also includes (from the MM&P) Capt. Louis E. Terramorse, C/M Robert G. Abbott, 3/M Jessica N. Mastrella, (from the MEBA) 2/M Robert M. Womble, C/E Evan C. Hafford, 1 A/E Glen K. Elliott, 2 A/E Lucas W. Frank, (from the SUP) Bosun Forrest A. Jackson, ABW Joshua S. Davis, ABW Christian G. Ortiz, ABW Richard N. Kahalewai Jr., AND (from the MFOW) Electrician Kevin L. Haymer and Oiler Walter J. Tangonan. Second Mate Womble is behind the lens. GUAM HALL – Pictured prior to the pandemic are (photo at left, from left) ABG Octavio Henriques, OS Franklin Muna and Recertified Bosun Gregory Jackson. Muna was receiving his full B-book. The individual photo in the center shows QEP Richard Digman receiving his A-book, while the photo at right includes (from left) SIU Port Agent Fred Sanchez and MDR Donald Dabbs, also receiving his A-book. HOUSTON HALL – Chief Cook Jorrell Davis (left) receives his B-book. He’s pictured with Patrolman J.B. Niday. ABOARD USNS MAURY – There are many Seafarers past and present among the engine crew aboard the Ocean Shipholdings vessel. (Note that the ship had been through two 14-day quarantine periods in the last two months and was deemed “clean,” hence the absence of social distancing and PPE for the photo at right.) Front and center are C/E Merrick Brow, an SIU hawsepiper, and Oiler Karl Morrow. Behind them, left to right, are 3A/E McCale Butto (Suny), 2A/E John Bimpong (SIU hawsepiper), Oiler Anias Stanford, Oiler Zach Cartwright, QMED Hermano Sillon, Storekeeper Michael Dupee and 1A/E Keith Bailey (SIU hawsepiper). Many thanks to Keith Bailey for the photo and info. ABOARD MAHI MAHI – Pictured aboard the Matson ship in mid-May (above, from left) are ACU John Canson, Chief Steward Ken Greenidge and Chief Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz. (Yes, we cheated and stitched two photos together.) 8 Seafarers LOG OAKLAND HALL – Members and port officials make the best of it May 15 as Seafarers stop by the hall to pick up shipping documents. July 2020 �Seafarers Rise to Occasion During WWII Battles at Sea Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from May 5-June 16. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of June 16. Continued from Page 20 sail their old, unarmed ships through “U-boat Lake” in early 1942. On the 20th of May, the George Calvert, a Bull Line Liberty, was sunk with a loss of three men while bound for Bandar Shapur with 9,116 tons of war supplies for the Russians. Another Bull Line ship, the Major Wheeler, disappeared in the Caribbean to become an unsolved mystery of the sea. And there was the City of Alma of the Waterman Company, en route from Port of Spain, Trinidad, to Baltimore on June 2, when she was hit by just one torpedo from an unseen submarine. Ripping a 40-foot hole in the hull, the “tinfish” almost sliced the freighter in two, and she sank so speedily that 10 men were saved only because they had jumped clear when she plunged, later climbing aboard a life raft which had broken loose and floated free. Sparks was caught in his shack, sending out calls for help. The Skipper, Second Mate, Chief Engineer, First, Second and Third Assistant Engineers and 22 other crewmen were lost on the City of Alma. The Little Millinocket, Bull Line, was warned of the proximity of a marauding sub, but too late to save herself. It was five minutes past five in the afternoon when Steward Ernest Oxley stopped by the wireless room and read a message which had just come in from San Juan. The radiogram warned that a submarine was in their vicinity. And correct it was, for Steward Oxley had no more than read the warning of danger when the ship shuddered from a torpedo explosion in the starboard side amidships. Oxley ran out on deck to see the Skipper, the Chief and the First Mate running toward the life rafts, with the Captain shouting “Let go the rafts. It’s our only chance. Let go the rafts.” That was the last he saw of the trio, for they went down with the ship. On watch below, when the torpedo hit, was the 4 to 8: Second Assistant Francis Amberger, Fireman Robert Baylis and Oiler Joe Lewnuk. Joe escaped – miraculously, it seemed – by climbing up the emergency cable ladder to the engine room skylight before the engine room flooded and the Millinocket settled by the stern. Seamen could never tell when their ship might get hit during these hectic days, for subs gave no warning. Captain Homer Lanford was pulling the whistle cord of the SS Del Mundo, to turn a convoy into the old Bahama passage off Cuba, when this Mississippi Shipping Company freighter got a torpedo in the engine room, killing all hands below. An old “Hog,” the Del Mundo was “commodore” of a 38ship fleet, and was carrying 30 Polish women war refugees as passengers. A number of other ships were sunk in the same attack, covering the sea with a maze of floating debris. Captain William B. Sillars, of the Waterman freighter Afoundria, sensed pending disaster to his ship on May 5, 1942, when the vessel was hit by a sub mid-afternoon off the northwest coast of Haiti. Total Registered Port All Groups A B Total Shipped C All Groups A B Registered on Beach C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C Sensed Danger He had come on to the bridge just a few minutes before, saying to Second Mate James Chatfield, “I feel that right now we are at the most dangerous stage of our trip. Keep a very good lookout!” The Afoundria had a load of bombs up forward and a cargo of beans aft. Fortunately, the torpedo hit among the beans. All hands were saved. By the end of July, submarine sinkings in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico had been drastically cut, but ships continued to go down in these waters right up to the end of the war, and among them were freighters manned by SIU crews. Lack of space precludes the telling of even a part of the action-packed drama that these ships contributed to the story of the war at sea. The U.S. Merchant Marine emblem is included in the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. July 2020 Seafarers LOG 9 �SIU Delivers The Goods For Key Military Exercise Six Seafarers-Crewed Vessels Mobilize for DEFENDER-Europe 20 SIU-crewed vessels are part of a convoy Feb. 28 in the Atlantic. Pictured from left during the military exercise are the USNS Benavidez, MV Resolve and the guidedmissile cruiser USS Vella. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Waters) F ive vessels assigned to the Maritime Security Program fleet, augmented by a Military Sealift Command Bob Hope-Class ship – all crewed by SIU members – earlier this year proved their value to national defense. They carried vital materiel for a branch of the country’s armed forces during DEFENDER-Europe 20, an extensive military exercise designed to build strategic readiness by deploying a “combat credible” force to Europe in support of North American Treaty Organization and U.S. national defense strategy, according to the U.S. Army. (Segments of the exercise were ongoing at press time.) The SIU-crewed convoy (comprised of the MV Endurance, MV Resolve and MV Patriot, all operated by Tote Services; the Central Gulf Lines-operated MV Green Bay and MV Green Lake; and the U.S. Marine Management-operated USNS Benavidez) took center stage in what initially was billed as the largest deployment of troops from the United States to Europe in more than 25 years. The vessels and crews were charged with transporting Abrams tanks, armored personnel carriers, heavy machine guns, mortars and much more from the United States to Europe. An estimated 20,000 U.S. troops reportedly were slated to participate in the exercise. This effort exercised the Army’s ability to coordinate large-scale movements with allies. In response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and recent guidance by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, however, the exercise was modified both in size and scope. By mid-March, all movement of personnel and equipment from the United States to Europe ceased. The health, safety and readiness of the U.S. military, civilians, and family members moved to the forefront. Prior to the reset, the Army deployed approximately 6,000 soldiers from the United States to Europe including a division headquarters and an armored brigade combat team. The SIU-crewed vessels at that point had transported more than 1.3 million square feet of materiel including approximately 9,000 vehicles and 3,000 other pieces of equipment from Army prepositioned stocks. At press time, the Army announced that another component of DEFENDER-Europe 20, originally scheduled for May, will take place at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, June 5-19. “Exercises like DEFENDER-Europe 20 continue to demonstrate that NATO allies and partners stand stronger together and that the U.S. commitment to NATO is ironclad,” the Army reported. Meanwhile, the U.S. Merchant Marine helped the U.S. Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) demonstrate its ability to project strategic readiness through their support of the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise. SDDC personnel successfully moved more than 3,000 pieces of equipment through multiple seaports from the United States to Europe. “Our commercial carriers and partners are key to our operations,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, SDDC commanding general. With the SIU-crewed MV Endurance in the background, an M88 Recovery vehicle heads ashore at the port of Bremerhaven, Germany for Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20. (NATO photo) 10 Seafarers LOG AB Glen McCullough (left) and Second Mate Edmun Scott (a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers) man the bridge aboard the USNS Benavidez while the vessel is at sea Feb. 17. The Benavidez was underway in support of Agile Defender 2020, a maritime portion of Defender 2020. (U.S. Navy photo by Bill Mesta) In photo below, OS Jai’mall Whitaker Brickers stands bridge wing lookout aboard the Benavidez (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan R. Bair). Part of what he sees (photo at immediate left) is the array of containers and other U.S. Army equipment that is staged on the vessel’s top-side deck. The SIU-crewed roll-on/roll-off vessel M/V Green Bay (photo above) arrives in Bremerhaven, Germany, to offload cargo for DEFENDER-Europe 20. The Green Bay transported more than 470 pieces of equipment across the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Travis Weger) Tracked vehicles (photo at immediate right) wait dockside to be loaded on the Seafarerscrewed MV Resolve in Beaumont, Texas. (U.S. Navy photo by Bill Mesta) July 2020 July 2020 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer This month’s question was answered by Tacoma-area members, via phone. George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What does it mean to you to be in The Brotherhood of the Sea? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Ahmed Sharif QEE Being in the Seafarers has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Job security, good pay, and it helps me support my family. Being in the union means I’ll always have a job. Anytime I want to work, I’ll have a job, and it’s been that way my whole career. I’ve been in the union since 1997, and I feel blessed being a member of the SIU. Adel Ahmed Recertified Bosun It keeps us close together. You get to know new people every time you board the vessel, and you learn what different cultures have in common and what makes them different. My dad convinced me to join by telling me what the job was really like, what the lifestyle was like. I joined in 2001, and this job has let me take care of my kids, and earn money like you’d normally have to have a degree to make. Thanks to our union, and keep up the good work! Darryl Smith Recertified Bosun For one, it was the place that gave me an opportunity at 18 to start a good career. This line of business helps everyone in the country, as well as our military. It let me travel the world, meet new people, and gave me a clear career path that lets you move up as far as you want in life. I hope the union continues to bring in new mariners, and keep this industry thriving. Luke Coffelt OMU It means a sense of camaraderie, that we can rely on each other out at sea and ashore. It also provides a sense of security, that the union would have my back on a ship if I needed anything. The union gave me flexibility, way beyond what another job could. Being able to build my own schedule is a huge advantage in my life. Todd Williams QMED It means a lot. It presents a lot of opportunities to make a decent living and be a part of something that’s really great. You get to meet some great people, and it means a lot to me. It changed my life, that’s for sure, by being able to provide for my family and see a lot of different places around the world. Matthew Conyac Chief Steward It means that I’ve got a good union job and benefits available to me, and that we need to work on strengthening and growing our membership to keep the corporate and political interests that are against us, from endangering all we’ve worked to accomplish. Pics From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 These snapshots were submitted by the son of the late NMU Bosun John Ivo Valjalo. John joined the union in 1946, first serving on the SS Bartlesville Victory as deck maintenance. He remained with the union until 1985. John passed away peacefully in December 2015 in Liverpool, England, at age 92. Photo at right was taken aboard the SS Tyson Lykes during a 1959 voyage from Liverpool to Florida. The other is from Marseilles, France, January 1946. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG July 2020 �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 PAUL ADAMS Brother Paul Adams, 69, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979, initially sailing on the Pacer. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Adams most recently sailed on the John U.D. Page. He makes his home in Cocoa Beach, Florida. AL ALHAJ Brother Al Alhaj, 65, started sailing with the union in 1979 when he shipped on the Brooks Range. A member of the deck department, he last sailed on the John Boland. Brother Alhaj settled in Lincoln Park, Michigan. TOMMY BELVIN Brother Tommy Belvin, 70, signed on with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Santa Mercedes. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Belvin’s final vessel was the Maunalei. He makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. URSULA CANCI Sister Ursula Canci, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1996, initially shipping on the Silas Bent. An engine department member, she upgraded her skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Sister Canci last sailed on the USNS Stockham. She resides in Staten Island, New York. LEONARD CHAVIS Brother Leonard Chavis, 66, started his career with the union in 2004, first sailing aboard the Delaware Bay. He was a member of the engine department and most recently shipped on the Ohio. Brother Chavis makes his home in Port Arthur, Texas. NICK CIABATONI Brother Nick Ciabatoni, 69, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2001. He first sailed aboard the Cape Inscription, and worked in the deck department. Brother Ciabatoni upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2012. He last shipped on the Alaskan July 2020 Navigator and calls St. Augustine, Florida, home. STEVEN DICKSON Brother Steven Dickson, 66, signed on with the Seafarers in 1991, when he sailed on the USNS Wilkes. He was a steward department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Dickson most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Seletar. He resides in Bremerton, Washington. JEROME DOOMS Brother Jerome Dooms, 63, joined the SIU in 1989, first sailing aboard the Dewayne T. Williams. He was an engine department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Dooms last sailed on the St. Louis Express and settled in Houston. JOSEPH HUMPHREY Brother Joseph Humphrey, 58, started shipping with the union in 1991, initially sailing on the Frances Hammer. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother Humphrey’s final vessel was the Maersk Memphis. He lives in Honolulu. MICHAEL INGRAM Brother Michael Ingram, 65, joined the union in 1973. He was a member of the deck department and first sailed aboard the Falcon Lady. Brother Ingram upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Overseas Washington and settled in Klickitat, Washington. NORMAN JACKSON Brother Norman Jackson, 54, donned the SIU colors in 1989 when he sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Jackson’s final vessel was the American Phoenix. He makes his home in Marrero, Louisiana. GREGORY KEENE Brother Gregory Keene, 61, signed on with the union in 1978, first sailing on the Great Land. He upgraded on multiple oc- casions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and was a steward department member. Brother Keene’s last ship was the Maersk Michigan. He resides in the Philippines. CHARLES KENNEDY Brother Charles Kennedy, 73, joined the union in 1975, initially sailing aboard the Yukon. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Kennedy most recently sailed aboard the Overseas Key West and lives in Mobile, Alabama. PETER MENSAH Brother Peter Mensah, 71, began shipping with the union in 2003 when he sailed aboard the Global Link. He worked in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Mensah last shipped on the Dependable and resides in Willingboro, New Jersey. MARIANO NORALES Brother Mariano Norales, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990, first sailing on the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Norales’ last vessel was the Quality. He makes his home in Houston. AMELIA OCAMPO Sister Amelia Ocampo, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2000. She initially sailed aboard the USNS Gilliand and shipped in both the steward and deck departments. Sister Ocampo upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She most recently sailed on the Resolve and makes her home in Jacksonville, Florida. ROCKY OLDS Brother Rocky Olds, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1999. He was an engine department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Olds’ first and last vessel was the USNS Dahl. He makes his home in San Marcos, California. recently sailed with Moran Towing of Maryland. He resides in Sparrows Point, Maryland. JOSE RAMIREZ Brother Brian Wilder, 64, joined the SIU in 1991, first sailing aboard the Cape Bon. He was an engine department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Wilder last sailed on the American Pride and settled in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Brother Jose Ramirez, 65, started sailing with the union in 1990 when he shipped on the Independence. A member of the engine department, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Ramirez last sailed on the Florida and settled in Houston. KASSIM SHAIBI Brother Kassim Shaibi, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Trader. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Shaibi’s final vessel was the Liberator. He makes his home in Shafter, California. ROBERT SHAW Brother Robert Shaw, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1976, initially shipping with National Marine Service. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Shaw last sailed on the Pride and resides in Rockaway, New Jersey. MICHAEL SPRANZA Brother Michael Spranza, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1980 when he sailed aboard the San Juan. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Spranza last shipped on the Reliance. He calls Daly City, California, home. TIMOTHY VAN PELT Brother Timothy Van Pelt, 61, signed on with the Seafarers in 1978, when he sailed on the Overseas Ulla. He was an engine department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Van Pelt most BRIAN WILDER GREAT LAKES THOMAS CHABOT Brother Thomas Chabot, 65, started shipping with the union in 1973, initially sailing on the Paul H. Townsend. A deck department member, his final vessel was the Charles E. Wilson. Brother Chabot lives in Lachine, Michigan. LARRY SKOWRONEK Brother Larry Skowronek, 64, started his career with the union in 1990, first sailing aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Skowronek’s final vessel was the Burns Harbor. He makes his home in Alpena, Michigan. INLAND CHARLIE CARLSON Brother Charlie Carlson, 64, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1998. He was first employed with Penn Maritime and sailed in the deck department. Brother Carlson upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed on the Resolve and lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. GARY DAVIS Brother Gary Davis, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1977, working with HVIDE Marine. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career with G&H Towing. Brother Davis makes his home in Graves, Texas. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA HOWARD ALLEN Pensioner Howard Allen, 83, died April 10. He signed on with the SIU in 1963 and first shipped with American Steamship Company. Brother Allen was a member of the engine department. He concluded his career on the Liberty Wave and became a pensioner in 2008. Brother Allen resided in New Orleans. ALEXANDER BENDOLPH Brother Alexander Bendolph, 65, passed away March 18. Born in Alabama, he joined the SIU in 1978. An engine department member, Brother Bendolph first sailed aboard the Connecticut. He last shipped on the American Spirit and was a resident of Mobile, Alabama. WILLIAM BRAGG Pensioner William Bragg, 64, died March 16. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1980; his first vessel was the El Paso Howard Boyd. Brother Bragg worked in the steward department. He most recently sailed aboard the Charger and became a pensioner in 2013. Brother Bragg made his home in Thailand. DAVID CASTRO Pensioner David Castro, 68, passed away May 12. He became a member of the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the USNS Algol. Brother Castro sailed in the engine department. He last shipped aboard the USNS Fisher before becoming a pensioner in 2018. Brother Castro lived in Borrego Springs, California. EDWARD HABER Pensioner Edward Haber, 70, died April 30. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1967, when he shipped on the Malden Victory. Brother Haber worked in the steward department and last sailed on the Elizabeth. He retired in 2002 and made his home in Palm Bay, Florida. 14 Seafarers LOG NATHANIEL HARRIS Brother Nathaniel Harris, 65, passed away March 30. He joined the SIU in 1973, initially sailing on the Overseas Progress. Brother Harris was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Thomas Lynch and settled in Mobile, Alabama. TED KOPECKY Pensioner Ted Kopecky, 75, died May 26. He joined the union in 2001 and first shipped aboard the Maersk Vermont. Brother Kopecky was a member of the deck department. He concluded his career on the Maersk Ohio and retired in 2011. Brother Kopecky lived in Poland. FRANCIS MCCALL Brother Francis McCall, 93, passed away May 6. He started sailing with the union in 1953 when he shipped aboard the Hastings. Brother McCall was a deck department member. He last worked on the Elizabeth in 1971 and was a San Francisco resident. BRYANT MCGIFFEN Brother Bryant McGiffen, 28, died December 27. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2016 when he sailed aboard the Liberty Grace. A member of the engine department, Brother McGiffen last shipped on the Pride of America. He resided in Saint James City, Florida. TIMOTHY MCHALE Pensioner Timothy McHale, 67, passed away May 18. He began his career with the SIU in 2001, initially sailing aboard the USNS Dahl. Brother McHale was a deck department member, and last sailed aboard the USNS Montford Point. He became a pensioner in 2017 and made his home in Troy, North Carolina. VLADIMIR NITRIANSKY Pensioner Vladimir Nitriansky, 74, died May 11. He joined the SIU in 2000, first sailing on the American Merlin. Brother Nitriansky shipped in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Patriot and retired in 2017. Brother Nitriansky called Theodore, Alabama, home. ANTHONY NOVAK Pensioner Anthony Novak, 96, passed away May 24. He joined the union in 1947 and first sailed on the Spartanburg Victory. Brother Novak was an engine department member and last shipped on the Overseas New York. He began collecting his pension in 1985 and settled in Minneapolis. TONY RABAGO Pensioner Tony Rabago, 86, died May 17. He donned the SIU colors in 1952, initially sailing aboard the Neva West. Brother Rabago was a steward department member and last sailed on the Overseas Alice. He retired in 1993 and made his home in Santa Fe, Texas. KENNETH ROETZER Pensioner Kenneth Roetzer, 74, passed away May 1. He began his career with the SIU in 1989, when he worked for Red Circle Transport. Brother Roetzer was a steward department member, and last sailed aboard the Marilyn. He became a pensioner in 2013 and made his home in Castlewood, Virginia. WAYMAN SELLERS Pensioner Wayman Sellers, 81, died May 5. He became a member of the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Silas Bent. Brother Sellers sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Keystone State before becoming a pensioner in 2004. Brother Sellers lived in Phoenix. WILLIAM WARE Brother William Ware, 85, passed away April 9. He joined the SIU in 1952. Brother Ware was a steward department member and sailed with States Steamship for the duration of his career. He called Waynesville, North Carolina, home. ROBERT WILSON Pensioner Robert Wilson, 75, died April 26. He joined the union in 1979 and first shipped aboard the Long Beach. Brother Wilson was a member of the deck department. He concluded his career on the Cape Horn and retired in 2016. Brother Wilson lived in Mount Shasta, California. GREAT LAKES MOHSIN HARHARA Pensioner Mohsin Harhara, 77, passed away April 27. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1976, initially sailing on the Hudson. Brother Harhara was an engine department member and concluded his career on the American Mariner. He went on pension in 2000 and settled in Allen Park, Michigan. INLAND RODNEY MCCASLIN Pensioner Rodney McCaslin, 61, died May 25. He started sailing with the SIU in 1986, first working for Moran Towing of Texas. Brother McCaslin shipped in the engine department. He concluded his career on the Integrity, and went on pension in 2016. Brother McCaslin resided in Winslow, Maine. HENRY METALLO Pensioner Henry Metallo, 73, has passed away. He signed on with the SIU in 1970. A deck department member, Brother Metallo sailed first and last with OSG Ship Management. He became a pensioner in 2006 and was a Baltimore resident. LOUIS SMITH Pensioner Louis Smith, 62, died April 10. He was a deck department member and began sailing with the union in 1997. Brother Smith worked with McAllister Towing of Virginia for the duration of his career. He retired in 2020 and resided in Hudgins, Virginia. RICHARD WARD Pensioner Richard Ward, 74, passed away December 11. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1981 when he worked for CG Willis. Brother Ward was a deck department member. He continued his employment with the same company until his retirement in 2007. Brother Ward lived in Jacksonville, Florida. with the SIU in 2000, first working with Riverboat Services. Brother Weaver shipped in the deck department. He concluded his career on the Legacy, and went on pension in 2019. Brother Weaver settled in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. JACK WYATT Pensioner Jack Wyatt, 74, passed away May 29. He signed on with the SIU in 1982. A deck department member, Brother Wyatt sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2006 and was a resident of Lakeside, Arizona. NMU CARLOS CABEZAS Pensioner Carlos Cabezas, 79, died May 27. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/ SIU merger. Brother Cabezas was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the Cape Orlando and became a pensioner in 2006. Brother Cabezas was a San Francisco resident. CLARENCE MCCALL Pensioner Clarence McCall, 90, passed away May 21. Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, he began sailing with the NMU in 1957. Brother McCall shipped in the deck department. He began collecting his pension in 1995 and settled in Port Arthur, Texas. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. Name Age Araujo, Theophilus 78 Barnes, Linford 89 Colon, Luis 93 Crossen, Robert 88 Fernandez, Mario 89 Floyd, Anthony 79 Gantt, Rudy 86 Guevara, Paul 91 Jernigan, James 87 Kenny, Thomas 95 Liberatore, Frank 92 Moore, Aubrey 94 Moras, Constantino 97 Musa, Sharif 65 Olson, Hank 89 Perry, Archibald 91 Terry, Albert 84 DOD 05/17/2020 11/09/2019 04/19/2020 05/25/2020 05/04/2020 12/13/2019 05/09/2020 04/04/2020 05/04/2020 05/15/2020 03/26/2019 03/30/2020 05/01/2020 01/25/2020 03/28/2020 01/17/2020 04/12/2020 RICHARD WEAVER Pensioner Richard Weaver, 70, died May 11. He started sailing July 2020 �ITF Secures Back Pay, Repatriation For Mariners Stranded by Company After five months of being detained and abandoned, the crew of the Liberian-flagged M/V Evolution has finally been paid their due wages, and those who wished to be repatriated were sent home, thanks to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The 505-foot, runaway-flag cargo vessel was first detained by the U.S. Marshals Service on Jan. 31, after it arrived off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. The vessel was abandoned by an overseas maritime firm called Smooth Navigation, which stranded the 21 mariners on board, waiting to receive the $355,000 in back pay they were owed. The crew, 19 from the Philippines, one Jordanian officer and one Lebanese officer, continued to perform their duties on the ship while being detained. Without the proper immigration documents, they were unable to leave the vessel and enter the United States. The vessels’ insurers demanded that the Evolution be put on the auction block to pay for a shipment of iron that was damaged by saltwater as the vessel sailed to Indonesia from Iran. They sought to recoup $1.45 million from the sale of the vessel. The Evolution is the first major vessel abandonment in the United Aboard Maersk Idaho States since crew abandonment insurance was created in 2018, according to ITF Inspector Corey Connor. “It does happen. It’s not uncommon, especially around the world, but it’s very uncommon in the United States,” said Connor. He added that the vessel was finally sold at auction in May for two main reasons: “One, the vessel is abandoned, so there’s currently nobody taking responsibility for it. So, the vessel needs to be sold to a new company. The second part of that is getting the crew paid. The crew hadn’t been paid in four months, so we were able to get everyone to agree to pay the crew with the money earned from the sale of the vessel.” The crew was partially repatriated on June 13, and the 19 Filipino crewmembers were allowed to return home. The officers chose to stay on board until the new owners take control of the vessel, and Connor was informed in a message from the crew that this was the “good ending” they had hoped for. The full amount of the wages owed to the mariners was on the way as of press time. The SIU is an ITF affiliate; SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel serves as chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section. Grateful crew members are pictured with ITF Inspector Corey Connor (wearing face covering). This pre-pandemic photo was taken much earlier in the year. That’s Paul Hall Center instructor John Thomas near the bottom left, hands on hips and wearing a dark hardhat. He visited the ship in order to help update the school’s fire fighting curriculums. (Nothing bad happened on the Idaho. Thomas was just taking general notes.) Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt July 2020 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #860 – Graduated February 21 (above, in alphabetical order): David Argo, Tina Brown, Isaiah Cabral, Gregory Castor, Jonte Crenshaw, Dylan Jones, Raheem Joseph, Gabriel Kalima, Jocecil Lugo-Rivera, Jose Pena, Julianne Perez-Borroto, William Place, Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez, Tyson Richardson, Gabriel Rivera, Julian Rubbo, Makanaonalani Sing, Tyseen Tolbert, Eddie Verrett Jr. and Jeffery Wixted. RFPNW – Graduated April 17 (above): Willie Smith Jr. Radar Observer – Graduated March 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Jason James and Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa. Class instructor Brian Moore is at the far left. UA to AS-D – Graduated March 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Sharde Baker, Robert Coleman III, Norman Routier Comeaux Jr., Michael Curtin, Kendall Davis, Christopher Eke, Carey Floyd, Antonio Manuel Gonzalez-Esteves, Michael Hickey, Nicholas Holt, Jackson McDaniel, Anthoine Nichols, Velislav Nikolov, Lane Plummer, Tyler Thompson and Mervin Zamora. 16 Seafarers LOG July 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated April 17 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Bryan Aleman Medina, Daniel Bost, Jessina Fernandez, Marck Mathias Hilgendorf-Sanchez, Ricardo Jose Valenzuela-Venegas and James Zaro. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-contracted vessels. Government Vessels – Graduated March 20: Charles Crawford (above left) and Manuel Lata Jr. Also graduating, but not pictured was Latosha Love. BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated April 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Nathan Johnson Jr., Gregory Nash, Jorge Gerardo Valencia Bon and Ronald Von Kaenel. Each plans to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels upon the completion of their training. Junior Engineer – Graduated March 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Joel Boyd, Caleb Donovan, Paul Hudgins, Jacob Laroche, Tyriq Mills, Re’sean Peters, Dontrell Riddick, Andy Salado, Maksim Shpylyevyy, Daniel Lowie Rivera Surell and Kevin Willis. Class instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far left. July 2020 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Junior Engineer – Graduated March 20 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Eduardo Arroyo, Justin Bodnar, Charles Collins III, Tom Dary, Francois Doucet III, Mark Feldhaus, Cody Fox, Thedford Jones Jr., Joshua Kraynak, Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Ethan Love and Gabriel Santa Ramos. Class instructor Roy Graham is at the far right. Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) - Graduated March 13 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Julian Avila, Annie Bivens, Juan Alberto Lima, Martin Malia, Joseph Mesyna, Raymond Crestus Oglesby and Thomas Paytosh. (Note: Not all are pictured.) FOWT – Graduated March 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Reny Arzu, Marco Antonio Baez Millan, James Bithos Jr., Anthony Brown, Michael Day Jr., Mark Dennison, Keilah Keturah Israel Freeman, Lorenz Ronal Grice, Carlos Marcos Gutierrez, Deandre Henry, Kalanihooulumoku Holt, Roman Hutson, Cale Irons, Tony King Jr., Alika Matthew Kawika Kukahiko, Jack Lanier, Billy Sawyer III, Delson Smith, Anias Stanford, Neil Laconsay Tupas and Daniel Villarruel 18 Seafarers LOG July 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Firefighting – Graduating from this class February 21 and February 28, respectively, were upgraders Jeremy Blake (above) and Willie Smith Jr. (below). Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated March 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Gamaladin Hamood Al-Gazzaly, Garrett Allen, Velma Clarke, Rasim Jasiqi, Joseph Jones, Manuel Lata Jr., Matthew Troyer, Robert Varney, Dominic Washington and Ismail Salim Yahya. Galley Ops (Phase III) – Graduated April 17: Sophia Lewis (above). Upon the completion of her training, she plans to work in the steward department aboard unioncontracted vessels. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated March 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Carlos Colon De Jesus, Alexander Emrick, Supattara Inthapanti, Jose Luis Medina, Lekesha Stevenson and Philip Anthony Villaflor Zulueta. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated March 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Stclair Browne Jr., Shawn Cox, Charles Crawford, Latosha Love, Adele Mba Messina and Marquisha Simmons. (Note: Not all are pictured.) July 2020 Certified Chief Cook (Module 1) – Graduated March 20: Sharon McNeal (above). Seafarers LOG 19 �VOLUME 82, NO. 7 JULY 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Delivered During World War II Editor’s note: This is the third installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the war. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. The first two installments were published in the May and June LOGs, respectively, and are available on the SIU website. This one picks up aboard the SIU-crewed Clare, which had been hit by a torpedo. Crew members had also just seen another SIU-crewed vessel, the Elizabeth, get hit by a torpedo. That was a sobering thought and they pulled for the shore. It took about 15 minutes for the Clare to sink and they watched her settle, silhouetted against the tropic sky. No men were lost on the Clare. Not so fortunate were other SIU ships that are now rustling many fathoms under the surface in the lightless deeps of the Caribbean and the Gulf. Of the hundreds of men lost on SIU ships in World War II a large percentage made supreme sacrifice in these waters that looked so calm and peaceful, yet comprised one of the most hazardous sectors of the war. It was oil and bauxite, the two prime essentials of modern war, that lured the U-boats to the Caribbean in the first place. The tankers and the bauxite ships were their number-one targets, but they also sank anything else that came along. In the first six months of 1942, the subs shelled or torpedoed anything that steamed their way, without fear or favor. One of several bauxite-laden ships to get sliced with a tin fish in these waters was the little SS Suwied under command of the Captain Bernard David. She was off the south coast of Cuba bound for Mobile with aluminum ore when, on June 7, a torpedo exploded in her starboard side and she went to the bottom in just 1-½ minutes! Not many ships beat her record for sinking. Water and debris shot up the funnel as the boilers exploded and First Mate John Hume, one of the last to leave the plummeting ore carrier, walked off the deck in water over his shoulders after releasing the forward life rafts. The sub that torpedoed them surfaced nearby and watched the troubles the men had with their leaky lifeboats, but the Germans did not interfere in any way and the 27 survivors were picked up the next day by a Navy patrol vessel. It is pertinent to note in this regard that there were only one or two instances in all the sinkings in the Caribbean where submarine crews mistreated torpedoed men from American ships. In many cases they even gave the survivors water, bread and cigarettes, offered medical aid when needed, and gave the officers a course to the nearest land. A close competitor to the Suwied for the title of “the fastest sinking ship” was the Alcoa Pilgrim, which was torpedoed without warning early in the morning of May 28 while en route from Port of Spain, Trinidad, to Mobile with 9,500 tons of heavy bauxite aboard. She sank by the stern in a little over 90 seconds, with heavy loss of life. No Time For SOS This blacked-out, SIU-crewed freighter had three lookouts on watch, and was zig-zagging when the unseen U-boat sent Enrollees from across the country arrive at the United States Maritime Service training station at Sheepshead Bay, New York, in the early 1940s. a torpedo into her engine room on the starboard side just below the water line. Needless to say, there was no time to send out an SOS and no time to fire any guns even if the ship had been armed. The Alcoa Pilgrim plunged so quickly no boats could be launched, but nine survivors got aboard two life rafts which drifted clear and were picked up a week later by the SS Thomas Nelson. As was usual in sinkings of unarmed ships steaming alone, the sub surfaced, came up to the survivors, and questioned them about the ship and cargo. The Uboat was a big one, and bore the insignia of a ram’s head on her conning tower. After questioning the Pilgrim’s men, she steamed calmly away on the surface looking for more victims. Truly it can be said that the Caribbean in 1942 was a “U-Boat Lake.” 60 Seconds To Sink Although U-boats liked best to bag a bauxite ship or a tanker, because these cargoes were so vital to the war effort, they weren’t at all choosey about their targets – and molasses tankers got sunk as well as more “vital” prey during the war in the Caribbean and the Gulf in 1942. The SS Catahoula of the Cuba Distilling Company, a favorite among SIU men who liked the senorita run, was hit on April 5, to be followed by its sister ship the SS Carrabulle on May 26. There was a full load of molasses in the tanks of the Catahoula, as she stood north from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, toward Wilmington, Del., in the late afternoon of a warm clear day over a lazy, beautiful sea. Two men were on lookout, but they couldn’t see the sub waiting for them against the glare of the setting sun. The first torpedo hit on the port side in a terrific blast that blew up the deck plates, loosened the engine room bulkheads and carried away the catwalk. Pitched Battle Being one of the first ships equipped in some fashion to fight back against the sub, the general alarm was sounded; and a complement of Navy gunners manned their machine guns so well that the inquisitive sub had its periscope shot away – or so it seemed from the deck of the tanker. Not a bit daunted by the prospect of fighting a raider with .30 caliber pellets, the gun crew fired away till they consumed 200 rounds. But four minutes later after the first torpedo, the sub let them have another, which found its mark forward of the bridge to starboard – showing that the wary U-boat had made a quick circuit around the ship for its second try. After this hit, the Catahoula lost no time going down, and was under water fore and aft in little more than 60 seconds. Two of the crew had been killed in the first blast, and five more were crushed when the stack fell athwart the starboard lifeboat. One lifeboat and one raft on the port side got away safely and, thanks to Sparks having stuck by his post to get off four calls for help, 38 survivors were rescued the next day by the USS Sturtevant. Heroism of the Radio Operator and the tragic death of the Skipper and 23 men marked the sinking of the Carrabulle, which tried bravely to escape from a Uboat on the night of May 26, while en route from Good Hope, La., to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a cargo of emulsified liquid asphalt. The first they knew of a U-boat’s presence was the moan of a siren and a crack of a shot across the bow. Close Range In a moment or two, they saw the raider little more than a ship’s length off the beam, where it opened fire on them with a light gun, throwing shell after shell into the defenseless tanker while the general alarm summoned all hands to the boats and the order was given to abandon ship. They lowered away as the nearby Uboat moved around to the port side and opened fire again, the shells hitting in rapid succession against deck house and bridge. As the first boat pulled away from the ship’s side, the U-boat commander hailed them from the conning tower. “Are you all right?” he asked. They shouted “no” – that another boat was still preparing to cast off. They heard several men laughing on the raider’s deck, even while a second torpedo streaked past them and headed for the lifeboat that was just now shipping its oars beside the sinking Carrabulle. The men in the boat probably never saw the torpedo till it was all but on top of them, and then there was only time for a startled cry or two. The steel tube bulleted through the lifeboat, and hit the steel hull of the tanker in an explosion that stifled all cries or shouts for help, blowing boat and men into myriad torn pieces of human bodies and flying steel. It was one of the few known cases in which German submarines deliberately attacked lifeboat occupants from American ships. Six SOS Calls Before the Carrabulle sank, Sparks managed to get out six SOS calls, then ran out of the radio shack onto the flooded deck and jumped overboard just as she went under. Brave were the men who volunteered to Continued on Page 9 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SECRETARY CHAO THANKS INDUSTRY CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES VOICE STRONG SUPPORT FOR MERCHANT MARINE HALLS REOPEN; SCHOOL RESUMES AUG. 1 MARAD DELIVERS ROUSING MARITIME DAY VIDEO INDUSTRY CELEBRATES JONES ACT CENTENNIAL RETIRED PAUL HALL CENTER INSTRUCTOR BERNABE PELINGON PASSES AWAY MAY 2 AT 68 OFFICIALS RELEASE PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR UPCOMING SIU ELECTIONS MTD CALLS FOR JUSTICE FOR ALL U.S. COAST GUARD ANNOUNCES AB AND LIFEBOATMAN SURVEYS SIU DELIVERS THE GOODS FOR KEY MILITARY EXERCISE SIU DELIVERED DURING WORLD WAR II 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 7/1/2020 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 82, No. 7 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/1d1b7d1e4012557441e5ca695f3ec624.pdf a4191f38b1d2b5d3902f684b4629a7ac PDF Text Text AUGUST 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 8 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Matson Christens Con-Ro Matsonia Seafarers-contracted Matson christened a new combination container/roll-on, roll-off ship July 2 at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego. The Jones Act vessel will mean new steward department jobs for the SIU upon its delivery later this year. Page 4. Seafarers Persevere as COVID-19 Hits Home The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 surged in numerous states in late June and July, and American-flag shipping wasn’t immune. Despite industry-wide precautions, some SIU members were stricken with the virus, and some of the hiring halls that had reopened June 15 subsequently were closed again, temporarily and for precautionary reasons. Nevertheless, the vast majority of the SIU fleet remains in operation, and the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, was scheduled to reopen Aug. 1. Face coverings are part of the routine these days, as demonstrated by (photo above, from left) Chief Cook Perry Asuncion, Chief Steward Steve Bowmer and ACU Roberto Firme aboard APL’s President Truman on the West Coast, and by (photo at immediate left, from left) Recertified Steward Sam Harris and Chief Steward Kenneth Greenidge, pictured at the Oakland hall, where they volunteered to help with safety screening. Page 3. Senator Backs Jones Act Page 2 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 1 SIU Election Updates Page 6 Course Dates Page 16 7/20/20 3:18 PM �President’s Report Time to Redouble Safety Efforts Back in February, if someone had used the expression “COVID fatigue,” we’d have looked at them as if they were crazy. Unfortunately, everyone reading this column knows what it means, and I think it’s no exaggeration to say we’ve all experienced it at least from time to time. Brothers and sisters, over the years, I have usually written about various aspects of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the labor movement. Vocational training, grassroots political action, new opportunities for growth in our industry, workers’ rights – these are the important everyday subjects we tackle. This month, the topic is of utmost seriousness and magnitude. It is nothing short of a life-anddeath matter. I urge every Seafarer to summon the energy to overcome COVID fatigue and double down on your efforts to keep yourselves, your families and your shipmates safe. Many of you know that Michael Sacco the American-flag fleet, including several SIUcrewed ships, recently experienced a number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Even though the numbers are relatively small, they aren’t insignificant – and it goes without saying that even one case is too many. In some ways, I think our country collectively let down our guard around Memorial Day weekend. People were tired of the entire experience, and as various states eased into different phases of reopening, it may have been inevitable that we’d have as many individual interpretations of the definition of safety as there are individuals. Look, if I feel this way, I’ll bet you might, too: It’s fair to say that some of the guidelines have been inconsistent. We’ve all seen the resulting spikes in various states across the country. It hasn’t been rampant, but that same relaxation of caution seems to have happened on some of the ships. I have no interest in pointing fingers and I believe that the vast majority of our members are in fact being very careful, both at sea and ashore. But with this pandemic, it only takes one careless individual – even somebody visiting from ashore – to infect an entire crew. That’s why it’s so vital to find a second wind and understand that all of the safety protocols not only are lifesavers, they are going to be part of the “new normal” for the foreseeable future. This is also the time for our ships’ chairmen and shipboard committees to step up as leaders and embrace those responsibilities. Not to be overlooked in this discussion is mariners’ role as part of America’s essential workforce. Such a designation isn’t lightly made by federal and state governments. And if there were any doubt about how crucial Seafarers’ work really is, recall the recent messages of thanks posted by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, U.S. Transportation Command’s commanding officer Gen. Steve Lyons, and U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby. All of them went out of their way to express respect and gratitude for our crews. They know you are making sacrifices during this emergency to get the job done. They know it’s not easy. And they also know they can count on you to uphold the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. We were bound to take some hits from the pandemic. It’s a global crisis with no modern-era comparison. But we owe it to ourselves, to our families, and to our shipmates to remain vigilant and do everything possible to remain safe, regardless of location. Whenever this finally ends – and it will end – I certainly won’t miss all the conference calls and masks and barriers and hand sanitizer. But in the meantime, I’m treating the precautions like my life depends on it. Please do the same, and we’ll all be around for better days. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 8 U.S. Senator Backs Jones Act As the United States maritime community celebrated the centennial of the nation’s freight cabotage law, numerous legislators issued supportive statements. U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (DMichigan) was among those elected officials who praised the Jones Act in early June. He posted a news release that read in part, “June 5, 2020 marks the 100th Anniversary of the enactment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Commonly referred to as the Jones Act, the Act has served over the last century as the foundation of the Great Lakes and domestic shipping industry. This vital maritime law ensures that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are American-built, Americanowned, and American-flagged, which in turn strengthens and supports U.S. homeland security while driving economic benefits to local communities. Each and every day, 365 days a year, the Jones Act functions to protect our nation’s 95,000 miles of coastline and inland waterways, limiting inland access to foreign vessels and crews while mariners serve as the eyes and ears to strengthen border and homeland security.” The senator continued, “America’s dependence on the Great Lakes and the seas is integral to our economic health and our sovereignty. Nowhere is this more evident than in my own state of Michigan. According to The American Maritime Partnership, Michigan’s Great Lakes A longtime maritime stalwart recently received well-earned recognition from a prominent United States shipbuilding group. The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national association representing the U.S. shipyard industry, on June 30 honored Maritime Administration (MARAD) Administrator Mark H. Buzby with the SCA Maritime Leadership Award during this year’s virtual advocacy meeting. The award is given annually to national leaders who demonstrate exemplary dedication and support of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry. “Rear Admiral Buzby has dedicated his life to military The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG_X.indd 2 U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Michigan) the Jones Act is responsible for 650,000 American jobs creating more than $40 billion annually in income. Workers whose jobs are related to the law can be found in all 50 states.Cabotage law is not unique to the United States. The London-based Seafarers’ Rights International released a study in 2018 listing more than 90 countries that have some type of cabotage law on their books. Editor’s note: See the July issue of the Seafarers LOG and the SIU website (www.seafarers. org) for additional coverage of the Jones Act’s centennial, including statements from other members of Congress. SCA Honors Maritime Administrator August 2020 Reversed to White Reversed to White domestic maritime industry contributes $2.8 billion annually to our state economy, including 12,140 jobs and $703.6 million in worker income. With 37 deepdraft ports, Michigan has more than the seven other Great Lakes States combined. “Over the last 100 years, the men and women of the U.S. maritime workforce have also unfailingly answered the call to duty, providing vital services to support the nation in times of crisis,” Peters added. “Their service was never clearer than during the activation of civilian merchant mariners amidst the Second World War. These men and women moved critical supplies to overseas troops and allies, while enduring the highest rate of casualties of any service. More recently our domestic maritime workforce has responded swiftly to a range of crises facing the nation, including facilitating the largest boatlift in world history following 9/11, and the current and ongoing delivery of essential medical supplies and goods to communities in need during the COVID19 pandemic.” The senator concluded, “On this week’s centennial anniversary of the Jones Act, I thank the men and women of the U.S. maritime industry for their service, and I vow to continue to work here in the Senate to uphold the integrity of the Act’s protections for our Michigan and Great Lakes workforce.” A 2019 study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the Transportation Institute showed RAdm. Mark Buzby (USN, Ret) U.S. Maritime Administrator and public service to protect the United States’ national and domestic security, and on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of hardworking men and women of our industry, we are bestowing on him the Shipbuilders Council of America’s highest honor – the 2020 SCA Maritime Leadership Award,” said Matthew Paxton, president of SCA. “Administrator Buzby personifies this award, which recognizes exemplary support for the crucial contributions shipbuilders, maintainers, and suppliers make to our nation, and we thank him for his decades of maritime leadership.” “I want to thank SCA for this honor,” Buzby stated. “I know we share a passionate commitment to a strong and growing U.S. maritime industry, and particularly the necessity to foster and strengthen U.S. shipbuilding, which is an indispensable component of our defense industrial base. I appreciate this recognition and SCA’s leadership on behalf of the roughly 400,000 Americans whose jobs depend on this vital industry.” Rear Admiral Buzby (USN, Ret) has served as MARAD’s top official since August 2017. Before this appointment, Buzby was president of the National Defense Transportation Association, a position he held since retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2013 with more than 34 years of dedicated service to the United States. Buzby served as commanding officer of the U.S. Military Sealift Command. SCA members constitute the shipyard industrial base that builds, repairs, maintains and modernizes U.S. Navy ships and craft, U.S. Coast Guard vessels of all sizes, as well as vessels for other U.S. government agencies. In addition, SCA members build, repair and service America’s fleet of commercial vessels. The council represents 40 companies that own and operate more than 80 shipyards, with facilities on all three U.S. coasts, the Great Lakes, the inland waterways system, Alaska and Hawaii. The SCA also represents 87 partner members that provide goods and services to the shipyard industry. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. August 2020 7/21/20 2:25 PM �COVID-19 PANDEMIC Industry Continues Grappling with Challenges SIU Members Rise to the Occasion, Fulfilling Roles as ‘Essential Workers’ Editor’s note: SIU members are encouraged to regularly check the union’s website for the latest union-specific news about the pandemic. There is a prominent COVID-19 section on the home page. Members also may sign up for text alerts by texting the word “join” (without the quotation marks) to 97779. The American maritime industry seemingly mirrored the nation at large from midJune to mid-July when it came to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus surged in numerous states, and it hit home for the union, too. As of July 14, there had been more than 3.4 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and more than 138,000 deaths. Worldwide, those figures were more than 13.1 million cases and at least 571,000 deaths. The vast majority of the SIU-crewed fleet is still operating, as Seafarers live up to their federally designated role as essential workers. But, SIU members from several ships and tugs recently contracted COVID-19, as did at least a couple of crew members from ATBs. New cases were reported aboard the USNS Grumman, whose crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division. At least two SIU employees and one employee of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) were diagnosed with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The uptick in cases caused three hiring halls to close for precautionary reasons within a couple of weeks after they’d reopened June 15. At press time, the halls in Jersey City, New Jersey and Wilmington, California, had again reopened; the hall in Houston was expected to reopen soon. Perhaps the most prominent recent instance of shipboard COVID-19 in the U.S.flag fleet occurred in late June, aboard the Maersk Idaho. Eleven mariners, including five SIU members, tested positive. One crew member was hospitalized but recovered (see sidebar). Thankfully, the other mariners who tested positive experienced few or no symptoms. Within the industry, Maersk was hailed for its quick, comprehensive plan to safely vacate the crew, move them to a quarantine facility, professionally clean the vessel, and then bring on a new crew. They worked with the Coast Guard, medical professionals and other authorities to ensure diligence, efficiency and safety. The SIU also worked closely with the crew and company to provide support and to secure additional testing for crews on other American-flag Maersk ships. Weeks later, all concerned received an unwelcome reminder that even the best plans, no matter how well-executed, cannot ensure total safety from the virus. At least a couple of Continued on Page 5 Bosun Shares Experience Combatting Coronavirus Bosun Romualdo Medina doesn’t know exactly how he contracted COVID19, but he’s certain that any inconveniences are worthwhile sacrifices in order to avoid it. “I hope every SIU member will take care of themselves and their families,” said Medina, who was stricken by the coronavirus in June aboard the Maersk Idaho. “Wear a mask, and stay home if you can when you’re not working. I don’t know when we’re going to get out of this. It looks like a long haul.” A Seafarer since 1994, Medina knows from firsthand experience that sometimes even the most cautious individuals end up with COVID-19. He wasn’t reckless at any point during the Idaho’s voyage from the U.S. to Europe and back, and he’d been mindful of safety before joining the ship. But, on the return from Bremerhaven, Germany, roughly four days out from New Jersey, his health began to deteriorate. “I started feeling bad and tried something like a Tylenol or aspirin, but there was no relief. I couldn’t breathe normally. At first, I thought it was just sinuses, but then I felt a little bit of fever. Then things began to get complicated.” Very little time elapsed between the onset of Medina’s symptoms and his reporting them to the chief mate. From there, he remained quarantined but learned that others aboard the ship also weren’t feeling well. Eventually, 11 mariners (including five SIU members) were diagnosed as COVID-19 positive. Medina also experienced an unusual – and painful – side effect: hiccups that persisted on and off for days. But that wasn’t his only complication. When the ship arrived in Newark, New Jersey, on June 19, he arranged for a clinic visit. However, the facility was closed for the weekend by the time Me- August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG_X.indd 3 dina arrived around 9 p.m. “By that time, I was in pain, so I took a taxi to the nearest hospital,” he recalled. “I knew if I went back to the ship, it wasn’t going to be a happy ending.” Although it took several hours for him to be seen at the hospital (New Jersey and New York were still epicenters of the pandemic at that time), it could be argued that he arrived just in time. “By that point, I could hardly breathe,” the bosun said. “I was spitting blood. Finally, I got some medicine, and got tested for COVID. They took so many X-rays and did so much bloodwork – all that stuff.” He was hospitalized for more than a week, then relocated to a quarantine hotel for two more weeks. He returned to his home in Houston July 14, feeling fine and with multiple “negative” test results confirmed. “One good thing was I was never put on any kind of oxygen,” he recalled. “The doctor said I have good lungs; I don’t smoke. But I am diabetic, and that’s why I was really worried about complications. Thank God it didn’t get to that point.” Medina said he appreciated that personnel from the Houston hiring hall stayed in touch with him throughout his experience, and he added that the difficulties didn’t change his outlook on sailing. “This career has been something very economically consistent for me and my family” he noted. “I used to suffer a lot of layoffs and inconsistent employment in my prior field, which was architectural design. I decided to join the union and get my AB ticket and all my endorsements. This has helped me raise my family: three beautiful children.” He added this advice to fellow members: “If you start feeling weird when you’re on the ship, go see the captain and get a test.” Face coverings often are utilized to help curb the spread of COVID-19. While unloading a dummy during boat drills July 7 in Benicia, California, GVA Julian Lacuesta (left) and Bosun Roberto Flauta do their part aboard the TOTE-operated USNS Petersburg. Six Maritime Union Presidents Draft, Sign Message Addressing COVID-19 Aboard At-Sea Vessels Editor’s note: The following message, dated July 10, 2020, is signed by the presidents of six maritime unions, including SIU President Michael Sacco. For a PDF copy, visit the SIU website. It has become increasingly apparent the COVID-19 crisis is not going away anytime soon. Our members aboard ships in distant waters as well as aboard vessels of all types in inland waters remain in grave danger and the global supply chain is at risk. Despite continuous appeals for meaningful assistance from both maritime labor and U.S.flag vessel operators, the federal government has not mandated enforceable standards of shipboard health and safe operations. Further, our advocacy for a consistent, reliable, and rapid testing regimen for mariners remains without definitive support. As the supply chain and military security of the country are becoming increasingly at risk, we have demanded a more active role of government in support of mariners. Each shipowner/operator has established its own diverging policies and protocol, and they vary greatly from employer to employer, even from ship to ship depending on shipboard culture. In the absence of uniform and government-enforced protocol during vessel in-port time with such critical evolutions as cargo operations, vendor/contractor access and shipyard repairs remain essentially unregulated and haphazard. This is an unacceptable situation that is beyond the control of ship’s personnel. However, as always, the burden on maintaining safety at sea remains in large part with the licensed and unlicensed personnel aboard ship. While every member of a crew recognizes his or her duty to their shipmates, employers and government must share ship safety responsibility through consistent policies and regulations. Health and safety aboard ship is a joint endeavor and should not be placed on the shoulders of mariners alone. To do our part, we the undersigned urge our Members to take every precaution against the Coronavirus as recommended by company protocol and by such CDC guidelines that are applicable. Masks, social distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing must all become routine and strictly maintained, whether aboard ship, in transit to or from a ship, in a hiring hall or at home in preparation for shipping out. As your representatives, we are working together and using every advantage to both protect your health and safeguard your rights. With infection rates spiking again we must protect our lives and our livelihoods with renewed vigilance and discipline. Employers may intervene with reasonable or ineffective workplace policy; either way we will let them know that our contract rights remain in place. We understand the stress and anxiety of working in persistent and intensified danger and so we support common sense safety practices ashore and at sea. Your dedication, professionalism and perseverance is recognized, and your efforts are best honored by ensuring your own safety and that of others you encounter onboard ship, in your travels, at home or otherwise. Please continue to notify your Union if you have concerns regarding potential or actual COVID-19 exposure or the safety of your vessel. Wishing all health, safety, and fraternity, Michael Sacco, President Augie Tellez, Executive Vice President Seafarers International Union bpotter@seafarers.org atellez@seafarers.org Marshall Ainley President Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association mainley@mebaunion.org Paul Doell President American Maritime Officers pdoell@amo-union.org Anthony Poplawski President/Secretary-Treasurer Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association mfow_president@yahoo.com Dave Connolly President Sailor’s Union of the Pacific dave@sailors.org Don Marcus President International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots dmarcus@bridgedeck.org Seafarers LOG 3 7/21/20 2:25 PM �The Matsonia’s (vessel at right in photo at immediate left) addition to the union fleet means new jobs for SIU members sailing in the steward department. In photo above, Peggy Forest, wife of Matson President Ron Forest, does the honors for the christening. Matson Christens Matsonia in San Diego New Jones Act Con-Ro Vessel Joins SIU Fleet New steward-department jobs for SIU members are on the horizon following the recent christening of an historic vessel. SIU-contracted Matson, Inc., christened the second of two Kanaloa Class vessels, the Matsonia, in a ceremony at General Dynamics NASSCO – a union shipyard – in San Diego on July 2. The Jones Act vessel, the largest combination container/roll-on, roll-off (Con-Ro) ship ever built in the United States along with its sister ship the Lurline, is the second of two new builds for Matson by NASSCO. “The SIU looks forward to providing our typically outstanding steward department personnel when the ship is delivered later this year,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “We applaud the company for its commitment to American-flag shipping and U.S. crews, and we appreciate the terrific work by union shipyard workers who handled the construction.” The Matsonia is slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2020. “Matson is already benefiting from the speed, capacity and improved environmental profile of the three new ships we’ve put into service since 2018,” said Matt Cox, Matson’s chairman and chief executive officer, after the shipyard ceremony. “Matsonia will be our fourth new ship, completing a threeyear fleet renewal program that positions us well to serve the needs of our communities in Hawaii for many years to come.” During the ceremony, Peggy Forest, wife of Matson President Ron Forest, officially christened the vessel by breaking a ceremonial bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull.  “As a proud U.S. company and Jones Act carrier, our investment in this new ship is about much more than maintaining a high level of service to Hawaii. It also helps drive substantial economic benefits and opportunities in communities around the Pacific, where this vessel will operate,” Cox added. “The construction of Matsonia represents over a year’s work for about 2,000 professionals here at NASSCO: engineers, tradesmen and lots of support people and countless others who produced the materials used to build this ship that are sourced here in the U.S. Over its expected lifespan, this ship will generate approximately 4.5 million man-hours of work opportunity for the U.S. mariners who will operate it and decades of steady work for all of the dockworkers and terminal personnel that move the cargo on and off our ships.” He concluded, “These are all living-wage jobs, supporting the families of these American workers and the taxes they pay. Multiply that by all the ships NASSCO and other U.S. shipyards are building, and you get a sense of the value of the maritime industry to our country and its economy. In California alone, there are more than 51,000 jobs tied to the American maritime industry, providing over 3.6 billion dollars in labor income with a total economic impact in the state of more than twelve billion dollars.” Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO, said, “The Matsonia is a reflection of the highest standards of shipbuilding and we are proud to celebrate her launching. This extraordinary vessel is a testament to the hard work, unity and strength of our thousands of dedicated shipbuilders who made this possible.” Matsonia is an iconic name in Matson’s long history, dating to the construction of Matson’s first ship of that name in 1912. Three more ships were given the name in subsequent years; this vessel will be the fifth. Named in honor of the ocean deity revered in native Hawaiian culture, Matson’s two Kanaloa Class vessels constructed at NASSCO are built on a 3,500 TEU vessel platform. At 870 feet long, 114 feet wide (beam), with a deep draft of 38 feet and weighing in at over 50,000 metric tons, the Matsonia will join the Seafarers-crewed Lurline (delivered in late 2019) as Matson’s largest ships. They are among Matson’s fastest vessels, with a top speed of 23 knots. Both new Kanaloa Class vessels have an enclosed garage with room for approximately 500 vehicles, plus ample space for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo. They also feature state-of-the-art green technology, including a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double-hull fuel tanks, fresh water ballast systems and the first Tier 3 dual-fuel engines to be deployed in containerships regularly serving West Coast ports, according to Matson. The Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, supports the domestic maritime industry that employs approximately 650,0000 Americans across all 50 states, creates $41 billion in labor income for American workers and adds more than $154.8 billion in annual economic output each year. Nationally, there are more than 40,000 American vessels – built in American shipyards, crewed by American mariners, and owned by American companies – that operate in U.S. waters daily. With Seafarers Aboard Tanker Washington The photo above was taken July 4 as the vessel was headed to Valdez, Alaska. Pictured from left to right are: Recertified Bosun Modesto Rabena Jr., Chief Steward Sajid Foster, Chief Cook Melissa McCartney, QEP Diole Bonifacio, AB Pablo Borja, AB Adam Riley, Steward Assistant Kevin Arroyo and AB Michael Elmore Jr. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Rabena for the photo. 4 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG_X.indd 4 August 2020 7/21/20 2:25 PM �U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman Underscores Need for Strong U.S. Sealift, Revitalized RRF Longtime friend of maritime U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) recently penned an op-ed emphasizing the importance of strong sealift – which should include revitalizing and maintaining the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Wittman, who is the ranking member on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee in the House, wrote, “Today, our entire military, a force with over 1.3 million active service members and tens of thousands of vehicles and aircraft, relies on an aging fleet of 61 logistics ships to transport and sustain the force. By comparison, during World War II, the United States built over 2,700 Liberty ships to transport troops and supplies and had a service squadron of 365 logistics ships just to service the Pacific theater.” He continued, “Compounding the problem of inadequate numbers, many ships in our logistics fleet are already past due for replacement. The average age of the ships in the Ready Reserve Force, which constitute the majority of our nation’s surge sealift capability, is 45 years. That is more than double the age at which most commercial cargo ships are retired and the fleet is showing its age. In September of 2019, the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) conducted an exercise to test the readiness of the organic surge fleet, attempting to get just under half of the fleet underway. The of- ficial TRANSCOM after action report noted a cumulative success rate of only 40 percent and this exercise did not even test the loading and unloading of cargo.” He also gave a brief history lesson to underline the importance of a robust, militarily-useful surge fleet: “Since our founding, America has been a maritime nation. Trade across the vast ocean expanses to Europe and Asia has defined our economic development and driven our national security strategies. Over 200 years ago, the original six frigates of the United States Navy were constructed to protect American commerce from attacks by pirates in the Mediterranean. Since then, a powerful Navy, capable of protecting global commerce and projecting power around the globe, has become the cornerstone of our national defense. This strategy has also meant fighting the vast majority of the nation’s armed conflict far from our shores, protecting the homeland from the terrible destruction that was a defining characteristic of war in the 20th century. “The reasoning that led George Washington to approve those first six frigates remains true today – American commerce and diplomacy must be supported by a military capable of global power projection to maintain international order, deter conflict, and, if necessary, defeat hostile powers,” Wittman continued. “To be a credible deterrent, American forces must Mariners Show True Colors, Meet Varied Challenges Posed by COVID Continued from Page 3 the replacement crew members tested positive, so the vessel went into a quarantined state at a Florida anchorage. Despite the challenges, there were positive developments as well. They included a return to work for many Seafarers employed by NY Waterway, which operates passenger ferries between New York and New Jersey. The company’s waterborne operations essentially shut down when those states were at their combined nadir. Recertified Bosun James Blitch, pictured at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida, encourages fellow members to be cautious. “People think this is a joke. People are dying out here! It’s important we are all wearing our masks!” he said. August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG_X.indd 5 Additionally, and following months of intensive preparation, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education was scheduled to reopen Aug. 1. The school (located in Piney Point, Maryland) initially scheduled several upgrading courses and plans to resume training apprentices in September. Moreover, most of the hiring halls stayed open without interruption, as members and staff easily adjusted to new safety protocols. Those steps include the by-nowstandard face coverings, social distancing, temperature checks, hand sanitizing, and use of protective barriers. Progress was made with overseas crew changes for American-flag ships as the SIU continued working with other unions, vessel operators, the Maritime Administration and the State Department to facilitate those reliefs. Operators also have chartered two private planes for reliefs in Diego Garcia. The international maritime community hasn’t always been as fortunate. The International Maritime Organization and International Transport Workers’ Federation are leading the fight on behalf of foreign crews who in many cases have worked for months beyond their scheduled reliefs, mostly due to travel restrictions. It also has been a busy legislative stretch for U.S. maritime. At press time, floor action was expected on the National Defense Authorization Act, which funds most key commercial maritime government programs. Additionally, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-New York) and Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) last month introduced a new bill to provide financial relief for maritime stakeholders who’ve been impacted by the pandemic. The House is scheduled to adjourn for recess on July 31, while the Senate will depart on Aug. 7. Both chambers are slated to return Sept. 8 before adjourning in early October for the run-up to the November 3 presidential election. be engaged around the globe and be able to sustain those efforts, during peace or war, far from our shores. While the Department of Defense is investing heavily in technology to compete in a new era of great power competition, it has given short shrift to its ability to transport and sustain forces. Our continued lack of investment in logistics will reduce the effectiveness of our maritime forces in combat but, more worrying, is the debilitating effect it will have on our land forces.” He then referenced a more modern example of the indispensable role of the RRF, writing, “Operation Iraqi Freedom provides some informative lessons on the importance of a capable logistics fleet. In preparation for the invasion of Iraq, the U.S. military moved over 2 million tons of cargo and equipment. This massive effort began in late 2001 and did not culminate until combat operations began in March of 2003. The long buildup masked the inadequacy of the U.S. military sealift capacity with an estimated 85 percent of all sustainment material transported by civilian vessels. A multi-year logistic buildup across uncontested seas is a luxury the U.S. simply won’t enjoy in the event of conflict in the Indo-Pacific. Our armed forces, particularly the Army, simply lack the logistic capability to effectively project power across the Pacific.” He concluded, “To help address these issues, Congress has given the Navy funding to purchase commercial cargo ships to help bridge the gap until the or- U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman R-Virginia ganic surge fleet can be rebuilt to meet the requirements outlined in the National Defense Strategy. Inexplicably, the Department of Defense has not purchased a single commercial vessel and still doesn’t have even a plan to reconstitute the logistics fleet. Our national security is founded on an ability to project power and maintain our forces around the globe. A capable logistics force is the foundation of power projection and we neglect it at our own peril.” Seafarers’ Jobs Secure as Rand Logistics Completes American Steamship Company Purchase SIU members employed by American Steamship Company (ASC) are working under the terms of a contract extension following the company’s recent acquisition by Rand Logistics, Inc. A union negotiating committee (which includes six rank-andfile members) has started bargaining with the new owner. “We are optimistic about the eventual outcome of negotiations, and are very confident about the job security of SIU members sailing with ASC,” stated SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. “Despite the ownership change, things are basically business as usual.” Rand finalized the purchase in midMay, acquiring ASC from GATX Corporation. Rand is part of American Industrial Partners, and provides dry bulk shipping services throughout the Great Lakes region. “The combination of Rand and ASC moves almost 50 million tons annually of dry bulk commodities such as iron ore, coal and limestone on vessels ranging in size from 634 feet to over 1,000 feet,” Rand announced in a news release. “The combined company’s diverse fleet will offer customers unprecedented flexibility through its integrated transportation network and range of vessel options.” “This transaction is a game-changer for both Rand and our customers. Our combined 24-vessel fleet gives us the capability to meet almost every type of dry bulk transportation need on the Great Lakes,” said Peter Coxon, chief executive officer of Rand. “ASC brings a rich history, superior assets, a safe and efficient operation, and a great team which complement our operations and will benefit our customers in so many tangible ways, such as increased overall transportation capacity through fleet synergies and greater number of loading opportunities. Our vendors will also benefit from the consolidation of tens of millions of dollars of operating and capital spending each year.” “ASC is thrilled to be a part of the creation of a truly unique company with the scale and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of the Great Lakes region,” said David Foster, president of American Steamship Company.  “ASC brings new asset classes to the combined company along with the efficient, highly qualified crews and shoreside personnel that operate them, all making the combined company one of the premier marine transportation companies in North America.” Meanwhile, the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) in early July reported that shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 4 million tons in June, a decrease of 29.9 percent from 2019. Shipments were 29.7 percent below the month’s five-year average. Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stood at 17.2 million tons, 14.9 percent below the previous year’s total of 20.2 million tons. Iron shipments were below their five-year average by 13.4 percent for the first half of the year. The Lakes sailing season began in late March, around the same time much of the country was implementing stay-at-home guidelines and other steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. Lakes vessels, many of them crewed by SIU members, carry (among other cargoes) iron ore for steel, stone and cement for construction, grain, coal, sand, and salt. Seafarers LOG 5 7/21/20 2:25 PM �Secretary-Treasurer Sends Important Message To Seafarers Concerning Upcoming SIU Election Editor’s note: This article was posted on the SIU website on June 24 and also was promoted via the union’s text-alert service and on social media. Some of the information previously was published in the Seafarers LOG. As you probably know, 2020 is an election year for the SIU. Due to the pandemic, the union has relaxed a requirement to run for office. Specifically, and, as you may have seen in prior communications, the union’s executive board has approved lenience for prospective candidates who are unable to pay their dues on time for the second and/or third quarters of this year because of the pandemic. On the latter point, our constitution specifies that candidates must have been in continuous good standing for at least three years (12 calendar quarters) immediately prior to the nomination period (which is July 15-August 15). Per executive board action, any candidate who was in good standing for at least 10 consecutive quarters as of the end of the first quarter of 2020 will not be precluded from nomination because of late dues payments in the second or third quarters this year. While not required to do so, we encourage members to use certified or registered mail to submit your nominations/credentials. If you use regular/traditional mail, please follow up with my office to verify that we have received your submission, as mail deliveries have been delayed at times during this pandemic. Additionally, there are sea-time requirements for nominees (100 days in the deep sea division during the period between January 1, 2020 and the date nominations begin [July 15, 2020] or 65 days in the inland or Great Lakes divisions). If someone wants to run for office but cannot meet those requirements due to circumstances related to COVID-19, you are encouraged to nominate yourself anyway. The credentials committee will review each case and may relax the requirements. Note that you must have been registered to ship during the relevant time period and be able to show that you were not able to accumulate sufficient sea time because crew changes were limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, during our election years, my July membership report normally features the details of our nominations, procedures, etc. Since our July 2020 meetings are cancelled due to the pandemic, I am including that information here. Nominations For Of ficers, Assistant Vice Presidents, and Port Agents In accordance with the provisions of Article XIII, Section 1, of our Constitution, letters of nominations must reach Headquarters between July 15 and August 15, 2020. Following are the constitutional provisions regarding nominations: Article XIII, Section 1 – Nominations Except as provided in Section 2(b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President or Port Agent by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or SIU Absentee-Ballot Procedures Editor’s note: The union’s executive board is constantly reviewing the latest developments with the pandemic and how it affects shipping. Modifications already have been made in order to promote maximum participation in the SIU election. If any changes are made to the absentee-ballot procedures, they will be announced in print and online, and again will be aimed at facilitating utmost rank-and-file involvement. Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters 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, 2020 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2020 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2020. 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, 2020. 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 self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2020 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2021. sending a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the SecretaryTreasurer at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the position being sought is that of Port Agent. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: “I hereby certify that during the past thirteen (13) years I have not been convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from a conviction for robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit such crimes. In addition, I certify that I support the Constitution of the United States of America, its institutions and form of government.” Dated Signature of Member Book No. Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Any full book member may nominate any other full book member in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of the Article as they are set forth herein relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self nomination provision the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office shall be that of the nominator. All documents must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter’s request. Lastly, information about the balloting process, including absentee ballots, will be forthcoming. Fraternally submitted, David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Welcome Ashore in Tacoma Scholarships Slated for Award in Near Future The 2020 edition of the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan’s (SHPB) annual Scholarship Program has been postponed because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, but grants are scheduled to be awarded this summer. According to Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, the program’s deadline – which in years past was April 15 – in June was extended until July 15. She added that members of the program’s selection committee, due to concerns about COVID-19, postponed their meeting that’s usually held in May, opting instead to convene around 6 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 6 August 14. Despite the former delay, scholarships totaling $132,000 will still be awarded to eight individuals (three active Seafarers and five dependents) deemed most deserving by the committee. Once selected, these individuals will be awarded scholarships of $6,000 or $20,000 apiece to pursue two- and four-year degrees, respectively, at accredited community colleges, vocational schools, colleges or universities. Award recipients will be announced in a future edition of the Seafarers LOG. Recertified Steward Steve Dickson (left) picks up his first pension check outside the hiring hall. The longtime Seafarer is pictured with SIU Safety Director Ben Anderson. August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Absentee Voting Has Deep Roots in U.S. History While it might be making recent headlines, there’s very little about absentee voting that is new. According to the Constitutional Accountability Center, “One of the earliest known instances of absentee voting occurred during the American Revolution. In December 1775, a group of soldiers from the Continental Army sent a letter back to their town asking if their votes could be counted in a local election. And at the town meeting held to discuss the issue, the town agreed to count the votes, ‘as if the men were present themselves.’” During the War of 1812, Pennsylvania allowed soldiers to cast absentee ballots if they were stationed more than two miles from their home. After the end of the Civil War, the states gradually passed new laws to expand absentee voting to civilians. Between 1911 and 1924, 45 of the 48 states adopted some kind of absentee voting. By World War II, every state let soldiers vote absentee, and the military was responsible for about 3.2 million absentee ballots cast, nearly seven percent of the total electorate in the 1944 presidential election. For a more recent example, in the 2016 election, about 24 percent of all ballots were cast in the mail, according to the federal Election Assistance Commission. As of press time, 34 states (plus D.C.) offer “no-excuse” absentee ballots, and will mail residents an early ballot upon request: Alaska, Arizona, California, Col- orado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Requests for an absentee ballot may be made online by visiting absentee.vote.org, and filling out a short request form. Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington already send ballots to all eligible SIU Crew, Coast Guard Rescue 3 Sailors The Mahi Mahi, operated by SIU-contracted Matson and partially crewed by Seafarers, worked with the Coast Guard to rescue three stranded mariners from a doomed trimaran in the Pacific Ocean on July 8. The SIU crew aboard the Mahi Mahi included Recertified Chief Steward Gregory Broyles, Chief Cook Carmelo Bartolome Dela Cruz and ACU Kevin Robinson. The 50-foot trimaran Third Try, which was on a non-stop circumnavigation of the globe, had not reported in for a few days. On the morning of July 7, the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) issued a SAFETYNET broadcast notifying merchant vessels in the region of the situation, and the Mahi Mahi agreed to divert and travel along the Third Try’s suspected route. At 3 p.m. on July 7, watchstanders at the JRCC received an alert from an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered to the Third Try. The SAFETYNET broadcast was updated with the new location, and the Coast Guard launched an HC-130 Hercules aircrew with a life raft aboard in response. They also notified the Mahi Mahi of the new location. The aircrew located the damaged vessel and determined that the sailors needed to be rescued. Early on July 8, the Mahi Mahi arrived on station, 825 miles northeast of Oahu, and rescued the three men from the trimaran. “One of our greatest challenges out here in the Pacific is distance,” said Lt. Diane French, a JRCC command duty officer. “First responders are often days away and we regularly rely on merchant vessel crews like the Mahi Mahi’s to assist with search and rescue cases. We are always grateful for their help.” Family Tradition SA Ahmed Korish (right) receives his B-book at the Algonac, Michigan, hiring hall. At left is his father, AB Omar Korish. August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 7 voters, so residents do not need to request one. All states permit residents who will be outside their home county to vote absentee, as well as voters with an illness or disability. Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia also offer the option to elderly voters. TWICs May Be Used to Obtain ‘TSA PreCheck’ The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on July 8 announced a potential benefit of carrying a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The agency indicated that all active TWIC holders as well as Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) holders who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful permanent residents are immediately eligible for TSA “PreCheck,” which can considerably shorten waiting times in airport lines. “This new benefit immediately allows nearly 3.5 million individuals to obtain TSA PreCheck at no additional cost beyond what they have already paid for their credentials,” said TSA Executive Assistant Administrator for Operations Support Stacey Fitzmaurice. As noted in a news release from the agency, TWIC and HME holders “have already paid for, and successfully completed, a security threat assessment comparable to the TSA PreCheck security threat assessment.” A TWIC is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels. The HME program is for individuals seeking to obtain, renew or transfer an HME on a stateissued commercial driver’s license (CDL), allowing them to transport hazardous materials in commerce. TWIC and HME holders can obtain TSA PreCheck expedited screening by entering the identification numbers printed on their TWIC card or state-issued CDL during the airline reservation process. Active TWIC holders enter their TWIC credential identification number (CIN) in the known traveler number (KTN) field of their airline reservation. The CIN is printed on the back of each TWIC in the lower left-hand corner. According to the release, “TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program offered by TSA that allows travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and their food and 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carryon, in select TSA airport checkpoint screening lanes. More than 200 airports participate in TSA PreCheck nationwide and dozens of airlines participate in the popular program.” More information is linked in a July 8 news post on the SIU website and on the TSA website (www. tsa.gov). Seafarers LOG 7 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Stay Connected We are relying on our devices more than ever. Now is the time to save on the monthly service charge for eligible wireless plans, take advantage of additional savings on select accessories, and get up to $45 waived activation and upgrade fees. Discover more exclusive wireless savings for union members at unionplus.org/att FREE COLLEGE CREDIT CARDS FLOWERS & GIFTS MORTGAGE PROGRAM Learn more at unionplus.org 8/20 3 15% ON THE MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE of QUALIFIED WIRELESS PLANS: Available only to current members of qualified AFL-CIO member unions, other authorized individuals associated with eligible unions and other sponsoring organizations with a qualifying agreement. Must provide acceptable proof of union membership such as a membership card from your local union, a pay stub showing dues deduction or the Union Plus Member Discount Card and subscribe to service under an individual account for which the member is personally liable. Offer contingent upon in-store verification of union member status. Discount subject to agreement between Union Privilege and AT&T and may be interrupted, changed or discontinued without notice. Discount applies only to recurring monthly service charge of qualified voice and data plans, not overages. Not available with unlimited voice or unlimited data plans. For Family Talk, applies only to primary line. For all Mobile Share plans, applies only to monthly plan charge of plans with 1GB or more, not to additional monthly device access charges. Additional restrictions apply. May take up to 2 bill cycles after eligibility confirmed and will not apply to prior charges. Applied after application of any available credit. May not be combined with other service discounts. Visit unionplus.org/att or contact AT&T at 866-499-8008 for details. SIU-ATT-6-29-2020 8 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 8 August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Historian Recalls SIU in WWII Continued from Page 20 though there was not the least hurry about delivery for their cargoes of war. Beauregard Takes the ‘Road’ Captain William Patterson and his SIU crew took the Waterman Company’s SS Beauregard out of New York for Halifax on May 1, 1942, joining an eight-knot convoy from there to Hull, England, where the cargo was taken out and the ship re-loaded with tanks and other equipment for which the Russians were said to be in desperate and urgent need. By September, the Beauregard was in Lock Ewe, Scotland. Then to Glasgow for some repairs. After that to Belfast, where the crew were surprised to meet 12 other ships of the original group with which they had left the States. To Russia now? Not at all, for the dispatch of ships in those days was not so simple as all that. It was now the middle of October, and during the next eight weeks the tired old Beauregard was sent, in turn, to Kirkwall, The Firth o’ Forth, and Edinburgh, where the outmoded tanks were taken off and replaced with newer models. Sailing for Russia at long last the ship arrived in Murmansk on Christmas Day, and then on for a month the crew sweated out 130 air raids, shooting down one Nazi bomber with a rocket gun. The Beauregard returned to the States just one month short of a year-long trip. Other SIU ships like the Schoharie, and the Gateway City, wasted weeks in cruising between Scotland and Iceland, or laying idle at Reykjavik. The Gateway City rode at her anchor chain for 107 days in Iceland while the crew, who were forbidden to go ashore lest they divulge matters of “military importance” to Axis spies, made skiffs out of dunnage and paddled around to other ships in the harbor, including the Russians. The “Russkies” liked checkers and chess, and the men from the Gateway City answered many challenges from the Russian crewmen (and women). Correction Editor’s note: The July issue of the LOG included a pension write-up with erroneous information. The corrected version follows: Brother Charles Kennedy, 66, joined the union in 1975, initially sailing aboard the Yukon. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Kennedy most recently sailed aboard the Overseas Key West and lives in Mobile, Alabama. August & September Membership Meetings Pandemic permitting, the union plans to resume conducting membership meetings beginning this month. Those attending are reminded to bring face coverings. Safety protocols are in place at the halls and will remain in effect during the meetings. Seafarers are urged to check the SIU website and/or check with their hiring halls to verify that the membership meetings listed here are still happening. Piney Point..............Monday: August 3, *Tuesday: September 8 Algonac.....................................Friday: August 7, September 11 Baltimore..............................Thursday: August 6, September 10 Guam..................................Thursday: August 20, September 24 Honolulu................................Friday: August 14, September 18 Houston......................................Monday: August 10, September 14 Jacksonville......................Thursday: August 6, September 10 Joliet.....................................Thursday: August 13, September 17 Mobile.............................Wednesday: August 12, September 16 New Orleans............................Tuesday: August 11, September 15 Jersey City...............................Tuesday: August 4, September 8 Norfolk..................................Thursday: August 6, September 10 Oakland.............................Thursday: August 13, September 17 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: August 5, September 9 Port Everglades..................Thursday: August 13, September 17 San Juan............................Thursday: August 6, September 10 St. Louis......................................Friday: August 14, September 18 Tacoma................................Friday: August 21, September 25 Wilmington.....................Monday: August 17, September 21 *Piney Point change due to Labor Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 9 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 17-July 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 15. Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach A All Groups B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Deck Department 18 5 0 22 6 0 8 46 13 4 2 2 0 2 3 0 2 3 2 0 2 1 0 2 2 0 1 3 3 0 20 5 4 15 6 0 10 29 11 9 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 9 2 1 9 2 9 6 4 1 10 19 4 10 6 2 0 4 2 0 4 10 8 0 33 14 8 24 13 5 19 59 25 8 33 17 5 16 16 1 18 53 37 12 27 8 3 12 10 1 16 51 14 5 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 4 0 9 2 2 4 1 2 2 11 2 1 24 13 7 13 12 3 21 40 19 8 12 3 2 11 4 1 6 19 5 2 1 0 2 2 2 1 3 2 1 3 1 2 6 0 1 0 0 4 3 8 7 3 1 7 3 0 4 13 3 0 19 5 3 15 3 2 9 44 7 7 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 2 2 23 9 3 21 8 3 15 56 17 6 252 94 66 178 96 27 149 476 182 88 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Engine Department 2 1 1 6 0 0 3 5 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 2 0 2 4 2 0 5 8 2 3 7 1 3 14 13 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 1 1 2 0 1 5 1 1 6 2 0 6 2 0 4 8 10 1 11 10 2 9 6 0 3 24 15 2 22 11 0 7 14 0 12 36 21 1 4 8 0 6 3 0 2 12 10 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 6 2 1 0 4 2 0 2 0 1 4 6 1 11 13 0 8 10 2 9 22 23 3 2 5 3 4 2 1 4 9 8 2 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 2 2 1 2 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 5 1 4 1 1 5 1 0 3 5 1 1 17 3 1 10 6 1 5 28 10 6 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 2 1 0 9 3 2 7 7 0 4 37 10 4 102 79 18 78 67 7 61 225 145 29 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Steward Department 3 2 1 5 1 0 2 11 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 6 0 8 1 0 2 13 7 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 5 1 0 4 1 0 2 6 2 0 8 2 1 5 0 0 3 12 3 1 8 5 1 7 1 1 1 23 12 1 21 9 4 15 3 2 8 36 13 6 5 2 0 6 0 0 4 14 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 5 1 0 5 0 0 1 4 5 0 16 8 1 4 6 1 11 28 19 3 13 4 0 13 2 0 2 27 7 1 3 0 0 2 0 0 2 4 0 0 5 1 0 5 3 0 1 6 4 1 2 2 0 2 3 0 2 4 2 0 7 2 2 7 1 0 6 18 1 3 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 17 6 2 14 6 2 9 28 14 3 131 54 12 104 29 6 57 242 99 22 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Entry Department 0 11 13 0 6 6 8 2 22 19 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 2 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 4 6 0 3 5 3 0 4 5 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 1 2 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 0 3 2 0 3 1 2 0 4 5 2 8 4 2 4 3 4 3 15 11 3 20 19 1 13 8 4 6 41 27 3 15 6 1 11 4 2 4 25 4 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 11 20 0 7 16 8 1 21 33 3 7 7 3 5 2 2 5 22 10 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 3 0 2 4 3 1 2 5 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 8 7 4 4 7 6 2 7 19 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 8 4 11 3 3 3 32 22 24 106 99 17 78 64 46 36 220 161 GRAND TOTAL: 509 333 195 377 270 104 313 979 646 300 Seafarers LOG 9 7/20/20 3:18 PM �ABOARD HORIZON PACIFIC – The Sunrise Operations vessel was one of the first SIU-crewed ships to be serviced after restrictions lifted in mid-June. Pictured in Oakland, California, are (above, center) Bosun Richard Grubbs, (above, left) Port Agent Nick Marrone II (left) and AB Ahmed Ahmed, and (photo immediately above, from left) Marrone II, Chief Cook Keith Hall, AB Mariano Gutierrez-Garcia, SA Neil Ball, QEE Jason Powell, Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, Grubbs, OMU Rodolfo Caldo and EU Larry Calixto. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Crew members from both the USNS Capella and USNS Algol are pictured aboard the latter vessel in San Francisco. From left, Chief Steward Dante Cruz, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman, Chief Steward Matthew Caroll, GUDE Mohsin Mohamed, GUDE Mousa Sailan, GUDE Edsel Felipe and QEE Lamar Pinckney. Both vessels are operated by Ocean Duchess. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz is pictured aboard the TOTE Services ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Thanks to SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo for the photo. 10 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 10 A-BOOK IN ALGONAC – AB Abdulghafor Ahmed displays his newly acquired A-book July 1 at the hiring hall. ABOARD PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT – Standing (from left) aboard the APL vessel in Oakland, California, are ACU Walter Harris, Chief Cook George Farala and Recertified Steward Sergio Castellanos. SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II is in foreground. August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GRAND CANYON STATE – Seafarers meet in Alameda, California, in mid-June as the union resumes vessel servicing. ROS crews from the Gem State and Keystone State joined fellow Seafarers and SIU representatives aboard the Grand Canyon State. All three ships are operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine. The photo above includes SIU Oakland Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, Chief Steward Charlito Aseberos, QEE Jessie Turner, Bosun Georghe Savencu, Bosun John Young, GUDE Yousif Malahi, QEE Sukhbir Bains, GUDE Sari Alkarnoon, Chief Steward Abdullah Falah, GUDE Ali Naser, GUDE Douglas Maravelias, GVA Deja Nae Gardener-Johnson, GVA Rodolfo Ludovice, Bosun Michael Carvalho and GVA Ahmed Hussain. ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Vessel master Capt. T. Pham provided these snapshots in June, while the ship was on a Far East run, delivering fuel for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Pictured from left in photo at top left are AB Tomas Calderon Robinson, AB Osei Baffoe, AB Gregory Baker, AB Jessica Kanehl, AB Dean Crisostomo and Bosun Gregorio Cudal. Pictured from left in photo at immediate left are GVA Ibrahim Ghalib, Pumpman Walden Galacgac, QMED Theodore Gonzales and QMED John Morrison. The photo directly above includes (from left) Chief Steward Elizabeth Byrd and Chief Cook Dustin Haney. CELEBRATING DAY OF SEAFARER – The SIU-crewed Safmarine Mafadi (Maersk Line, Limited) receives local acknowledgement in Bremerhaven for the International Maritime Organization’s “Day of the Seafarer” (June 25). This year’s theme was, “Seafarers Are Key Workers.” The related campaign emphasized how mariners are on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic, playing an essential role in maintaining the flow of vital goods. August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 11 Seafarers LOG 11 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by three members who ship from Baltimore (first three responses) and three who ship from Algonac, Michigan. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What are some steps you’re taking to remain safe during the pandemic, and why are they important? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Joshua Gail AB Our biggest risk as ABs is the gangway watches. We have people coming aboard, dropping off supplies. We set up a station with hand sanitizer, and we provide masks for anyone coming aboard. Most of the time, we meet them off the ship; they don’t even come aboard. We’re also doing questionnaires and we all have our masks. If one of us gets [the virus], the whole ship is getting it. We’re touching the same things all day, so we have to be really mindful. Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Devin Hoerr AB I was on the Global Sentinel when the pandemic started. It kind of snowballed while I was out there. It hasn’t been too bad in the area where I live in Pennsylvania, but I’m socially distancing myself in public and limiting the social events I go to. That’s important to stop the spread. I’m wearing a mask when I feel it’s needed – definitely in public, at grocery stores, gas stations. BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 Timothy Van Pelt QMED I just got a job on the SBX, which is an MSC contract. While I was on the ship, we had people doing crew changes, but they went into a 17-day quarantine where they were tested twice. We have plenty of hand sanitizer and temperature checks. Everybody coming aboard had to wear a mask for a week. We just need to follow the simple rules we were taught as kids about keeping our hands clean. In my opinion, it’s imperative that mariners not only take care of themselves during the pandemic and aboard ship, but also off the ship. At work, we live in a medically remote environment. HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 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 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 Paul Gohs Recertified Bosun Increased hand washing and wearing a mask whenever being out in public. Definitely more sanitation at home and on the ship – wiping things down and keeping them clean. Temperature checks are good, too. In the hall, you’re going to want to follow all those practices. It’s important to reduce exposure and the possibility of infection. You have to protect your family and your fellow Seafarers. You may have [the coronavirus] and not know it, so I wish more people would wear masks. I’m starting to see [mask wearing] drop off here in Michigan. Saleh Ahmed Recertified Bosun I’m keeping distance from friends, staying close to family all the time. Try not to go to any restaurants or anyplace with large gatherings. Wash hands and sanitize all the time, wear the mask. It’s a new thing but we’re taking it step by step. I know a couple of guys who got sick after being at gatherings, and it’s a reminder to avoid things like that. That way nobody will get the virus. Chris Ceyzyk QMED Being on a ship can be one of the safest places in that it’s a quarantined environment. It’s a nice benefit to our job. I’m like everybody else, I wear a mask, social distancing, and try not to face people. In other words, I try to offset myself when I’m talking to someone. I can’t honestly say I always wear a mask, but I try. These steps are important to me because we live in a society that looks out for other people. You’re wearing that mask to look out for other people – older individuals, people with compromised immune systems. That’s important to me. Pic From The Past This undated file photo featuring three late titans was a big hit recently on the SIU’s Facebook page. From left are SIUNA VP Ed Pulver, Paul Hall Center Trainee Commandant Ken Conklin, and SIU Exec. VP Joseph Sacco. SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 12 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �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 CESAR DELA CRUZ Brother Cesar Dela Cruz, 70, signed on with the SIU in 1985. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Dela Cruz’s first vessel was the Sugar Island; his last, the SBX. He makes his home in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. STEPHEN DINNES Brother Stephen Dinnes, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1975 and first sailed on an Anchorage Tankship vessel. An engine department member, he frequently upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Dinnes last sailed on the OMI Hudson. He resides in Mary Esther, Florida. REGINA FLORES Sister Regina Flores, 70, started her career with the union in 1997, initially sailing aboard the Independence. She upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001 and sailed in both the deck and steward departments. Sister Flores’ final vessel was the Honor. She makes her home in the Bronx, New York. PHILIP PARENT Brother Philip Parent, 70, signed on with the Seafarers in 1985. He was an engine department member and first sailed on the Dewayne Williams. Brother Parent upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the Baldomero Lopez and resides in Incline Village, Nevada. JANET PRICE Sister Janet Price, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1980, initially sailing on the El Paso Southern. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Sister Price most recently sailed on the Diamond State. She makes her home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. SIMEON RIVAS Brother Simeon Rivas, 65, began his career with the union in 1991, first shipping aboard the Independence. He sailed in both the deck and en- August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 13 gine departments. Brother Rivas upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed on the Maersk Atlanta and lives in the Bronx, New York. FRANCIS ROMAN Brother Francis Roman, 58, started sailing with the SIU in 2001 when he shipped on the Kodiak. A member of the deck department, he last sailed on the Cape Douglas. Brother Roman settled in Palm Coast, Florida. WALTER SAINVIL Brother Walter Sainvil, 70, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1999 when he shipped on the Sgt. Matej Kocak. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Sainvil most recently sailed aboard the Green Bay. He makes his home in Brandon, Florida. JOHN SILVA Brother John Silva, 65, signed on with the union in 2001 when he sailed aboard the Franklin J. Phillips. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother Silva’s final vessel was the USNS Pathfinder. He resides in St. Petersburg, Florida. EARL THOMAS Brother Earl Thomas, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1998, initially shipping on the USNS Altair. A steward department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Thomas last sailed on the USNS Waters. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia. JAMES TRACEY Brother James Tracey, 60, started his career with the union in 1979, first sailing aboard the Banner. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Tracey most recently shipped on the Endurance and calls Waltham, Massachusetts, home. INLAND CHRISTI CALVERT Sister Christi Calvert, 62, signed on with the union in 1978. She worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for her entire career. Sister Calvert shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She makes her home in San Clemente, California. TIMOTHY COCHRAN Brother Timothy Cochran, 63, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1995. He was first employed with Hvide Marine and sailed in the engine department. Brother Cochran’s final vessel was the Hermes. He resides in Groves, Texas. ALLEN COLE Brother Allen Cole, 62, signed on with the SIU in 2004 when he sailed aboard the Abby G. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Cole concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He lives in Indiantown, Florida. FRANCIS COYLE Brother Francis Coyle, 62, joined the union in 1978. He first shipped with National Marine Service and was a member of the deck department. Brother Coyle upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He was last employed with Interstate Oil and calls Bellmawr, New Jersey, home. JAMES DALEY Brother James Daley, 66, joined the SIU in 1977. A deck department member, he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Daley upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. EDWARD EHRHARDT Brother Edward Ehrhardt, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1987. He sailed in the engine department and worked for McAllister Towing of Virginia. Brother Ehrhardt remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He settled in Panama, Florida. LARRY EVANS Brother Larry Evans, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1976. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Evans was employed by G&H Towing for the majority of his career. He lives in Friendswood, Texas. WILLIAM FOLEY Brother William Foley, 64, joined the SIU in 1976, first sailing aboard Westchester Marine’s William. He primarily shipped in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Foley’s final vessel was the Pride. He settled in St. Petersburg, Florida. GENE HUDGINS Brother Gene Hudgins, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1977. He was a member of the deck department and first worked with Steuart Transportation. Brother Hudgins upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1981. He last worked with STC Little Curtis Company and makes his home in Mathews County, Virginia. duration of his career. Brother Miller lives in Fort Myers, Florida. DAVID STECKEL Brother David Steckel, 65, signed on with the union in 1977 when he worked for Interstate Oil. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Steckel was last employed by McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He resides in Wenonah, New Jersey. JOHN KING PAUL STINGLEN Brother John King, 65, became a member of the union in 1973, initially sailing with H&M Lake Transport. He sailed in the deck department and was last employed by OLS Transport. Brother King resides in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Brother Paul Stinglen, 66, began his career with the SIU in 1974, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001 and was a member of the deck department. Brother Stinglen last sailed with Penn Maritime. He lives in Cape Coral, Florida. MICHAEL LEAGER Brother Michael Leager, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1973 when he worked for Interstate Oil. A deck department member, he continued to work for the same company for the majority of his career. Brother Leager makes his home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. DAVID LEGROW Brother David Legrow, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2007. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Legrow was employed with Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He lives in Titusville, Florida. RICHARD LORD Brother Richard Lord, 62, began sailing with the union in 1977. A deck department member, he was first employed by G&H Towing. Brother Lord upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He was most recently employed by OSG Ship Management and settled in Turnersville, New Jersey. WILLIAM MILLER Brother William Miller, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1980. He was a deck department member and worked for Virginia Pilot Corporation for the ELVIS SUMARIA Brother Elvis Sumaria, 56, joined the Seafarers in 2002 when he shipped on the Sugar Island. He worked in the engine department and most recently sailed on the Dodge Island. Brother Sumaria is a Los Angeles resident. MARC TOMUSCHAT Brother Marc Tomuschat, 55, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1994, initially sailing with McAllister Towing of Virginia. He shipped in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Tomuschat was most recently employed by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning. He lives in Scarborough, Maine. DONALD WILLIS Brother Donald Willis, 62, began sailing with the union in 1977. A deck department member, he first worked with Allied Transportation. Brother Willis upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed with OSG Ship Management and is a resident of Beaufort, North Carolina. Seafarers LOG 13 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Final Departures DEEP SEA ALEX ALEXANDER Pensioner Alex Alexander, 91, died May 10. He signed on with the SIU in 1951 and first shipped with Delta Lines. Brother Alexander was a member of the steward department. He concluded his career on the Producer and became a pensioner in 1987. Brother Alexander resided in New Orleans. SANTIAGO ARROYO Pensioner Santiago Arroyo, 102, passed away June 3. He joined the SIU in 1973. A steward department member, Brother Arroyo first sailed aboard the Fairland. He last shipped on the San Pedro before retiring in 1987. Brother Arroyo was a resident of Puerto Rico. PATRICK BISHOP Pensioner Patrick Bishop, 65, died May 23. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1977; his first vessel was the John Tyler. Brother Bishop worked in the engine department. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Juby and became a pensioner in 2020. Brother Bishop made his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. HEATH BRYAN Pensioner Heath Bryan, 75, passed away June 20. He began sailing with the SIU in 1970 when he worked for Vivian Tankships. Brother Bryan was a steward department member. He last shipped aboard the Seabulk Challenge before going on pension in 2009. Brother Bryan was a resident of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. DAN BUCKLEY Pensioner Dan Buckley, 67, died May 29. He became a member of the union in 1971, initially sailing aboard the Western Hunter. Brother Buckley primarily sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Liberty Wave before becoming a pensioner in 2019. Brother Buckley lived in Metairie, Louisiana. the engine department. He last shipped on the Vail and became a pensioner in 2002. Brother Hopkins was a Baltimore resident. SHERWIN JONES Brother Sherwin Jones 37, passed away June 1. He started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2006 when he sailed aboard the USNS Impeccable. Brother Jones was a deck department member and most recently worked for Watco Transloading LLC. He was a resident of Brooklyn, New York. STANLEY LA GRANGE Pensioner Stanley La Grange, 68, died June 6. Signing on with the SIU in 1972, he was first employed by CSX Lines. Brother La Grange was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the Green Island and went on pension in 2003. Brother La Grange lived in Houston. MICHAEL LINUS Pensioner Michael Linus, 76, passed away June 14. He started sailing with the union in 1974 and shipped in the steward department. Brother Linus’s first vessel was the President Kennedy; his last, the Tacoma. He retired in 2009 and made his home in Kalispell, Montana. WILFREDO MIRANDA Pensioner Wilfredo Miranda, 81, died April 26. A steward department member, he joined the SIU in 1969 when he shipped aboard the Steel Engine. Brother Miranda’s final vessel was the Expedition. He went on pension in 2003 and was a Puerto Rico resident. KENNETH PINCHIN Pensioner Kenneth Pinchin, 71, passed away June 12. He signed on with the union in 1998 when he shipped aboard the USNS Altair. An engine department member, Brother Pinchin last shipped on the Florida. He retired in 2014 and settled in Pompano Beach, Florida. FRANKLIN ROBERTSON Brother Franklin Robertson, 61, died April 7. Born in Seaboard, North Carolina, he embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978. Brother Robertson first shipped on the Philadelphia and worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Motivator and made his home in Norfolk, Virginia. JAMES SHORT Pensioner James Short, 78, passed away June 10. He was born in Wise, Virginia, and became a member of the SIU in 2001. Brother Short sailed in both the steward and engine departments. His first vessel was the Patriot; his last, the SBX. Brother Short retired in 2013 and called Kirby, Texas, home. GUY WILSON Brother Guy Wilson, 60, died February 29. A deck department member, he joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001. Brother Wilson’s first vessel was the Cape Orlando. He last shipped on the Horizon Pacific and was a resident of Modesto, California. INLAND GUISEPPE BOCCANFUSO Pensioner Guiseppe Boccanfuso, 96, passed away June 12. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1970 when he worked for Michigan Tankers. Brother Boccanfuso sailed in the steward department. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation before going on pension in 1997. Brother Boccanfuso resided in Torrance, California. CHARLES BRANCH Pensioner Charles Branch, 80, died March 9. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1962. Brother Branch first worked for G&H Towing. He concluded his career with the same company before retiring in 2001. Brother Branch lived in Shelbyville, Texas. FREDDIE CANTRELL Pensioner Freddie Cantrell, 67, passed away June 15. He began sailing with the union in 1975 when he worked for Allied Transportation. A deck department member, Brother Cantrell was last employed with Penn Maritime. He became a pensioner in 2015 and settled in Greeneville, Tennessee. RICHARD FOLEY Pensioner Richard Foley, 81, died May 25. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and started sailing with the SIU in 2001. Brother Foley first shipped aboard the Cape Jacob and sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career working for Crowley Towing and Transportation and went on pension in 2009. Brother Foley resided in Waco, Texas. FREDERICK SHIFERDEK Pensioner Frederick Shiferdek, 76, passed away June 17. He joined the SIU in 1966 and first sailed with United States Shipping Company. Brother Shiferdek was a deck department member. He last sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation before retiring in 2005. Brother Shiferdek was a resident of Yulee, Florida. NMU MAURICE MARTIN Pensioner Maurice Martin, 80, died June 16. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Martin sailed in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Blue Bayou. He called Port Arthur, Texas, home. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Alves, Joseph 88 Bush, Ward 94 Chimeno, Rodolfo 95 Ebanks, Leroy 89 Evora, Joaquim 88 Greenidge, Kenneth 99 James, Robert 77 Johnson, Richard 95 McFarlin, Roderick 77 Medina, Luis 92 Muhammad, Lateef 93 Newman, Trotti 91 Williams, Paul 91 DOD 06/15/2020 06/01/2020 05/15/2020 04/21/2020 02/21/2020 05/22/2020 04/14/2020 06/08/2020 04/29/2020 06/12/2020 06/11/2020 05/25/2020 06/19/2020 Aboard Cape Henry RODWELL FORBES Pensioner Rodwell Forbes, 82, passed away June 19. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 2001 when he sailed aboard the USNS Capable. Brother Forbes was an engine department member and last shipped on the Energy Enterprise. He retired in 2015 and resided in Metairie, Louisiana. DONALD HOPKINS Pensioner Donald Hopkins, 82, died June 11. He joined the union in 1959, initially working with Paco Tankers. Brother Hopkins sailed in 14 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 14 The FOS crew is pictured in early June, returning to San Francisco after a successful post-repair sea trial. Vessel is operated by Matson. August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), April 14 – Chairman James Joyce, Secretary Christina Mateer, Educational Director Vicente Dunbar Reve, Steward Delegate Quinsha Davis. Crew was commended for a safe voyage. Special thanks given to gangway gang. Soiled linen should be bagged and taken to laundry room as directed by secretary. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to keep documents in order. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed text message inquiry regarding health aboard ship. More info to follow. President’s report from latest edition of Seafarers LOG posted in mess hall. Steward department was thanked for excellent Easter meal. Members voiced safety concerns and requested increase in pension. Captain working on Wi-Fi. Next port: Norfolk, Virginia. TAINO (Crowley), May 2 – Chairman Donley Johnson, Secretary Kimberly Strate, Educational Director Jesus Martinez Ortiz, Engine Delegate Angel Cintron. Brief meeting held to discuss restrictions to ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew went over text message communications from SIU headquarters. Members requested “All Ports” posting on website portals. Crew was praised for outstanding job sanitizing ship. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. AMERICAN PRIDE (Crowley), May 9 – Chairman Felsher Beasley, Secretary Richard Jones, Engine Delegate Marcus Brown, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Members went over ship restrictions and are hopeful for compensation. All is well with crew. Educational director reiterated importance of keeping documents current, particularly dur- 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. ing current COVID-19 pandemic. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read communications and noted the 100th Anniversary of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Members asked for more clarity regarding ship restrictions. Crew requested increase in pension and vacation benefits. Next port: Port Everglades, Florida. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited), May 9 – Chairman Anecito Limboy, Secretary Ali Matari, Educational Director Shawn Pantschyschak, Deck Delegate Kirk Willis. Chairman reminded mariners to leave clean rooms and fresh linen for joining crew. He encouraged members to support the SIU and donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). Crew was thanked for garbage separation. Educational director advised members to stay updated about class schedules. Engine delegate reported beef with OT for QMED. Crew requested increase in vacation days as well as faster internet on board. Contract clarifications needed for the roles of electrician and QMED. Next port: Port Elizabeth, New Jersey. CALIFORNIA (Crowley), May 10 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Raymond Lackland, Educational Director Joshua Zelinsky, Deck Delegate Leonard Ajoste, Engine Delegate Alvin Cabahit. Crew received bigger TVs and cable boxes for rooms. Wi-Fi now available. Chairman discussed how to do paperwork and file for vacation during COVID-19 pandemic. Red Circle crew extended through June 30, 2022. Deck delegate reminded members to separate trash in proper containers. Crew read various communications and President’s Report Aboard USNS Brittin Pictured aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel earlier this year in the Middle East are (from left) AB Adolfo Figueroa, AB Clayton Walker and OS Antonio Hamilton. Thanks to Third Mate Matt Thomas (SIU hawsepiper) for the photo. from Seafarers LOG. Members are now able to communicate with family via email and Facetime with improved Wi-Fi. Next port: Long Beach, California. ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line, Limited), May 10 – Chairman Emmanuel Gazzier, Secretary Robert Seim, Deck Delegate Mark Butler, Engine Delegate Hilario Martinez. Chairman advised members to keep union dues paid. Educational director reminded crew to keep credentials up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read and posted recent information about pandemic. MAGNOLIA STATE (Crowley), May 31 – Chairman Octavio Ruiz, Secretary Jerome Jordan, Educational Director David Garrett, Engine Delegate Luis Sepulveda, Steward Delegate Munasser Ahmed. Chairman advised crew to leave clean rooms for relief members. Deck department was thanked for working together to keep ship clean. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed Wi-Fi access aboard ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Crew requested boost in vacation benefits. AMERICAN FREEDOM (Crowley), June 14 – Chairman Joshua Mensah, Secretary Francisco Madsen, Educational Director Felix Garcia, Deck Delegate Ryan Legario, Engine Delegate Daniel Daligcon, Steward Delegate Daniel Mergillano. New mattresses to be ordered. Educational director urged members to upgrade their skills at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school upon its reopening (classes resume in August). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increase in pension while decreasing sea time requirements. Next port: Long Beach, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 15 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training August 24 August 28 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck August 24 September 11 AB to Mate Modules Module dates vary throughout the year. Once accepted, students will be advised of dates. Classes are only open to students in AB to Mate program and modules must be taken in order. Module 3 August 17 August 24 August 31 September 3 September 7 August 21 August 28 September 2 September 4 September 11 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic Training August 24 August 28 Basic Training Revalidation August 17 August 17 August 21 August 21 August 31 August 31 September 4 September 4 September 11 September 11 September 14 September 14 September 18 September 18 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 10 August 14 Government Vessels August 10 August 14 August 24 August 28 Module 4 September 15 September 18 September 21 October 09 October 12 October 16 Module 5 October 19 October 23 October 26 October 30 November 2 November 3 November 4 November 6 November 10 November 20 Module 6 November 23 December 18 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT October 19 November 13 Junior Engineer September 21 November 13 October 26 December 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations September 28 October 23 November 16 December 11 Certified Chief Cook September 7 October 9 October 12 November 13 November 16 December 18 Chief Steward August 3 September 11 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 16 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. 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, or 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. 8/20 August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #861 – Graduated March 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Aldana, William Borders, Howard Brand, Johnathan Bumgarner, Dennison Forsman, Carter Fuller, Talon-Angie Garces, Aniah Harold, Ramon Hilerio Rosa, Jafet Misla-Mendez, Ehukai W.B. Rawlins, Gabriel Rawls, Kenneth Von Kaenel, Tristan Webber, Anthony Williams, Sarah Wilson and Johnny Young. Apprentice Water Survival Class #862 – Graduated April 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Sarah Awad, Devin Brashear, Richard Diaz, Christopher Emanuel, Michael Garcia, Mynisha George, Caleb Jackson, James Lagroue, Scott Miller, Raymond Murphy, Tanner Page, Alexandra Resto, Luke Satsuma, Mitchell Seman, Yacoub Shack, Kelvin Ivan SotoMelendez, Anoalo Stanley, Michael Taylor and Matthew Vargas. August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 17 Seafarers LOG 17 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated March 20: Darryl Brown (above, left) and Willie Smith Jr. Basic Motor Plant – Graduated March 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Mohamed Alghazali, Andrew Blacker and Basheer Ghazali. Government Vessels (Phase 1) – Graduated March 6 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Jessica Davis, Shamir Jameil Ford, Tyler Foster, Austin Jandreau, Taylor Rabb and Chadon Williams Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Government Vessels (Upgraders) – Graduated March 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Francia Helena Alvarez, Annie Bivens, Monserrate Blas Jr., Jackson Blaty, Virnabeth Tomo Cano, Susan Villar Emmons, Ardeccia Hill, Jewel Lamb, Petronio Paragas and Willie Smith Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 18 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 18 August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Certified Chief Cook (Module 2) – Graduated April 3: Seth Duke Alejandro Alonzo (above, left) and Neyda Oviedo-Bermudez. Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated March 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Angel Bernardez, Edward English and Shantay Chanell Joquin. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated March 6 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Stephen Avallone, Solomon Darku, Shari Hardman and Gregory Lynch. School Adopts, Releases COVID 19-Specific Rules for Students COVID Rules and Regulations 2.0 have been adopted by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. According to officials at the Piney, Point, Maryland-based campus, these new rules, which must be strictly adhered to by all concerned, override any prior rules and regulations until further notice. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the following rules and regulations must be adhered to for your safety, as well as all staff, visitors, guests and contractors safety: 1. Once you arrive on campus and check in, you WILL NOT be permitted to leave base. This includes during exercising (walking, running, riding bikes, etc.) Please pack and prepare for your time at the school, just as if you were going to a ship. If you choose to leave base without prior approval, you will be denied access when returning. Under certain circumstances, you may be allowed to leave base, with PRIOR approval from the Assistant Vice President, for approved clinic runs or similar. Additionally, there will be no store (Walmart/Target) or church runs. 2. When arriving, you must fill out and sign the health questionnaire which will be provided to you upon check-in at the front desk. You will also be shown a campus safety and sanitation video and will be asked to sign a statement indicating that you have seen the video. August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG_X.indd 19 3. When inside of any buildings and in common areas on campus, you must wear a protective face covering/mask which is secured behind both ears or head. You will not be required to wear face masks when in your hotel room/personal space or outside. Face coverings that are NOT acceptable include; n Bandanas n T-shirts n Any covering with inappropriate art, words, references. In the event you do not have a proper face covering/mask, they will be available for sale in the sea chest. 4. You will be required to adhere to campus wide social distancing guidelines. Maintain at least a 6-foot distance between yourself and other individuals. This includes while on break from class. 5. Students will be permitted to order needed supplies online, and have them delivered to the school address. 6. Be sure you have all needed medications with you, and have enough supply to last you through the extent of your stay on campus. 7. Mooney’s Pub/Port of Call Bar will remain closed due to COVID and renovation until further notice. 8. The Health Spa is open, with restrictions (no more than 10 people at a time). All guidelines must be followed when in the health spa including wearing a mask. 9. The pool will be open with social dis- tancing in place. 10. If at any time you develop symptoms or feel/become sick please report it to a staff member and report to the nurse immediately for further direction. 11. All students’ temperatures will be taken upon arrival to the school and daily in the morning in the classroom. In addition, students are subject to random temperature checks throughout the day. If it is found you have a temperature of 100.4 F or above you may be denied access to the facility and/or class. Please keep in mind you cannot miss more than 10% of any class or you must repeat the class and you will NOT be permitted in class with a fever. NOTE: When a remote temperature gun is being used, any temperature that measures over 99 degrees F will be considered a fever. This will require an additional test and other possible screening. Readings from temperature guns are typically around one degree lower than what would be indicated on a standard oral thermometer. 12. NO spouses, family members or guests will be permitted on campus, at any time. 13. All meal hours will be assigned and strictly adhered to by all students. You WILL NOT be permitted into the galley/cafeteria outside your assigned meal time. The following rules govern student- transportation to and on the Paul Hall Center campus: 1. All students traveling in a school vehicle must wear a protective mask during transport. 2. All students will be subject to temperature checks prior to entering a school vehicle for transport. If it is found that you have a temperature at or above the readings described above, you will be denied transport. Denial of transport is for the safety of all school staff, students and guests. 3. In the event you are denied transport in a school vehicle, you will be provided with an information sheet from the driver. The information sheet will list local testing sites, emergency rooms and hotels for your convenience. 4. If you travel using your personal vehicle, you will be subject to temperature screenings at the front gate. If it is found you have a temperature at or above the readings above, you will be denied access to the campus. 5. In the event you are denied access to the campus, security will provide you with an information sheet containing local testing sites, hotels and emergency rooms for your convenience. 6. In the event you are denied transport or access to campus, please contact the Travel department toll free at 877-7897829 Seafarers LOG 19 7/21/20 2:25 PM �VOLUME 82, NO. 8 AUGUST 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Recalling the Service of WWII Seafarers Editor’s note: This is the fourth installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier installments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. This one picks up after a recap of numerous sinkings including that of Waterman’s Afoundria near Haiti, in May 1942. The ship was carrying bombs and beans when it was struck by a torpedo; all hands were saved. It is, unfortunately, impossible in this account even to mention all of the Union’s contracted ships that went down in these tropic waters, but not to be forgotten are some of the “oldtimers” including the Barbara, sunk with considerable loss of life among passengers and crews; the Alcoa Carrier, Alcoa Partner, Edith, Lebore, Alaskan and Antinous. To these ships and the men who sailed them across “U-boat Lake,” in most cases without guns or armed escort, it’s “hail and farewell. Yours was a job well done.” To Malta and Suez October of 1942 was one of the most critical periods of history. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel and his Afrika Korps were less than 60 miles from Alexandria, striking for Suez and domination of the Middle East. They had destroyed 200 tanks, two-thirds of all the 8th Army possessed and victory seemed to be almost theirs. Hard pressed were the desert-hardened fighters of the British Army and its Allies. It looked as though nothing could stop the German panzers from running through Egypt to the Suez Canal. And then the 8th Army stiffened, giving Rommel a stiff right to the chin at Alam El Halfa. Taking a deep breath, they swung hard and hit the Germans with a succession of hard body bows at El Alamein, after which the Afrika Korps turned back and, chased by the “desert rats,” headed pell-mell toward the west across the burning sands. Aid to Desert Rats That the 8th Army accomplished this victory in the face of defeat may well have been made possible by the historic voyage of the SS Seatrain Texas and her SIU crew. This train-carrying freighter had just returned to New York from England in the summer of 1942, when she was rushed to dock and started taking on a load of Sherman tanks which had been diverted from our own armed forces on an emergency order from President Roosevelt. She was ordered to rush the tanks to the British at Suez without so much as an hour’s delay, for two American ships carrying Shermans for the 8th Army had just recently been sunk – their precious cargoes entirely lost beneath the seas. With 180 tanks and 165 Army technicians aboard, the Seatrain Texas left New York as soon as loading was complete, with Capt. Albert Dalzell in command. Hazardous as the ocean lanes were at that period of the war, there was no time to wait for convoys. Proceeding at top speed, the Seatrain Texas zig-zagged through the dangerous Caribbean with guns manned every minute and double lookouts on watch continuously day and night. Then came the precarious dash across the long and lonely South Atlantic, where Nazi raiders were known to be operating. Stopping at Cape Town only long enough for fuel, the Texas coursed along the east coast of Africa to rendezvous with a British corvette, her only escort of the entire voyage, at “torpedo point” off Madagascar. From Ship to Battle Furrowing the warm seas as they speeded north, the two ships passed a convoy which had left the States three weeks before the Texas slipped her hawsers from the Jersey pier, and they arrived at Suez a full seven days ahead of 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 20 Smoke is visible from a merchant ship bombed in an Allied convoy to the Soviet Union in October 1942. The convoy, including SIUcrewed vessels, fought through a four-day attack by German torpedo planes and U-boats to deliver cargo to a Soviet Arctic port. the convoy. Unloading gear was already rigged as the Seatrain Texas came to anchor. Tank drivers of the 8th Army were there to meet her, and as soon as the broad, heavy Shermans hit the shore they were rumbling off toward the fighting fronts not many miles away. Said the Seatrain Lines of this exploit, “It was the men of the Seatrain Texas as well as Montgomery who turned the tide in North Africa.” They helped put Rommel to rout and, perhaps without exaggeration, played an important part in changing the course of history. No better accolade for the ship and her crew could have been given. Theirs had been an historic mission ably fulfilled. Action-packed voyages in the Mediterranean were not unusual for SIU-manned ships, from the time of the Malta convoys till after Italy had surrendered. The Liberty ship Daniel Huger of the Mississippi Shipping Company, for instance, was loaded with 6,000 tons of high octane gasoline in barrels when she was caught in an air raid in Bone, Algeria, in 1943 and hit by a bomb which wounded several gunners and started a fire in the ’tween decks. Battled Gasoline Although the ship threatened to blow up at any minute, with flames from exploding gasolines roaring 300 feet into the air, the crew stayed by their posts till the order came to abandon ship. Later a fire brigade arrived and crewmen volunteered to help the shoreside fire-fighters put out the flames and save ship and cargo. Several of the crew dared death to enter the hold adjacent to the fire and spray foamite over the red-hot bulkheads. When the Alcoa-operated William Wirt was attacked by Nazi bombers in the Mediterranean, the War Shipping Administration later said of its crew that “although it was the first experience in action for the majority of merchant seamen stationed with the guns, they served like seasoned veterans.” The same commendation could be made of many another SIU crew. After the SS Maiden Creek, a C-3 operated by Waterman, was torpedoed near the coast of North Africa in 1944, crewmen returned to the ship when it was seen she wouldn’t sink immediately, and volunteers went below to break out towing hawsers from the after-chain locker. As they were at work below, a second torpedo struck the vessel in the stern, with six sailors losing their lives and 12 others being injured as this SIU crew attempted to save their vessel and its valuable cargo of war supplies. SIU men played an important role in another thrill-packed theater of war, when the SS Robin Locksley of the Seas Shipping Company helped to rush food, gasoline and ammunition to beleaguered Malta, that brave bastion of the middle Mediterranean, which proudly bore the title of the “most bombed spot on earth.” German and Italian airmen had tried futilely to blast this 17-mile long island out of the war with innumerable raids, for Malta had three flying fields and British planes were using them to exact costly tolls from Axis convoys supplying Rommel in North Africa. But for several small and heavily protected Allied convoys that reinforced the island by running the “bomb blockade,” Malta might have fallen and the conquest of Africa been made immensely more costly in men and material. It was on November 17, 1942, that the Robin Locksley, the Bantam (Dutch) and the Denbighshire (Br.) left Port Said for Malta. Importance of the convoy is emphasized by the size of the escort they had: five cruisers and seven large destroyers! The first heavy attack was by seven Junkers 88s, which were driven off by intense ack-ack fire, but three torpedo planes came in soon after and hit the cruiser Arethusa. In this attack the Robin Locksley was given credit for downing one of the torpedo raiders. On the 19th, a flight of 27 Nazi troop-carrying planes bound for Africa made the mistake of passing over the convoy, and long range Beaufighters from Malta which were flying cover for the fleet at the time knocked down four of the transports with their human cargoes. Heavy seas and frequent overcast helped the convoy to reach Malta without loss on November 20, delivering a cargo that helped immeasurably to keep the island fortress in the war. The Robin Locksley and her companion ships skirted subs and bombs to arrive safely back in Port Said. The Russian Run As long as men from World War II still go to sea, there will be told stirring tales of the Russian run – the long, cold, hazardous voyage to Murmansk and the ports of the White Sea. Close to 350 American ships made the run to Russian with bombs, guns, tanks, ammunition, gasoline, beans, bandages, dried eggs, sugar, shoes, grain, and even gin for the big brass. Up to March of 1943, 32 American ships out of 143 setting out for the Barents Sea had been lost. Many of these, and not a few of those lost later, were manned by men of the SIU, for the number of ships crewed by Seafarers on the legendary run to Russia was almost legion. Greatest danger on this northern voyage came when the convoys approached North Cape, the Arctic tip of Scandinavia, which posed the last great hurdle before they reached their destination on the upper rim of the world. Some convoys delivered their cargoes without loss, but most of them saw action from planes, subs, and Nazi surface craft. Added to this were the natural hazards of bitter cold, storms, ice and fog. Nearly every ship setting out for Russia was given a load of explosives to carry: anywhere from several hundred to a thousand tons. It was “sudden death” that could – and more than once did –send ship and crew to kingdom-come in a sudden fearful roar. Seamen in convoy PQ-18, which included the Schoharie, Virginia Dare, William Moultrie, and other SIU ships, will never forget the end of the freighter Mary Luckenbach. Wiped Off the Sea During the heavy air attack, a torpedo bomber either crashed on her deck or dropped its torpedo like a bomb. No one can ever tell exactly what happened, for the vessel was completely obliterated. When the William Moultrie steamed over the spot (she was in column behind the Luckenbach) crewmen could not spot a single bit of wreckage from the unfortunate vessel – not even a board or shattered piece of life raft. The Skipper of the nearby freighter St. Olaf entered in his log that the Mary Luckenbach “flew into a million parts like a giant hand grenade.” Following the famous “Fourth of July” convoy – which was decimated by planes and subs when deserted by its escort – convoy PQ-18 was heavily protected, but still had to fight its way through to the White Sea. Of 40 merchant ships in this convoy,13 were sunk in bitter attacks that included as many as 40 torpedo bombers at one time, and which lasted even to the moment the fleet arrived in Archangel. Sailing the “road to Russia” was frequently quite exasperating to crews whose ships either sat at anchor for weary, uneventful weeks, or went wandering around over the ocean as Continued on Page 9 7/20/20 3:18 PM � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: U.S. SENATOR BACKS JONES ACT SCA HONORS MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR INDUSTRY CONTINUES GRAPPLING WITH CHALLENGES SIX MARITIME UNION PRESIDENTS DRAFT, SIGN MESSAGE ADDRESSING COVID-19 ABOARD AT-SEA VESSELS BOSUN SHARES EXPERIENCE COMBATTING CORONAVIRUS MATSON CHRISTENS MATSONIA IN SAN DIEGO U.S. CONGRESSMAN ROB WITTMAN UNDERSCORES NEED FOR STRONG U.S. SEALIFT, REVITALIZED RRF SEAFARERS' JOBS SECURE AS RAND LOGISTICS COMPLETES AMERICAN STEAMPSHIP COMPANY PURCHASE SECRETARY-TREASURER SENDS IMPORTAN MESSAGE TO SEAFARERS CONCERNING UPCOMING SIU ELECTION SIU ABSENTEE-BALLOT PROCEDURES ABSENTEE VOTING HAS DEEP ROOTS IN U.S. HISTORY SIU CREW, COAST GUARD RESCUE 3 SAILORS TWICS MAY BE USED TO OBTAIN 'TSA PRECHECK' 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 August 1, 2020 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. 82, No. 8 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5c94f3f2faa28a13426244181749052d.pdf 734ec2862bc7753558856a6f583b2217 PDF Text Text SEPTEMBER 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 9 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Back to (New) Normal School Reopens, Membership Meetings Resume The global COVID-19 pandemic appears far from over, but Seafarers continue adapting to changes brought on by the crisis. With numerous precautions in place, the SIU in August resumed its monthly membership meetings (the first ones since March). Demonstrating their social-distancing prowess and face coverings at a few of the hiring halls are Seafarers in (photo above) Jacksonville, Florida; (below, right) Oakland, California; and (lower right) Mobile, Alabama. Piney Point, Maryland is the site of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which restarted classes the first week of August. Students are pictured that week in a classroom (immediately below) and a simulator (remaining photo). Page 3. Remembering John Lewis Page 4 SIU Election News Pages 6, 8 SHBP Awards Scholarships Page 7 �President’s Report Election Day Approaches I don’t have to tell you that Nov. 3 isn’t far off. Make sure you’re registered to vote, and, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may want to consider absentee balloting this time around. Of course, many of our members utilize absentee or early voting because they’re at sea on Election Day, so this is nothing new to us. It’s easy to find useful information online, but feel free to contact your port agent if you need assistance. For anyone who’s new to the SIU, you should know that we support candidates – at all levels of government – who support maritime and who support workers’ rights, regardless of political party. Republican, Democrat, Independent – none of that matters to the SIU. What matters is that candidates commit to backing the U.S. Merchant Marine, and then follow through once in office. As we enter the teeth of election season, stay informed – and remain civil with each other. You can disagree with someone about an issue, but remember that we’re in this together and we all want what’s best for this great nation. Support From ‘Last Frontier’ Speaking of the consequences of elections, the United States maritime industry has enjoyed a long history of solid support from Alaska’s members of Congress, and that tradition is alive and well today. The Jones Act fleet is Alaska’s interstate highway. It’s what connects the 49th State with the mainland of the United States. And much like the freeway system and waterways we use in the lower 48, our American-flag ships and U.S. crews deliver the goods that Alaska needs while bringing some of the state’s natural resources to the mainland. Seafarers undoubtedly know about Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) and U.S. Rep. Don Young (R), both of whom have long track records backing the U.S. Merchant Marine. Murkowski’s father, the late Frank Murkowski, served Alaska as a governor and U.S. Senator, and also was a friend of the industry. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) isn’t exactly a newcomer, having been in office since 2015, but he is the newest member of the Alaska delegation. Sen. Sullivan is very much carrying on the tradition of great maritime support from Alaska, in the same spirit as the late Sen. Ted Stevens (R), one of the union’s all-time friends. That is why the SIU, along with three other maritime unions (AMO, MM&P and MEBA), recently endorsed his re-election. In our joint letter, we noted Sullivan’s “strong, consistent support for America’s maritime industry and your vigorous and persistent efforts in behalf of America’s maritime workforce. Your work in Congress to achieve a fully funded Maritime Security Program; to ensure full enforcement of America’s U.S.-flag cargo preference shipping requirements; and to preserve our nation’s coastwise shipping laws have helped ensure that our nation has the U.S.-flag commercial sealift readiness capability and the American mariners needed by the Department of Defense to support American troops and America’s interests overseas.” We further wrote: “You have been a leader in Congress working to increase the number of commercial vessels operating under the U.S.-flag and to increase the shipboard employment opportunities for American mariners. Absent such action, we as a nation will not only experience the continued outsourcing of American maritime jobs to the benefit of foreign maritime personnel but will also be forced to entrust a greater portion of the requisite commercial sealift readiness capability needed by the Department of Defense, along with the safety and supply of American troops, to foreign flag-of-convenience vessels and their foreign citizen crews. Without your continued efforts, our country will not have the necessary commercial U.S.-flag sealift capability it needs and American troops deployed overseas would be dangerously dependent on foreign vessels and foreign crews to bring them the supplies, equipment and materiel they need to do their job on behalf of the American people.” Sullivan has demonstrated a clear and unwavering commitment to the American maritime industry and the American maritime worker. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 9 Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby (left) and Navy League VP Jonathan Kaskin advocate for the U.S. Merchant Marine during a recent online conference. Officials from Navy League, MARAD Call for Additional U.S.-Flag Tonnage Weighing the potential long-range effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. security, two maritime experts said the country desperately needs to bolster its commercial fleet and the corresponding manpower pool. U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby and Navy League of the United States National Vice President for Legislative Affairs Jonathan Kaskin both emphasized those goals during a mid-July online event named “NatSec 2020: Coronavirus and Beyond,” cosponsored by the Navy League, the Association of the United States Army, and Government Matters (a multi-platform news program). The sessions examined “the long-term impact of the pandemic on the business of government in the national security community.” Kaskin said the U.S. especially needs greater sealift capacity and additional tankers in an era of “great power competition,” especially for a potential conflict in the Pacific. The former Navy logistics officer A prominent legislator from “The Last Frontier” recently received a major maritime honor. The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national association representing the U.S. shipyard industry, honored U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) with the SCA Maritime Leadership Award on June 30. The award is given annually “to national leaders who demonstrate exemplary dedication and support of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry,” according to the council. Sullivan took office in 2015. Among other assignments, he currently serves on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; and the Senate Armed The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director, Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG benefit from an increase in commercial vessels rather than reserve-status ships (since the vessels themselves would have greater readiness and in turn would facilitate larger numbers of trained crews). Kaskin advocated expansion of the U.S. Maritime Security Program and also supported an administration proposal to create a similar structure for tankers. He said only a half-dozen American-flag internationally-trading tankers are available for use by the military, and three of those are already leased by the Navy for current operations. “The requirement that U.S. Transportation Command has shown – and earlier studies have shown – is that we need more than 78 tankers,” he said. “Adding 10 is not going to be sufficient. So, what we really need to do is find ways of utilizing the tankers that we have in the domestic fleet – the Jones Act [ships] – to be able to support wartime operations.” Shipbuilders Council Honors Sen. Sullivan September 2020 Reversed to White Reversed to White stated, “We in the Navy League would like to advocate for a much larger U.S. Merchant Marine in order to support the tenets of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, which says that we should have a [merchant] fleet large enough to support not only our domestic trade but a portion of our international trade to be able to maintain our commerce at all time in peace and war. I don’t think we have adequate capability in both areas right now.” He added that the “fleet itself just needs to grow.” Buzby, former commander of the Navy’s Military Sealift Command, agreed. “We need more ships,” he said, adding that a strong case may be made for adding upwards of 50 more vessels. The maritime administrator also called attention to a shortage of civilian mariners that threatens the nation’s ability to successfully executive a sustained sealift operation. Partly with that in mind, he said the country would U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) Services Committee. “Throughout his entire career, Sen. Sullivan has long recognized the critical role shipping, shipbuilding and repair have across the entire U.S. economy and especially in his home state of Alaska. His experienced voice has championed and advanced our industry, the backbone of economic and national security, in unprecedented ways. The more than 650,000 men and women of the domestic maritime industry honor him today for his service, commitment and unwavering leadership,” said Matthew Paxton, president of the SCA. Sullivan has been a maritime champion from his first days in office. Additionally, earlier this year he joined with six other Republican senators in formally urging President Trump to fully support the Jones Act. In a letter to Trump, those senators wrote in part, “Unfortunately, opponents of the Jones Act have used the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to attempt to undermine existing law. There is absolutely no connection between the Jones Act and COVID-19. In fact, the law has helped produce the types of vessels and qualified mariners necessary to support a variety of crisis response operations. If anything, the Administration and Congress should look for ways to strengthen the Jones Act.” During the recent markup for the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, Sullivan helped secure language authorizing $21.3 billion for the construction of new U.S. Navy submarines, amphibious ships, destroyers, and other vessels. Last year, he authored and led the two-year reauthorization of the U.S. Coast Guard. “I want to thank SCA President Matthew Paxton, the SCA board and all of SCA’s members for this prestigious honor and for your work advocating on behalf of a robust shipyard industrial base,” said Sullivan. “From authorizing the first new icebreakers in a generation, $21 billion this coming fiscal year in defense shipbuilding, and the intent to reach a 355-ship Navy, we are renewing America’s command of the high seas, and the men and women of our shipbuilding sector will be crucial to bringing that goal to fruition. I’m glad to be a part of this collaborative effort that strengthens our national security, supports a stronger economy and thousands of jobs, including many in the great maritime state of Alaska.” Sullivan was presented the Maritime Champion Award virtually during the SCA annual meeting in Washington, D.C. SCA members constitute the shipyard industrial base that builds, repairs, maintains and modernizes U.S. Navy ships and craft, U.S. Coast Guard vessels of all sizes, as well as vessels for other U.S. government agencies. In addition, SCA members build, repair and service America’s fleet of commercial vessels. The Council represents 40 companies that own and operate more than 82 shipyards, with facilities on all three U.S. coasts, the Great Lakes, the inland waterways system, Alaska and Hawaii. The SCA also represents 87 partner members that provide goods and services to the shipyard industry. September 2020 �COVID-19 PANDEMIC The Paul Hall Center reopened for classes in early August and also hosted a membership meeting. Union Meetings Resume, School Reopens Coronavirus Claims Life of SIU Member Vaughan Editor’s note: SIU members are encouraged to regularly check the union’s website for the latest union-specific news about the pandemic. There is a prominent COVID-19 section on the home page. Members also may sign up for text alerts by texting the word “join” (without the quotation marks) to 97779. The SIU and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, recently reached some milestones for 2020 – occasions that wouldn’t warrant much mention in non-pandemic times but which now signal progress. The union in August resumed its monthly membership meetings, underscored by numerous safety precautions at the hiring halls. Because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, meetings hadn’t been conducted since March. Similarly, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) resumed classes the first week of August, following a summer hiatus (see pages 18-19). Extensive safety measures are in place at the school, and the first couple of weeks after reopening have proven encouraging. While those developments offered a boost to many attendees and a partial return to some normalcy, the coronavirus remains a worldwide crisis. By mid-August, there were upwards of 22 million cases worldwide, including more than 5.4 million in the United States. The virus had claimed nearly 775,000 lives around the world, including almost 170,000 in the U.S. Virus Claims Union Member One of those victims was GUDE Michael Vaughan, 63, who died July 28 after being stricken with COVID19. He had sailed with SIU since 2012, most recently aboard a Maersk vessel, and is believed to be the first active Seafarer to perish from the virus. In a message to SIU crews throughout the Maersk fleet, SIU President Michael Sacco wrote, “On behalf of the union’s executive board, I extend our deepest and most sincere sympathies to the family, friends and shipmates of our fallen brother, GUDE Michael Vaughan. Many of you have heard me say over the years that I think of our organization as a family. In that spirit, this is a particularly difficult time for all concerned…. We all need to remain extremely vigilant and cautious as the scourge of COVID-19 continues. That is one way we can honor Michael Vaughan’s memory.” Meanwhile, Sacco in late July joined with MM&P President Don Marcus and MEBA President Marshall Ainley in sending a letter to the commanding officer of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer. The presidents voiced strong concerns about the agency’s months-long “gangways up” order on vessels crewed by federally employed CIVMARS (including members of the SIU Government Services Division), along with the July 22 suicide of Third Officer Jonathon J. Morris, 34, aboard the USNS Amelia Earhart. That letter reads in part, “We are writing to you today to communicate our ongoing and increasingly grave concerns regarding the mental health and well-being of MSC’s CIVMARs. Many of the CIVMARS are members of our respective Unions and they share their thoughts and concerns with us on a regular basis. There is growing anger, frustration and despair throughout the fleet. People have a breaking point and many of these crewmembers are nearing it. “The recent tragedy aboard the USNS Amelia Earhart speaks for itself,” the letter continues. “The actual cause of this mariner’s actions may never be known, however, the ongoing and selective ‘Gangways Up’ restrictions may have, in some part, contributed to this unnecessary and senseless act. We are genuinely worried that if restrictions are not eased, the likelihood of shipboard emotional instability will increase. Further, the stress-related fatigue caused by the ‘Gangways Up’ restrictions could lead to safety and mission degradation and operational mishaps. “Couple the disparate nature of the Gangways-Up policy with the continuing crisis of overdue reliefs and you have potentially worse disasters waiting to happen on MSC vessels all over the world,” the union presidents added. “Waiting in-excess of 90 days for relief in some cases is contributing to the escalating anxiety and tensions aboard ships. The current situation is taking a terrible toll on the families of these GUDE Michael Vaughan is believed to be the first active SIU member to perish as a result of COVID-19. mariners as well. The CIVMARS feel unsupported and abandoned.” The correspondence concluded with a request for “your direct intervention and assistance.” Precautions, Adjustments In an effort to promote safety at the hiring halls and at the PHC, many safeguards are in place. These include reconfiguring meeting areas, classrooms and dining facilities to promote distancing. Clear plastic dividers have been installed, along with hand-sanitizing stations. Floor markings are in place to make it easy to identify six-foot distances. Meal times at the school are being staggered, and face coverings are required at the PHC and at the halls. Another adjustment took place prior to when the Able Seafarer-Deck class resumed in Piney Point. Students completed two weeks of authorized course- Continued on Page 16 Note to Our Readers While maintaining distance, members listen to reports during the monthly meeting in New Orleans. September 2020 Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. Seafarers LOG 3 �In photo at right, the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia) addresses attendees May 14, 2019 during the keel laying for his namesake ship, USNS John Lewis, Military Sealift Command’s newest fleet replenishment oiler, during ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO Shipyard in San Diego. (Military Sealift Command photo) A General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company rendering of the vessel is pictured above. Workers’ Rights, U.S. Maritime Champion U.S. Rep. John Lewis Passes Away at 80 U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia), an acclaimed civil rights leader/activist and a champion of the U.S. Maritime industry, died July 17 at age 80. The son of sharecroppers and an apostle of nonviolence, the late congressman on Dec. 29, 2019 announced that he had Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and vowed to fight it with the same passion with which he had battled racial injustice. “I have been in some kind of fight – for freedom, equality, basic human rights – for nearly my entire life,” he said. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, during the union’s August membership meeting at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, reminded the audience that in addition to being a stalwart for workers’ rights, Lewis also consistently backed the U.S. Merchant Marine. “He was a man with a capital ‘m’ and he was in our corner from day one,” Tellez stated. Bolstering Tellez’s sentiments re- garding Lewis’ contributions to the U.S. Maritime industry was SIU Senior Political Consultant Terry Turner. “He (Congressman Lewis) was a 100% pro-vote on all Maritime Security Program, Jones Act, and Cargo Preference legislation that we tracked over the last 20 years,” Turner said. “Going forward, his leadership and support for maritime issues will be greatly missed.” The late congressman’s backing of U.S. Maritime and advocacy for human rights did not go unnoticed in America’s civilian community nor in U.S. government circles including the Department of Defense. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, during a January 6, 2016 ship-naming ceremony at the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C., announced that the first ship of the next generation of fleet replenishment oilers (T-AO 205) would be named the USNS John Lewis after the civil rights movement hero. “As the first of its class, the future USNS John Lewis will play a vital role in the mission of our Navy and Marine Corps while also forging a new path in fleet replenishment,” said Mabus at the event. “Naming this ship after John Lewis is a fitting tribute to a man who has, from his youth, been at the forefront of progressive social and human rights movements in the U.S., directly shaping both the past and future of our nation.” The new vessel, one of six new T-AO 205 fleet oilers for the U.S. Navy, is being built by the General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, California. Construction commenced in 2018; the vessel is expected to be delivered later this year. The future USNS John Lewis will be operated by the U.S. Military Sealift Command and provide underway replenishment of fuel and stores to U.S. Navy ships at sea and jet fuel for aircraft assigned to aircraft carriers. Its crew will include CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division. “T-AO 205 will, for decades to come, serve as a visible symbol of the freedoms Representative Lewis holds dear, and his example will live on in the steel of that ship and in all those who will serve aboard her,” said Mabus. The late congressman’s involvement in the civil rights movement started while he was still a young man, when he organized sit-in demonstrations at segregated lunch counters in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1961, he participated in the “Freedom Rides,” challenging segregation at interstate bus terminals across the South. In 1963, Lewis was named chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee where he was responsible for organizing student activism challenging segregation. Congressman Lewis was also a keynote speaker at the historic March on Washington in 1963. He nearly lost his life more than 50 years ago on “Bloody Sunday” (March 7, 1965) when he was beaten by police on the Edmund Pettus Bridge while attempting to lead more than 600 peaceful voting rights protestors in Selma, Alabama. SIU Jobs Stay Secure Aboard Empire State Seafarers will continue sailing aboard the Jones Act-qualified tanker Empire State following a recent contract award by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The agency in late July announced that American Petroleum Tankers has secured a new agreement consisting of “one 12-month firm period, three one-year options and one 11-month option period…. Work will be performed worldwide, and is expected to be completed by July 2025.” SIU members have been part of the Empire State crew since the ship began sailing in summer 2010. It’s a union-built vessel, constructed at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego. The ship, which transports petroleum products for the Department of Defense, is 600 feet long, has a beam of 105 feet and can sail at 14.5 knots. 4 Seafarers LOG File photo of SIU-crewed Empire State September 2020 �Comprehensive Jones Act Study Finds No Effect on Cost of Living in Hawaii Report Also Reveals Ocean Freight Rates Declined Since 2008 Economists from Boston-based Reeve & Associates (Reeve) and Hawaii-based TZ Economics have released a joint report, “The Impact of the Jones Act on Hawaii,” that concluded the Jones Act has no significant impact on the cost of living in Hawaii. In addition, the report found that freight rates in the U.S. Mainland-Hawaii trade lane have declined in real terms over the last 10 years, while the Jones Act has delivered positive and substantial economic contributions, including job creation, new infrastructure investments, and a reliable pipeline for critical consumer and industrial goods moving to and from the Islands. In this comprehensive report, the authors analyzed the economic impact of the Jones Act – a critical economic and national security law that ensures goods transported from U.S. point to U.S. point be carried on vessels that are American crewed, built, and owned – and conducted a thorough market-based study to consider the impact of the law to the cost of goods. Moreover, the report analyzed the impact on consumers by evaluating the competitiveness of freight rates in the United States/Hawaii market, the quality of service provided by the Jones Act carriers, and the impact of the carriers’ freight rates, relative to the prices of goods shipped between the U.S. Mainland and Hawaii. “There has been a lot of contention regarding whether the Jones Act negatively affects Hawaii’s cost of living,” said John Reeve, the principal in Reeve & Associates and the lead economist on the study. “The findings of our study indicate that the Jones Act has no appreciable impact on Hawaii’s cost of living, and that Jones Act carriers provide immense benefits to consumers and business owners, while delivering reliable, high frequency and fast transit services at healthy and competitive rates.” “Our findings based on various indicators show that higher living costs – partly the premium assigned to the desirabil- ity of living in Hawaii – reflect housing costs, not the cost of consumer products relative to the U.S. Mainland,” said Paul Brewbaker, the principal of TZ Economics. “The findings of this exhaustive study regarding the economic impact of Jones Act-related transportation costs in Hawaii are clear – the Jones Act does not drive up the cost of living in Hawaii. American shipping companies operating under the Jones Act provide an efficient and reliable pipeline for consumer and industrial goods moving to and from the Islands,” said Mike Roberts, president of the American Maritime Partnership (to which the SIU is affiliated). “Waiving the Jones Act would replace American mariners and ships with foreign ships and mariners, threaten Hawaii’s supply chain, and degrade Hawaii’s and our nation’s security – yet produce no cost of living benefit to Hawaii residents.” This report is a follow-on in a series of studies being conducted by Reeve and Associates and its partners analyzing the comparative cost of goods in non-contiguous territories of the United States and the U.S. Mainland, and the impact, if any, of the Jones Act. In summary, the findings include: The Jones Act does not impact the cost of living in Hawaii. n A study of 200 consumer goods purchased from major retailers such as Costco, Home Depot, Target and Walmart found no significant difference in the price. Some 142 out of 200 items (71%) were precisely the same in stores in Hawaii as they were in California. In some cases, retail prices of goods were cheaper in Hawaii. The study found that while Hawaii does have a high cost of living, that cost is primarily driven by housing expenses and other factors, not the type of consumer goods carried to Hawaii by Jones Act carriers. Over a 10-year period, Jones Act carriers’ ‘Any Attack on Jones Act Is An Attack on The People of Hawaii’ SIU President Michael Sacco was among those forcefully speaking in favor of the Jones Act following recent attempts to undermine the crucial law. “At their core, there is nothing new about recent, erroneous attacks against America’s freight cabotage law, commonly known as the Jones Act,” Sacco stated in a web post on Aug. 6. “This century-old law has endured because it always has been – and still remains today – vital to United States national, economic and homeland security. “Jones Act opponents typically resort to the same old, worn-out, losing playbook when they go after this critical maritime law,” he continued. “That’s been the case again lately, first with the posting of an easily and quickly debunked study about the law’s alleged impact on Hawaii, and then with attempts to chip away at components of the Jones Act.” The union president said that from his view, “any attack on the Jones Act is a direct attack on the people of Hawaii and on the U.S. as a whole. This September 2020 law helps support more than 653,000 American jobs while protecting the security of our rivers and waterways…. There are many good reasons why 91 countries around the world maintain some form of cabotage law. There are many good reasons why the Jones Act has been American policy for a century. There are many good reasons why the Jones Act consistently enjoys strong bipartisan support from Congress and the White House and solid backing from our top military leaders.” Sacco concluded, “Without the Jones Act, the American-flag merchant fleet would be wiped out, as would the pool of U.S. citizen mariners who crew our commercial and military-support vessels. In turn, our country would face monumental security risks as foreignflag vessels and boats and foreign crews had free reign on our rivers, waterways and coastlines. The Jones Act was exceptionally sound policy when it was enacted in June 1920. Today, it’s arguably more important than ever, and I’m proud to support it.” rates have declined in real terms for essential ocean shipping. n The study shows that freight rates in the Mainland-Hawaii trade have declined in real terms when considering the cost of inflation, while benchmarks such as overall U.S. inflation and intercity truckload prices have increased substantially (28%). This freight rate decline is despite a 50% increase in wharfage charges for port/terminal improvements. The large majority of the expenses of moving cargo between the U.S. Mainland and Hawaii are completely unaffected by the Jones Act. If foreign-flag carriers were allowed to operate in the domestic trades, the costs of any foreign-flag vessel would rise substantially due to required compliance with other U.S. laws, including tax and labor laws. n The study found that only a third of the total costs of a Jones Act carrier moving freight between the Mainland and Hawaii are affected by the Jones Act (crew and vessel capital costs). If the Jones Act was to be waived for Hawaii, the costs of any foreign-flag vessel operated in that U.S. domestic trade would rise substantially as it would have to comply with U.S. tax, labor, and employee protection laws apart from the Jones Act that would virtually negate any cost advantage provided by foreign registry. Jones Act carriers are dedicated to Hawaii’s specific needs for high frequency and fast transit to deliver consumer goods to the Hawaiian Islands. Eliminating the Jones Act could undermine priority, frequency, and speed. n Three U.S.-flagged carriers with a fleet of 20 combined vessels, specifically designed to accommodate the needs of Hawaii transportation commerce, currently provide regular scheduled shipping services between the U.S. Mainland and Hawaii. Due to intense and healthy competition, freight rates have declined in real terms while carriers have increased capacity with modern, custom-designed vessels. Jones Act carriers have introduced five new U.S. vessels, as well as three more on the way in the fourth quarter of 2020. According to the study, with these most recent additions, there is more than ample capacity to meet the needs of Hawaii families and businesses. In fact, Jones Act carriers have increased capacity by 22% since 2015 with the addition of new vessels. The level of available capacity in the market naturally drives healthy price competition. American shipping companies are invested in Hawaii, providing more than $2 billion in transportation technology customized for the Hawaii market, such as new ships, terminals, and equipment. n These new vessels are highly fuelefficient, environmentally friendly and contribute to reduced sulfur emissions. Hawaii residents also benefit from improvements to terminals, including the addition of new infrastructure such as gantry cranes. Jones Act carriers play a critical role in support of U.S. national security, while meeting the needs of military personnel and their families who comprise nearly 10% of Hawaii’s population. n Jones Act carriers provide a reserve force of well-trained seafarers who in times of national emergency can crew reserve sealift vessels, while ensuring the U.S. does not need to rely on foreign carriers to move people and military assets. Around 9.6% of Hawaii’s population is U.S. military personnel and their families. Jones Act carriers ship a high proportion of personal effects (vehicles and household goods) that are needed for those families. The Jones Act industry supports 13,000 jobs for Hawaii families. n The Jones Act delivers $787 million in annual workforce income and $3.3 billion economic impact to the local economy. Port Council Strongly Defends Vital American Maritime Law The Maritime Trades Department (MTD) recently helped set the record straight concerning a vital maritime law. A constitutional department of the AFL-CIO, the MTD on Aug. 6 posted a statement saying it “joins with the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council (PMC) to counter the misleading report issued by U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) dismissing the value and benefits of the Jones Act to the citizens and businesses of the Aloha State. “This is just another attempt to mislead and misinform the people of our state on the importance of the Jones Act,” stated PMC President Randy Swindell. “This was yet another rehashing of mistruths whose only purpose is to confuse.” “We know what the Jones Act means – good jobs as well as economic and national security for Hawaii and the United States,” added PMC Executive Secretary-Treasurer Hazel Galbiso, who is the SIU port agent in Honolulu. The report, released in July, attempted to explain why Hawaii would be better off being served by foreign- crewed, foreign-owned commercial vessels rather than the dedicated fleet of 20 U.S-flagged, U.S.-owned, U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed ships that provide regularly scheduled service to the islands. The Jones Act is America’s cabotage law, which means cargo moved from one U.S. port to another U.S. port must be carried aboard ships that follow the nation’s labor and safety standards. The Jones Act celebrated its 100th anniversary in June. It constantly comes under attack from foreign-flag interests hiding behind the sails of “economic savings” while ignoring what eliminating the law would cost American workers and interests. “The Jones Act provides job creation and economic opportunities for the people of Hawaii,” stated MTD President Michael Sacco, who also is president of the SIU. “In these stressful and trying times, why would anyone want to eliminate good-paying American jobs?” The Jones Act is responsible for approximately 13,000 jobs in Hawaii, providing $787 million in annual workforce income and a $3.3 billion economic impact. Seafarers LOG 5 �Credentials Approved for Candidates to 25 Union Offices REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMIT TEE ON CANDIDATES FOR 2020 ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR TERM 2021-2024 SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA-ATL ANTIC, GULF, L AKES AND INL AND WATERS We, the undersigned members of the Credentials Committee, were duly elected at a Special Meeting held at HeadquartersPort of Piney Point on August 14, 2020. We have examined the credentials of candidates for elective office or job in the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters for the years 2021-2024, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1, and submit the following report. Your Committee qualified or disqualified those members who submitted for office based upon the Union Constitution, particularly those provisions contained in Articles XII and XIII. The applicable constitutional provisions are as follows: ARTICLE XII Qualifications for Of ficers, Assistant VicePresidents, Port Agents, and Other Elective Jobs Section 1. Any member of the Union is eligible to be a candidate for, and hold, any office or the job of Assistant Vice-President, or Port Agent provided: (a) He has at least three (3) years of seatime in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels. In computing time, time spent in the employ of the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union’s direction, shall count the same as seatime. Union records, Welfare Plan records and/or company records can be used to determine eligibility; and (b) He has been a full book member in continuous good standing in the Union for at least three (3) years immediately prior to his nomination; and (c) He has at least one hundred (100) days of seatime, in an unlicensed capacity, aboard an American-flag vessel or vessels covered by contract with this Union or one hundred (100) days of employment with, or in any office or job of, the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union’s direction or a combination of these, between January 1 and the time of nomination in the election year, except if such seatime is wholly aboard such merchant vessels operating solely upon the Great Lakes or, if such seatime is wholly aboard tugboats, towboats or dredges and contractual employment thereon is for fixed days with equal amount of days off, he shall have at least sixty-five (65) days of such seatime instead of the foregoing one hundred (100) days; and (d) He is a citizen of the United States of America; and (e) He is not disqualified by law. He is not receiving a pension from this Union’s Pension Fund, if any, or from a UnionManagement Fund, to which Fund this Union is a party or from a company under contract with this Union; unless such individual commenced receiving a pension benefit from any such fund by virtue of having reached the age of 70½. (f) He has not sailed in a licensed capacity aboard an American flag merchant vessel or vessels within twenty-four (24) consecutive months immediately prior to the opening of nominations. Section 2. All candidates for, and holders of, other elective jobs not specified in the preceding sections shall be full book members of the Union. Section 3. All candidates for, and holders of, elective offices and jobs, whether elected or appointed in accordance with this Constitution, shall maintain full book memberships in good standing. ARTICLE XIII Election for Of ficers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, and Port Agents Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Section 2(b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, or Port Agent, by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or sending a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the SecretaryTreasurer at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. 6 Seafarers LOG (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the position sought is that of Port Agent. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: I HEREBY CERTIFY that during the past thirteen (13) years I have not been convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from a conviction for robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit such crimes. In addition, I certify that I support the Constitution of the United States of America, its institutions and form of government.” Dated Signature of Member Book No._________ Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Any full book member may nominate any other full book member in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of this Article as they are set forth herein relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self nomination provision the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office shall be that of the nominator. All documents required herein must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter’s request. In order to ascertain the meaning of the term “member in good standing” which is used in Article XII, Subsection 1(b), the Committee referred to Article XXIV, Section 9 of our Constitution which reads as follows: Section 9. The term “member in good standing” shall mean a member whose monetary obligations to the Union are not in arrears for thirty (30) days or more, or who is not under suspension or expulsion effective in accordance with this Constitution. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the term “member” shall mean a member in good standing. Your Committee sought guidance from the Union’s General Counsel through the Secretary-Treasurer as to whether this section would apply to a member who is unable to pay dues because of employment aboard an American flag merchant vessel as stated in Article III, Section 3(e). Your Committee was advised that, in keeping with past practice and constitutional interpretation, the same thirty (30) day grace period should be applied in these situations. Accordingly, when a member who is working on foreign articles leaves the vessel, the dues for the applicable quarter must be paid within thirty (30) days from the date of discharge in order to maintain good standing. Your committee was also advised that the Union’s executive board, due to the existence of the COVID 19 pandemic which made it difficult earlier this year for some people to secure employment and for others to end employment aboard a vessel due to limited crew change options, eased this requirement somewhat to allow members who were otherwise eligible to run for office to be able to maintain their continuous good standing. Your committee noted that all relevant information concerning this executive board action was widely disseminated to the membership and your committee fully approves of their actions. Your Committee also referred to Article XXIV, Section 13 for the definition of the term “seatime”. This section reads as follows: Section 13. The term “seatime” shall include employment upon any navigable waters, 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. We also noted in Article XXIV, Section 14, the meaning of the term “in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels.” This portion of the Constitution reads as follows: Section 14. The term “in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels” shall include persons employed in an unlicensed or licensed capacity aboard dredges, tugboats, towboats and similar vessels used to tow, propel, or push barges or other conveyances or assist merchant vessels in docking or undocking, or persons otherwise employed in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union. After full and careful deliberations, the Committee made its decisions and sent appropriate notification to candidates. The ultimate decisions of this Committee are later set forth. In arriving at these ultimate decisions, the Committee was most concerned with carrying out a stated principle of our Union which is that “every qualified member shall have the right to nominate himself for, and, if elected or appointed, to hold office in this Union.” In connection with the foregoing, we have also consulted with the SecretaryTreasurer who, under our Constitution, has the obligation to ensure appropriate election procedures as legally required (Article XIII, Section 7). Our Secretary-Treasurer has further consulted with the Union’s Counsel as to the law applicable in Union nominations and elections. The following is a complete listing of all members who submitted their credentials to the Committee. Their names and the office or job for which they submitted such credentials are listed in the order in which this Committee feels they should be placed on the general ballot, that is, in alphabetical order under the office or job for which they run, and that the Ports, following the Headquarters offices, beginning with Piney Point, be arranged on the ballot geographically, as has been done in the past. After each member’s name and book number is his/her qualification or disqualification, followed by the reason for that decision. CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT Patrick A. Vandegrift, V-488 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATL ANTIC COAST Nicholas A. Celona, C-1578 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Kris A. Hopkins, H-1658 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST Bryan D. Powell, P-1987 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT L AKES AND INL AND WATERS Michael Russo, R-5772 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERV ICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES Joe Vincenzo, V-518 Qualified Credentials in order PINEY POINT PORT AGENT Mark von Siegel, V-612 Qualified Credentials in order NEW JERSEY PORT AGENT Raymond Henderson, H-1907 Qualified Credentials in order PHIL ADELPHIA PORT AGENT Joseph T. Baselice, B-2795 Qualified Credentials in order BALTIMORE PORT AGENT John Paul Hoskins, H-1630 Qualified Credentials in order MOBILE PORT AGENT Jimmy White, W-1600 Qualified Credentials in order NEW ORLEANS PORT AGENT Chris Westbrook, W-5787 Qualified Credentials in order HOUSTON PORT AGENT Joe Zavala, Z-5049 Qualified Credentials in order OAKL AND PORT AGENT Nicholas J. Marrone II, M-3537 Qualified Credentials in order PRESIDENT Michael J. Sacco, S-1288 Qualified Credentials in order ST. LOUIS PORT AGENT Chad Partridge, P-2057 Qualified Credentials in order EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Michael D. Murphy, M-2483 Qualified Credentials in order Lisa Sottile, S-2948 Qualified Credentials in order Augustin “Augie” Tellez, T-764 Qualified Credentials in order DETROIT-ALGONAC PORT AGENT Todd R. Brdak, B-2684 Qualified Credentials in order SECRETARY-TREASURER David W. Heindel, H-1443 Qualified Credentials in order Your committee also reviewed the credentials that were submitted by the following two individuals. V ICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT George Tricker, T-919 Qualified Credentials in order Gilbert Tito Allende Jr, A-1678 nominated himself for Port Agent of Puerto Rico, and V ICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATL ANTIC COAST Joseph T. Soresi, S-2658 Qualified Credentials in order V ICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Dean E. Corgey, C-5727 Qualified Credentials in order V ICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST Nicholas J. Marrone, M-2308 Qualified Credentials in order V ICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT L AKES AND_INL AND WATERS Thomas Orzechowski, Jr, O-601 Qualified Credentials in order V ICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOV ERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES Kathleen A. Hunt, H-15000 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT V ICE-PRESIDENT IN David Stephens, S-3414 nominated himself for Port Agent of Jacksonville. Your committee, based on that fact that neither of these positions are constitutional positions for which a person can run for office, disqualified both of these individuals and did not feel the need to review any additional information concerning their eligibility. The Committee points out that in the President’s Pre-Balloting Report which published in the May SEAFARERS LOG and posted to the Seafarers website, the exact offices and jobs for which nominations were to be made was set forth. Your committee understood that, in prior election years, this report would have been presented to the membership at a regular membership meeting, but, again, due to the current COVID 19 pandemic, some membership meetings had to be cancelled to protect everyone’s health and safety. Your committee believes that all the relevant information was communicated extensively. In compliance with Article XIII, Section 2(b) of our Constitution, and in an attempt Continued on Page 8 September 2020 �SHBP Awards $132,000 in Scholarships The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s 2020 Scholarship Committee on Aug. 10 bestowed scholarships totaling $132,000 upon nine individuals – in the process helping to chart their respective courses toward higher education degrees. Two active Seafarers and seven dependents were selected by the committee to receive funds to offset costs associated with pursuing degrees at accredited two- and four-year colleges. Tapped for the active Seafarer awards ($6,000 each) were QE3 Raibonne Charles and Chief Cook Craig Wooten. These mariners will pursue two-year degrees. Receiving four-year scholarships totaling $20,000 each were dependents: Collins Agyeman, Pearl Dingzon, Iman Meawad, Alexis Skipper and Angelica Barroga. Claiming $10,000 awards to pursue two-year courses of study were Matthew Ortiz and Marissa Peterson. Raibonne Charles Inland QE3 Raibonne Charles hails from Portland, Maine. He signed on with the union in 2016 and was a member of Paul Hall Center Class 809. A 2007 graduate of Windham High School in Windham, Maine, Charles was a well-rounded student. In addition to serving as president of his class, he was a member of the student council. In the athletic arena, he demonstrated versatility by participating in football, basketball and track and field. Charles was a church youth leader and volunteered numerous hours working in an area soup kitchen. He also assisted residents of a Maine veterans home where he was involved in impact mentoring. Following high school, Charles accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Maine. He earned his degree in forestry while again making his mark on the gridiron as a standout defensive lineman. Charles’ accomplishments on the field did not go unnoticed, and not long after graduation, he was offered a contract to play professional football in the Arena Football League. He played three seasons as a linebacker with the Richmond (Virginia) Raiders. “In April 2015, I walked away from the game of football forever,” he said in his scholarship application package. “I knew I needed a career that provided stability and would give me the ability to provide.” At that juncture, Charles began revisiting interests from childhood. “As a young boy, the maritime industry was my first interest,” he said. “I have many fond memories of sitting on my veranda in Grenada and standing in the Portland harbor watching ships come in and out. Often, I was left wondering where did these ships come from and where will they go….” Charles said his interest in shipping probably was the result of his childhood environment. “Both of my childhood homes were heavily reliant on the maritime industry,” he shared in his application package. “The most influential person in my life was a seafarer…. The first seafarer I knew was my father.” No surprise then, that Charles chose maritime as his career going forward following his days in the Arena Football League. “After some further research, I realized that this (maritime industry) is what I wanted to do. In January of 2016, I boarded a plane to Baltimore (en route to Piney Point) and my life was never the same,” he said. While in the apprentice program, Charles says he not only learned about seamanship, but many other things as well. “I learned how important it is to have properly trained seamen sailing under the American Flag…. The American Maritime Industry is not only good for America, it’s good for the world.” He will use his scholarship to pursue courses which will help pave his way toward obtaining his third assistant engineer’s license. He has applied for admission to the Maritime Professional Training school in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and the Mid Atlantic September 2020 Maritime Academy in Norfolk, Virginia. Chief Cook Craig Wooten Deep Sea Chief Cook Craig Wooten joined the union in 2016 after completing the apprentice program in Piney Point. A Georgia native, he is a 2010 graduate of Valdosta, Georgia’s Lowndes High School. Since his days as an apprentice, Wooten has returned to the Southern Maryland-based Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions to enhance his skills. Most recently, in 2019 he attended the school for firefighting and STCW training. “This year, I reach the ripe age of 28 and I wonder if I’m reaching my full potential,” Wooten shared in his scholarship application package. “Discovering the union (SIU) has propelled my life in such a dramatic way, but I still hunger for progression.” Advancement, including financial, educational, spiritual and physical, are all areas in his life that he is extremely passionate about, he added. “Before I joined the SIU, I was a broke college dropout searching for a way out.” In this stage of his life, he is looking to change that narrative and “leave a legacy worth remembering. To not only be a successful steward, but also a college grad.” His ultimate goal is to complement his work skills with higher education in order to become a successful businessman. “Studying some form of business is my biggest interest,” he said. “I want to be the CEO of a successful company one day.” Wooten already has completed 60 credits toward his degree at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Georgia. He hopes to realize his dream by completing the requirements for his bachelor’s degree in the very near future. He has applied for admission to the University of Miami, Hebron Technical Institute and Florida Barber Academy. He plans to focus his efforts in business and/or barbering. Collins Agyeman Collings Agyeman is the son of Deep Sea AB Collins Agyeman (and mother Esther, a care provider) who sails aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning-operated Pennsylvania. He has one sibling. Agyeman hails from Texas and is a 2020 graduate of YES Prep Boys School in Houston. During his high school tenure, he posted an overall 4.05 GPA and was involved in a host of athletic and non-athletic student activities. In the athletic arena, he was a member of the track and field as well as cross country teams. His non-athletic pursuits included the school debate team, academic decathlon team, Cavaliers for Christ and the YES Black Brotherhood. Agyeman served as lead drummer at Love in Christ Church and held leadership positions in several high school organizations, including president of this senior class. He regularly volunteered his time at Houston’s Westchase Health and Rehabilitation Center where he assisted the elderly and mentally impaired. Agyeman worked as a policy analyst, field intern and high school ambassador for the Raj Salhotra Campaign for the Houston City Council At Large. Finally, he was a teaching fellow for Breakthrough Houston. In this position, he taught rising high school juniors and sophomores effective strategies to improve scores on SAT tests. He has applied for admission to Vanderbilt University, Rice University and Emory University. Agyeman will pursue a degree in Political Science. Pearl Dingzon Pearl Dingzon is the daughter of Deep Sea ABG Julian Dingzon (and mother Nelia, a homemaker), who sails aboard the Decisive. She has five siblings. A 2020 graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, she posted an overall 4.61 GPA. Dingzon was a member of her school’s badminton squad and was active in a number of non-athletic activities. Included were the German Club, Gardening Club and the MERIT Health Leadership Academy. She was also the CEO, Youth Leadership Advisory Council. She has applied for admission to John Hopkins University, University of Maryland College Park, and Stevenson University. Dingzon plans to major in pre-med and psychology. Iman Meawad Iman Meawad is the daughter of Inland GUDE Kamal Meawad (and mother Howaida, a homemaker), who sails with WATCO. She has three siblings. Meawad hails from Staten Island, New York, and is a 2020 graduate of Susan E. Wagner High School. She ranked 107 in her class which numbered 768 students and posted a 4.68 overall GPA. She participated in her school’s Helping Hands and SAT Clubs. Additionally, Meawad served as a peer trainer and youth action member of New York City’s Citizens Committee for Children. After graduating from college as a registered nurse, she plans on becoming a nurse practitioner. Once she has realized that goal, she hopes to continue her education in nursing, ultimately specializing in mental health. Meawad has applied for admission to New York University, Hunter College and the College of Staten Island. Alexis Skipper Alexis Skipper is a 2020 graduate of St. Augustine High School and hails from St. Augustine, Florida. She’s the daughter of Inland Ordinary Seaman Norman Skipper Jr. (and mother Helen, a self-employed travel agent) who works with Crowley Towing and Transportation. She has four siblings. Skipper posted a 3.57 overall GPA at St. Augustine High and was a member of the tennis team. She also was a member of the National Honor Society and an all-star cheerleader. Additionally, she was a member of the school chorus and participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Happening and New Beginnings retreats. Highly involved in church and civic activities, Skipper held office as head of music, youth delegate, communications director and junior weekend advisor. She was also a counselor and leader in her community’s Vacation Bible School. Skipper plans to pursue a career in nursing. She has applied for admission to Florida State University, the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. Angelica Barroga Angelica Barroga is the daughter of Deep Sea Chief Cook Domingo Barroga Jr. (and mother, Adelia, a drug store shift supervisor), who sails aboard Maersk Line, Limited’s Maersk Denver. She has two siblings. A 2020 graduate of Moanalua High School in Honolulu, Barroga accumulated an overall 3.83 GPA. She ranked 85th in her class which boasted 504 students. She participated in her school’s Judo, Leo and Science Clubs and was a member of the marching band color guard. Barroga also took part in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Academic Bowl. She was treasurer of her freshman class and Flight Leader of her school’s JROTC Golf Flight Element. An active participant in affairs that directly affected her community, she devoted countless hours volunteering. Included were such undertakings as Feed the Homeless, the Salvation Army Thanksgiving Lunch and Toys for Tots. Barroga was a frequent helper at elementary school fun fairs and music festivals. She has applied for admission to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Grand Canyon University and Chaminade University. Barroga plans to study the health science and ultimately realize a career in nursing. Matthew Ortiz Matthew Ortiz hails from Saint Johns, Florida. He is the son of Inland DEU Ruben Ortiz (and mother, Miriam, a school clerk), who works aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing. He has two sisters. A 2019 graduate of Creekside High School, Ortiz ranked 78th in his class which numbered 569 students. He posted a 4.31 overall GPA. Ortiz participated in cross country and track and field and was active in a host of non-athletic activities and societies including the National Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma, Rho Kappa and the Catholic Student Union Economics Club. Ortiz dedicated many volunteer hours at the Dreams Come True Club, the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Engineering Academy-St. Johns Housing Partner. He is enrolled at Florida State University where he already has completed 15 credits towards his bachelor’s degree. Ortiz is studying political science and economics. Ultimately, he hopes attend law school. Marissa Peterson Marissa Peterson is from Pooler, Georgia. She is the daughter of Inland Deckhand James Peterson Jr. (and mother, Michelle, a homemaker), who sails with Crescent Towing. A 2014 graduate of Windsor Forest High School, Peterson achieved a 4.0 overall GPA. She participated in her school’s concert and marching bands and was a member of both the Spanish Honor Society and National Honor Society. Peterson was extremely active in her community, volunteering her time at a host of organizations. She attended the College of Coastal Georgia from 2015-2017, along the way earning 41 credits. Over the past five years, Peterson has been self-employed as a child care provider for multiple organizations. She is a childbirth education doula, birth and bereavement doula and postpartum doula Peterson currently attends Georgia Southern University and has already earned 67 credits towards her degree. She is majoring in nursing. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to continue her education, ultimately earning her master’s degree in nursing-midwifery. Seafarers LOG 7 �Committee Certifies Candidates’ Election Credentials Continued from Page 6 to give every nominee every consideration and to try to prevent any disqualifications by this Committee, William Lima, of the Credentials Committee, remained at the entrance of the Headquarters building of the Union until midnight of Saturday, August 15, 2020, to receive any credentials that might have been delivered by hand after the closing of business hours by the Union. All credentials received as of August 15, 2020 have been furnished to the Committee in good order. All credentials have been examined in strict accordance with the Constitution. Any defect in the credentials disposed of by the Committee has been the sole responsibility of the sender and no person adversely affected by such defect has denied this to the Committee. Dated: August 17, 2020 Timothy Pillsworth, P-1872 Chairman Earl Castain, C-1931 William Lima, L-15003 Donald Lumpkins, L-1414 Executive Board Aims to Boost Access To Absentee Ballots for SIU Election During the September membership meetings, Seafarers will be presented with actions by the union’s executive board aimed at facilitating access to absentee ballots for this year’s SIU election. The board approved these modifications in light of the global COVID19 pandemic. The SIU Constitution provides that eligible members can vote by absentee ballot if they are on a vessel or in a hospital during the voting period. For this election, the board proposes that anyone desiring to vote by absentee ballot be allowed to do so. While the constitution specifies that absentee-ballot requests should be made by registered or certified mail, for this election, the board proposes that such requests may be sent by regular mail (which wouldn’t require mem- bers to leave their homes to go to a post office). If, however, any member sends a request for an absentee ballot by regular mail, that member is asked to wait five or more days to allow the request to be delivered, and then call the office of SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel to verify the request has been received. Additionally, the constitution specifies that absentee ballot requests must be received at headquarters by 12 p.m. on Nov. 10 of the election year. Again because of the pandemic, and in an effort to enable full participation in this election, the board has proposed extending this deadline to 12 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2020 (meaning all absentee ballot requests would need to be received at headquarters by this new deadline date). The next item that the board has acted Karl Mayhew, M-15018 Luis Santiago Sotero, S-3456 Supplement to report: After the completion of our work and the signing of our report, your committee was asked to reconvene via conference call on August 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. We were advised that another credential was received at headquarters on August 17, 2020. The credential was submitted by Lisa Sottile to nominate herself for the position of Port Agent of St. Louis. Article XIII of the Constitution provides that all credentials must upon involves in-person voting hours. The constitution provides that voting at the hiring halls shall take place between 9 a.m. and noon, Mondays through Saturdays during the voting period. For this election, due to social distancing restrictions and limits on the number of people who can be present at a hiring hall any one time, the board proposes extending the in-person voting hours until 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. This would allow members to come in and vote between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The last issue undertaken by the SIU Executive Board pertaining to this election was a proposal to allow ballots to be brought by a union representative to a vessel that is in a U.S. port and that is within a 50-mile radius of a hiring hall or to other locations within the same radius where a ship’s crew might be congregating. If a vessel is beyond the 50mile radius, reasonable efforts will be made to try to deliver ballots; but, this would depend arrive at headquarters no later than August 15 of the election year. Notwithstanding that, your committee was provided with evidence indicating that Lisa Sottile’s credential arrived at the local post office on August 14 via overnight service; however, it was not delivered to the headquarters building until August 17. Your committee believes that sister Sottile should not be penalized by the delivery delay. Your committee, after reviewing her credentials has determined that she is qualified to run for the office of Port Agent of St. Louis, Missouri. on the actual distance and the availability of union representatives. (Also, if a vessel is one that the port routinely services and is beyond the 50-mile radius, ballots can be brought to that vessel during the routine servicing.) Due to restriction-to-ship issues, the board understood that it might be difficult for members desiring to vote in person to leave a vessel and come to a hiring hall. This proposed solution would help that situation. When ballots are brought to a vessel, members will have the opportunity to vote and arrangements will be made for them to do so in a secret fashion. All of these actions were carried out to help counter the effects of this pandemic and to try to ensure full membership participation in the SIU election. Again, they will be presented to the membership during the September meetings. Step-by-step instructions for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot will be posted on the SIU website and published in next month’s LOG. Spotlight on Mariner Health 2020 Flu Season Signals Start Of Critical Period for Everyone Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. The 2020-2021 Flu Season is rapidly approaching and now is the time for everyone to begin formulating strategies to mitigate the condition as much as possible. Specifically, everyone 6 months and older (or those caring for them) should begin planning on getting vaccinated in order to reduce the overall burden of respiratory illness, protect vulnerable populations, and decrease burden on the healthcare system. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), between 39 million and 56 million people were sickened with the flu during last year’s flu season, which ran from Oct. 1, 2019 to April 4, 2020. This resulted in between 18-26 million medical visits and 410,000 to 740,000 hospitalizations. The CDC estimated that there were at least 24,00062,000 deaths related to the flu during the 20192020 season. While anyone can get sick from the flu, some individuals are at higher risk than others. Included in this category are people 65 or older, those who have chronic medical issues/conditions, the very young, and pregnant women. The signs and symptoms for flu usually arrive suddenly. Some of the symptoms that an individual who has contracted the illness may exhibit include: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, tiredness. Some may also may have diarrhea or vomiting. Most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks. Some, however, may develop complications such as pneumonia, severe sinus and ear infections, heart problems, encephalitis of the brain, and sepsis. Everyone should be aware that there are many different types of flu viruses and that they are constantly changing. For this reason, the composition of the flu vaccines for the U.S. is reviewed annually and updated as needed in order to match the flu viruses that are circulating. Flu vaccines protect against the three or four 8 Seafarers LOG viruses that researchers decide will be most common for that particular year. This illustrates the importance of everyone getting their annual flu shots. Simply put, these injections are a last line of defense when it comes to combating the complications caused by the flu virus. In this vein, September and October would be a good time to get the flu vaccine. Doing so during this period will give individuals protection through the winter months when the flu is most active. It is vitally important for essential workers, and persons at increased risk for severe illness, to get the flu shot yearly. For many Seafarers, flu shots are mandatory, both aboard military vessels and many commercial ships. Everyone should be aware that COVID-19 cases continue to increase throughout the country. With the seasonal flu season just around the corner, both illnesses could run rampant simultaneously. Such a situation undoubtedly could pose real challenges for the general public, essential workers and health officials. However, systems are in place to protect the population from COVID. Wearing face masks, practicing good hygiene and social distancing, avoiding group gatherings and other indoor activities, working from home, and virtual learning for schoolchildren are some of the measures which thus far have yielded favorable results. The presence of the COVID-19 Pandemic means that it’s more important than ever for everyone to get flu shots this year. The flu weakens individuals’ bodies to the point that they become more susceptible to the coronavirus, thus putting them at added risks. It should also be pointed out that it is possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Such a scenario obviously decreases one’s chance of survival and should be avoided at all costs. The other point to remember is that there is still no vaccine available for COVID-19, so prevention of its spread currently is our only line of defense against it. Everyone is advised to stay as healthy as possible and get all immunizations as required, especially the yearly flu shot. Healthy Recipe Grilled Pineapple Chimichurri Chicken Servings 24 3 whole red bell peppers, halved and seeded 12 slices fresh pineapple, ½” thick sliced 4 cups cilantro leaves, whole 4 cups parsley sprigs ½ cup lime juice 1 ½ cups canola oil 1 ½ cups teriyaki sauce ½ cup fresh ginger root, minced 9 pounds chicken breast, 6 oz each ¾ cup green onion, chopped 1 ½ cups macadamia nuts Preparation Place pepper and pineapple on an oiled grill rack over medium heat; grill, covered, until lightly browned, 3-4 minutes per side. For chimichurri, place cilantro, parsley and lime juice in a food processor; pulse until herbs are finely chopped. Continue processing while slowly adding oil. Chop grilled pepper and pineapple; stir into herb mixture. Mix teriyaki sauce and ginger. Place chicken on an oiled grill rack over medium heat; grill, covered, until a thermometer reads 165 degrees F, 5-7 minutes per side. Brush with some of the teriyaki mixture during the last 4 minutes. Brush chicken with remaining teriyaki mixture before serving. If desired, serve with couscous. Top with chimichurri green onions and macadamia nuts. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 551 calories; 33g fat (53.2% calories from fat); 31g protein; 35g carbohydrate; 4g dietary fiber; 87 mg cholesterol; 781 md sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 4 lean meat; 1 vegetable; 2 fruit; 4 fat. Editor’s note: The foregoing recipe was provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship. September 2020 �Mariners Answered Call During WWII Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from July 16-August 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of August 15. Continued from Page 20 Superhuman Sacrifice It would have been exhausting work even for a man who had not already spent the entire night in the water, much less for this seaman who had consumed so much of his strength so that others of the crew could live till rescue arrived. When a line was finally thrown to Alm himself, he was almost too exhausted to secure it around his own waist. It seemed like hours before he could summon up sufficient strength to secure the knot and wave for them to haul him aboard. All this time Captain Brown kept his ship within a few feet of the castaways, but Alm was too weak now to help himself and when the Bury edged closer to try and swing him aboard, he was hit several times by the side of the ship. Once, he went down, choking with water, but the sea could not claim such a man as this and they fished him finally onto the deck, bruised, bleeding and covered with oil – exhausted to the point of semi-consciousness, but still very much alive. After they gave him a shot of brandy he passed out “like a light.” Gustave Alm was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal of the merchant marine. Wrote the Bury’s Captain Brown to the United States Maritime Commission: “I feel honored to have played a part in the rescue of a man with such spirit. He is a true American.” Total Registered Port All Groups A B Total Shipped C All Groups A B Registered on Beach C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C To MacArthur on Bataan It was at Brisbane, Australia, in January of 1942 that several Army officers came board the SS Coast Farmer and informed Captain John A. Mattson that his ship was to be loaded immediately with a “very important” cargo of war supplies, and that he and his crew were to hurry them north with the utmost speed. Notice to SIU Pensioners Eligible For Health Benefits from SHBP A new Summary Plan Description (SPD) is available at http:// www.seafarers.org. This document describes your health benefits as a pensioner, and replaces the previous version, which was issued in 2015. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) will send a printed version to all pensioners eligible for health benefits from the SHBP in the near future. To access the online version, look under the “About” menu, then go to “Benefit Plans” and then to “Health and Benefits Plan.” The PDF document is linked in the upper-right part of the page. September & October Membership Meetings Those attending membership meetings are reminded to bring face coverings. Safety protocols are in place at the halls and will remain in effect during the meetings. Seafarers are urged to check the SIU website and/or check with their hiring halls to verify that the membership meetings listed here are still happening. Piney Point.............*Tuesday: September 8, Monday: October 5 Algonac.....................................Friday: September 11, October 9 Baltimore..............................Thursday: September 10, October 8 Guam..................................Thursday: September 24, October 22 Honolulu................................Friday: September 18, October 16 Houston..................Monday: September 14, *Tuesday: October 13 Jacksonville......................Thursday: September 10, October 8 Joliet.....................................Thursday: September 17, October 15 Mobile.............................Wednesday: September 16, October 14 New Orleans............................Tuesday: September 15, October 13 Jersey City...............................Tuesday: September 8, October 6 Norfolk..................................Thursday: September 10, October 8 Oakland.............................Thursday: September 17, October 15 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: September 9, October 7 Port Everglades..................Thursday: September 17, October 15 San Juan............................Thursday: September 10, October 8 St. Louis......................................Friday: September 18, October 16 Tacoma................................Friday: September 25, October 23 Wilmington.....................Monday: September 21, October 19 *Piney Point change due to Labor Day Holiday; Houston change due to Columbus Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m September 2020 Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU RETIREE GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY – Retired Recertified Steward Shawn Fujiwara has produced and donated hundreds of face coverings in the Pacific Northwest since the start of the pandemic. “Feels good to give back,” he noted. ABOARD CS DECISIVE – In the photo above, Seafarers are pictured aboard the SubCom vessel in Newington, New Hampshire, where they loaded cable for a big project along the west coast of South America. The photo at the immediate right features Recertified Bosun Lovell Smith (left) and his son, AB Jamel Smith. The bosun reported excellent work by the deck gang and said they “rose to the occasion and did an outstanding job.” ABOARD PRESIDENT CLEVELAND – Pictured from left to right aboard the APL ship are SIU Oakland Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, ACU Tuliga Fuega, Recertified Steward Joseph Welle and Chief Cook Rey Chang. Photo was taken July 24 in Oakland. 10 Seafarers LOG September 2020 �PELICAN STATE SEAFARERS – Pictured following a dockside union meeting in Martinez, California, are QMED Jose Bonita, Apprentice Julian Rubbo, AB Casey Coddington and Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta. The vessel is operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – “New Orleans Night” was a hit aboard the TOTE vessel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The menu featured snow crab legs, chicken cracklings, shrimp boil, corn on the cob, red potatoes, fresh green beans, and corn bread. Pictured from left are Chief Cook Steven Lopez and Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN MICHIGAN – Pictured at the hiring hall in Algonac are (above, from left to right) Gateman Wisam Mesleh, GUDE Fadel Mohamed, Chief Cook Katherine Anderson and SA Abdul Ali. The first three aforementioned Seafarers received their respective full B-books, while Ali got his probationary book. He and Mohamed are both second-generation SIU members. FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – AB Elvin Ruiz is sworn in July 22 at the hiring hall. FULL BOOK IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook Bryan Nystrom receives his full book at the hiring hall in late July. B-BOOK IN HAWAII – OS John Kaleiopu receives his full B-book. He’s pictured at the Honolulu hall. B-BOOK IN MOBILE – AB Dominique Glover is pictured with his full B-book at the hiring hall in Alabama. A-BOOK IN SAN JUAN – QEE Edwin Velez displays his newly acquired A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Puerto Rico. “I’m very proud of my union and thankful for all of the training they have provided, along with the jobs and opportunities for growth,” Velez said. September 2020 WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Recertified Bosun Donald Clotter (photo at immediate left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. ANCHORAGE IN KODIAK – In addition to his seafaring skills, AB Chris Linsley knows a thing or two about drone photography. He took this shot of the Matson Anchorage in Kodiak, Alaska, in late May. Seafarers LOG 11 �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What are some things you’re looking forward to whenever the pandemic finally ends? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Willie Smith AB I’m looking forward to a return to normalcy overall, including the travel I’ve missed out on, and planning a vacation. I love to fish and probably will charter a boat for the first time. But right now, I’m excited about getting my first job as a civilian mariner. I just finished a career in the Navy. Diane MacDonald Chief Cook I’m very hopeful that, as a global community, we can all remember that we’re in the same boat – pun intended. It’s an exciting time to watch this transformation through crisis. My training at Piney Point has helped prepare me to work safely through this pandemic. As a side note, please remember to support your local businesses. Juan Chevalier AB Watching some baseball with my family, including my father, who recently retired from the SIU. He sailed for 40 years and had 11,000 days at sea. He was an AB with Crowley. I’m looking forward to eventually travelling to the Dominican Republic, but it’s on lockdown right now. William Otero Chief Cook I can’t wait to get back to work, and get my kids back in school. It’s been hard not being out there. I want to get back to sailing and seeing the world, and get back to making money to support my family. But I do think all my training has prepared me, and the union has done their part to keep me safe during this period. Teva Kurth AB Life has actually been kind of going the same for me, just working and spending time with family. I do look forward to not having the burden of knowing I might come home with something and get the family sick, no matter how careful I’ve been. But I live pretty simply. Hussein Nasser Recertified Chief Cook I can’t wait to see my wife and kid back home. I hope we can collectively learn to keep our distance from other people a little more, and take all the lessons we’ve learned through this pandemic into the future. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 Pic From The Past This undated photo was submitted by Retired SIU Steward Assistant Trinidad Nieves who sailed with the union from 1967 to 2005. The photo shows Nieves honing his skills on the 350-Caliber Machine Gun. He was aboard the USNS Fisher as it made its way to the Persian Gulf. 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 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org September 2020 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA ALI ALZOKARI Brother Ali Alzokari, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2000, initially sailing on the McDonnell. He primarily sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2005. Brother Alzokari most recently sailed on the Maersk Atlanta. He makes his home in Vallejo, California. PATRICK BAKER Brother Patrick Baker, 65, started sailing with the union in 1976 when he shipped on the Erna Elizabeth. A member of the deck department, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Baker last sailed on the Liberty Wave and settled in Panama City, Florida. OLIVER BOHANNON Brother Oliver Bohannon, 72, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991 when he sailed on the USNS Capable. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was a deck department member. Brother Bohannon’s final vessel was the Energy Enterprise. He lives in Barberton, Ohio. VASIL CHOLAKOVSKI Brother Vasil Cholakovski, 67, began his career with the SIU in 2008, initially sailing aboard the Dependable. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Cholakovski most recently shipped on the Maersk Columbus. He makes his home in Issaquah, Washington. DONALD CLOTTER KEVIN DOUGHERTY Brother Kevin Dougherty, 65, joined the union in 1983. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Dougherty upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the Horizon Pacific and makes his home in Princeville, Hawaii. JOSEPH EMIDY Brother Joseph Emidy, 61, began sailing with the SIU in 1980. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Emidy’s first vessel was the El Paso Southern; his most recent, the Oregon. He settled in Blackstone, Massachusetts. DAVID FRIDSTROM Brother David Fridstrom, 65, signed on with the union in 2001, initially sailing on the Richard G. Matthiesen. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year and was a member of the deck department. Brother Fridstrom’ s final vessel was the Maersk Kinloss. He resides in San Diego. DAVID GARRETT Brother David Garrett, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2003. He first sailed aboard the Abby G and worked in the engine department. Brother Garrett most recently shipped on the SBX. He makes his home in Bali. LAURO MANGAHAS Brother Donald Clotter, 67, joined the union in 1990 when he shipped on the Independence. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Clotter’s last vessel was the Overseas Texas City. He is a Houston resident. Brother Lauro Mangahas, 65, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1993, initially sailing aboard the President Van Buren. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Mangahas last sailed on the Cape Inscription. He resides in the Philippines. JULES DELGADO DONALD MCGRAW Brother Jules Delgado, 66, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Delgado’s first vessel was the Lykes Explorer; his most recent, the Green Ridge. He settled in Daytona Beach, Florida. September 2020 Brother Donald McGraw, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1989 when he sailed aboard the USNS H.H. Hess. He primarily worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother McGraw last shipped on the Cape Kennedy. He calls Avondale, Louisiana, home. ROBERT RICHARDSON Brother Robert Richardson, 66, started shipping with the SIU in 1976, initially aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Reliance and settled in Springfield, Illinois. barked on his career with the SIU in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Brooklyn. A deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Schwedland’s final vessel was the Walter J. McCarthy. He calls St. Petersburg, Florida, home. MARK RUHL JON WATSON Brother Mark Ruhl, 65, joined the SIU in 1974. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Yukon. Brother Ruhl upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career on the Cape Washington and resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Brother Jon Watson, 65, joined the union in 1976 when he shipped on the J.S. Young. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Watson’s final vessel was the Indiana Harbor. He calls South Lyon, Michigan, home. OVIDIO SANTOS Brother Ovidio Santos, 65, signed on with the union in 2001. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school and sailed in the deck department. Brother Santos’ first vessel was the Energy Enterprise; his last, the Maersk Kinloss. He is a resident of New Bedford, Massachusetts. GREAT LAKES GERALD ANDERSON Brother Gerald Anderson, 65, joined the SIU in 1979 when he sailed with American Steamship. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and was an engine department member. Brother Anderson’s final vessel was the John Boland. He lives in Watertown, South Dakota. DANIEL BREYER Brother Daniel Breyer, 65, became a member of the SIU in 2001. He was a deck department member and first sailed aboard the Gemini. Brother Breyer upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the St. Clair and makes his home in Sun City, Arizona. RICHARD GAUTHIER Brother Richard Gauthier, 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1993. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1997. Brother Gauthier first worked for Upper Lakes Barge Lines. He most recently shipped on the Joyce L. VanEnkevort and resides in Bark River, Michigan. STEVE SCHWEDLAND Brother Steve Schwedland, 66, em- INLAND MARK BURGER Brother Mark Burger, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1981. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Burger was employed by Moran Towing of Texas for the duration of his career. He lives in Germania, New Jersey. DANIEL CRONAN Brother Daniel Cronan, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1998 when he shipped with Penn Maritime. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Cronan upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed aboard the Integrity and makes his home in Wakefield, Rhode Island. STEPHEN GARDINER Brother Stephen Gardiner, 59, began his career with the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Washington. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Gardiner’s final vessel was the Achievement. He settled in Norwood, Pennsylvania. JIMMY LIPSCOMB Brother Jimmy Lipscomb, 62, joined the SIU in 1979, initially working with G&H Towing. He sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Vision. Brother Lipscomb is a resident of Santa Fe, Texas. TIMOTHY MACRURY Brother Timothy Macrury, 65, embarked on his career with the union in 1976, initially working for H&M Lake Transport. He sailed in both the steward and deck departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Macrury was last employed by OLS Transport. He settled in Port Huron, Michigan. THOMAS PAYTOSH Brother Thomas Paytosh, 59, signed on with the Seafarers union in 2000, initially sailing with Riverboat Services. He was an engine department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Paytosh most recently shipped on the Courage. He resides in Bonita Springs, Florida. MICHAEL STRAVERS Brother Michael Stravers, 62, started shipping with the union in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Capricorn. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Stravers last sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He settled in Normandy Park, Washington. TERRY TRACY Brother Terry Tracy, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1993. He was employed by G&H Towing for his entire career. Brother Tracy was a deck department member. He lives in Dickinson, Texas. BRYAN WYNN Brother Bryan Wynn, 62, joined the SIU in 2007 when he worked for Starlight Marine Services. He sailed in both the engine and deck departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2010. Brother Wynn continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. He makes his home in Prunedale, California. MARK GODBOLD Brother Mark Godbold, 66, started sailing with the union in 1996 when he worked for Westbank Riverboat Services. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001. Brother Godbold last shipped on the Padre Island. He calls Slidell, Louisiana, home. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA THOMAS ARNOLD Pensioner Thomas Arnold, 84, died June 24. He signed on with the SIU in 1969 and first shipped on the Sabine. Brother Arnold was a member of the deck department. He concluded his career on the Hawaii and became a pensioner in 2001. Brother Arnold resided in Ringgold, Georgia. SANG BAE Pensioner Sang Bae, 84, passed away July 4. He joined the SIU in 1983. Brother Bae first sailed aboard the Independence. He primarily sailed in the steward department, and last shipped on the Galveston Bay. Brother Bae retired in 2000. He was a resident of Bensalem, Pennsylvania. MARTHA BYE Sister Martha Bye, 60, died May 10. She signed on with the Seafarers in 2000; her first vessel was the USNS Prevail. Sister Bye worked in the steward department. She most recently sailed aboard the Ocean Trader and made her home in Clarksville, Indiana. CHARLES CLACKLEY Pensioner Charles Clackley, 77, passed away July 15. He joined the union in 1990 when he shipped aboard the Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Clackley was an engine department member and last sailed on the USNS Stockham. He went on pension in 2006 and settled in Panama City Beach, Florida. RONALD GORDON Pensioner Ronald Gordon, 66, died June 27. He joined the SIU in 1980 and first sailed on the Santa Mercedes. Brother Gordon was an engine department member. He last shipped aboard the Overseas Philadelphia before going on pension in 2009. Brother Gordon was a resident of Mobile, Alabama. RONALD HUYETT Pensioner Ronald Huyett, 78, has passed away. He became a member of the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Anders. Brother Huyett sailed in the deck department. He last 14 Seafarers LOG shipped aboard the El Yunque before becoming a pensioner in 2010. Brother Huyett lived in Seattle. LESLIE KLEIN Pensioner Leslie Klein, 74, died July 6. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1999 when he sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce. Brother Klein primarily sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the Horizon Tacoma. He retired in 2011 and resided in Poulsbo, Washington. MILDRED LAND Sister Mildred Land, 94, has passed away. A Texas native, she began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1978. Sister Land sailed in the steward department and was employed with States Steamship for the duration of her career. She resided in Benicia, California. ROBERT MCGONAGLE Pensioner Robert McGonagle, 88, died June 14. He joined the SIU in 1955 and first sailed aboard a Veritas Steamship vessel. A deck department member, Brother McGonagle last sailed aboard the Independence in 1993. He became a pensioner the same year and settled in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. PAUL MCMAHON CHARLES SPENCE Pensioner Charles Spence, 76, passed away July 7. He embarked on his career with the union in 1973, initially sailing aboard the Kinsman Enterprise. Brother Spence primarily sailed in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Overseas New York. He became a pensioner in 2009 and called La Quinta, California, home. LINTON TAYLOR Pensioner Linton Taylor, 82, died May 9. He joined the Seafarers in 1969 and first shipped aboard the Steel Scientist. Brother Taylor was a member of the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Cape Breton. He went on pension in 2014 and lived in Seattle. GEORGE WILLIAMSON Pensioner George Williamson, 94, passed away July 24. He signed on with the SIU in 1951, initially sailing on a Victory Carriers ship. Brother Williamson was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Overseas Ulla and retired in 1982. Brother Williamson made his home in Mobile, Alabama. INLAND RUPERT CARTER Pensioner Paul McMahon, 86, passed away April 15. He joined the SIU in 1964 and sailed in the deck department. Brother McMahon’s first vessel was the Steel Direct; his last, the Endurance. He retired in 1999 and was a resident of Las Vegas. Pensioner Rupert Carter, 70, died June 2. He was born in Cumberland, North Carolina, and embarked on his career with the SIU in 1969. Brother Carter sailed in the deck department. He worked for the Association of Maryland Pilots until his retirement in 2012. Brother Carter resided in Parkton, North Carolina. PAUL MOSS JAMES DONNELLY Brother Paul Moss, 57, died May 9. He began sailing with the union in 1987, when he shipped aboard the Cape Horn. Brother Moss primarily worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the Ocean Crescent. He was a Houston resident. WILLIAM SIMMONS Pensioner William Simmons, 68, died July 27. He donned the SIU colors in 1970 when he worked for Hvide Marine. Brother Simmons shipped in the steward department. He last sailed on the Yorktown Express and retired in 2014. Brother Simmons made his home in Call, Texas. Pensioner James Donnelly, 81, has passed away. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1962. Brother Donnelly first worked for G&H Towing. He concluded his career with the same company and went on pension in 2002. Brother Donnelly lived in Houston. JULIA HILL Pensioner Julia Hill, 66, died May 12. She began sailing with the union in 1988 when she worked for Delta Queen Steamboat Company. A steward department member, Sister Hill last shipped aboard the American Queen. She became a pensioner in 2015 and settled in Flint, Michigan. JOHN JACKSON Brother John Jackson, 56, passed away June 19. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1994 when he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Jackson primarily shipped in the deck department and was employed with the same company for the duration of his career. He resided in Jacksonville, Florida, his birthplace. JOSEPH LEWIS Pensioner Joseph Lewis, 91, died August 2. He joined the union in 1959 and sailed with Chesapeake & Ohio Railway for the duration of his career. Brother Lewis became a pensioner in 1988 lived in Grimstead, Virginia. JOHN O’NEILL Pensioner John O’Neill, 80, passed away June 28. He joined the union in 1996 and worked for Crowley until his retirement in 2006. Brother O’Neill lived in Springfield, Pennsylvania. ROBERT PALMER Pensioner Robert Palmer, 67, died July 31. He signed on with SIU in 1998 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Palmer was employed by G&H Towing for his entire career. He retired in 2017 and made his home in Rockport, Texas. JOHN PRIMEAUX Pensioner John Primeaux, 83, passed away August 1. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1986. A deck department member, Brother Primeaux worked with Higman Barge Lines for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2005 and settled in Kaplan, Louisiana. died July 28. He joined the SIU in 1967 and first sailed aboard the Eagle Voyage. Brother Springfield was a steward department member. He was last employed by OSG Ship Management before becoming a pensioner in 1996. Brother Springfield lived in Vineland, New Jersey. ROBERT TRIGG Pensioner Robert Trigg, 77, passed away July 2. He started sailing with the SIU in 1987. Brother Trigg first shipped aboard the USNS Lynch and sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career working on the Sugar Island and went on pension in 2004. Brother Trigg resided in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. NMU LINCOLN RICH Pensioner Lincoln Rich, 82, died July 3. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Rich sailed in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Mormac Sun. He retired in 2003 and settled in Miami. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Benson, Vernon 90 Chavez, Raul 95 Clayton, Mc 90 Dairo, Leo 92 Ferguson, Sarah 94 Filer, Eddie 83 Foster, David 87 Gilbert, Jack 90 Guzman, Robinson 90 Henderson, John 92 Jackson, Donald 94 Kerlin, Derwood 83 Passos, Regina 91 Pino, Ricardo 99 DOD 07/16/2020 07/03/2020 06/27/2020 06/27/2020 07/23/2020 06/29/2020 02/17/2020 06/11/2020 07/03/2020 05/23/2020 07/24/2020 06/22/2020 04/14/2020 08/05/2020 SILAS SAM Brother Silas Sam, 58, passed away June 15. He signed on with the SIU in 1999 and first sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce. Brother Sam was a deck department member and most recently shipped on the Courage. He lived in Rosharon, Texas. HARRY SPRINGFIELD Pensioner Harry Springfield, 91, September 2020 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings WEST VIRGINIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 28 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary Milton Yournett, Educational Director Scott Fuller, Deck Delegate Juberto Perez, Engine Delegate Jose Smith, Steward Delegate Wilma Jackson. Chairman recommended members enroll in vacation direct deposit and sign up for SIU text alerts. Bosun has ordered games for crew to use during off time. Due to pandemic, linen will no longer be sent ashore for cleaning. Crew was instructed on related overtime protocols. Educational director informed crew that Paul Hall Center is no longer taking applications until further notice. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun has deck department disinfecting house at least twice a day and instructed crew to follow six-feet social distancing guidelines. Deck tools are sanitized before and after each use. Toaster on order for crew. Members requested 401K match and an increase in paid vacation to 20 for 30. Crew would like base wages and OT to be paid to any member who gets infected with COVID-19 while employed aboard any vessel. Vote of thanks given to steward department for keeping a cheerful and positive attitude during meal hours and for an overall job well done with food. WEST VIRGINIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), May 25 – Chairman John 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. Cedeno, Secretary Milton Yournett, Educational Director Yuri Oliveros, Deck Delegate Michael Sedita, Engine Delegate Rudolph Miller. Crew was instructed to keep work tools clean and sanitize deck twice daily. Members were also reminded to keep a six feet social distance. Chairman explained the process for writing in restriction to vessel while in port. He encouraged members to enroll in vacation direct deposit. Two brand new sets of linen being offered to each crew member. Secretary reminded crew to wash old linens before turning them in. Educational director will follow up every two weeks with updates for Piney Point classes. OT dispute reported by each delegate for ship restriction. Bosun to call next port hiring hall to address dispute. Members requested new mattresses and new toaster for crew. Members expressed concerns with room inspections conducted by captain without presence of bosun and chief steward. Crew would like to see a 401K match program and an increase in monthly vacation days. Next port: New Jersey. EVERGREEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), May 31 – Chairman Martin Baker, Secretary Jose Clotter, Educational Director Dennis Blake. Crew members not receiving pay vouchers on time or at payout. Bosun informed union officials of pay voucher issue. Steward department thanked for a job well done. Educational director encouraged members to continue to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for retirement requirements to change from minimum age to actual years served. New treadmill and elliptical needed for gym. MAERSK MONTANA (Maersk Line, Limited), June 1 – Chairman Tecumseh Williams, Secretary James Cameron, Educational Director Eddie Almodovar. Chairman advised members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and be prepared to take whatever course necessary for basic safety training and STCW endorsement. Secretary thanked crew for helping with keeping the house clean. Educational director reminded members to pay close attention to expiration dates on credentials and prepare for renewals well in advance. He thanked steward department for a job well done. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were encouraged to read the LOG, especially the President’s Report. Crew requested increases in health benefits. Members would like vacation pay to be 25 for 30. LIBERTY PROMISE (Liberty Maritime), June 21 – Chairman Scott Snodgrass, Secretary Robert Davis, Educational Director Maurice Ayuso, Deck Delegate Dennis Mariveles, Steward Delegate Michelle Taylor. Concerns voiced about having only one washer and dryer for crew and lack of hot water for coffee machine. Questions raised about members not being compensated for ship restriction while officers reportedly are being paid. Chairman announced payoff in Charleston and plans to contact SIU to have port agent meet the ship to discuss complaints. Vote of thanks given to crew for keeping inside house clean and to ABs for working together when docking and undocking. Secretary has vacation applications, beneficiary cards and medical forms available. He advised members to read the board for communications from SIU. Educational director urged crew to check document dates and Coast Guard application statuses. He advised members to upgrade at Piney Point when classes resume. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Old business items still apply and have not been resolved. Crew should have access to satellite phone and be able to purchase phone cards. Poor Wi-Fi service reported on ship. Members feel that Wi-Fi availability should be free and not ten dollars a week. Crew requests a visit from port agent. They thanked chief cook for buying snacks from slop chest and putting them out for crew. Members were reminded to not let doors slam and to check on port shuttle to seamen’s club. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), July 12 – Chairman Domingo Leon, Secretary Darryl Goggins, Educational Director Jan Morawski, Deck Delegate Randolph Jemmott, Steward Delegate Israel Coronel. Bosun thanked crew for a safe voyage and advised everyone to be careful on their time off during the pandemic. Secretary reminded members to be sure to leave clean rooms when getting off ship. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center. He provided instructions for going on website and for inquiring about sea time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested a raise in pension and vacation days. Members would like physicals be required only once per year. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. MAERSK IOWA (Maersk Line, Limited), July 17 – Chairman Egidio Ferreira. Chairman went over President’s Column from latest edition of Seafarers LOG and recommended members upgrade at union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. He advised crew to follow safety guidelines and to wear masks and gloves. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members gave thanks to headquarters and all workers that continue to work through the pandemic. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the September 8 Headquarters Membership Meeting to review the 2019 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, September 2020 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 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �CIVMAR-Crewed USNS Yukon Conducts Arabian Sea Rescue The USNS Yukon may have made history on Aug. 7 by performing a rescue in the Arabian Sea. While there’s nothing new about American-flag ships aiding fellow mariners, this particular operation included a component unique to 2020: social distancing. The Yukon’s crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division. According to news reports, the Yukon received notification that the dhow Wadi Karan was adrift and required assistance. The Wadi Karan had experienced engine failure 10 days earlier, and the crew had run out of food and water. After assessing the situation, the Yukon’s crew provided them with food and water, and they remained on station until naval forces from nearby Oman arrived to provide further assistance. Throughout the rescue, the Yukon’s crew maintained social distancing, including following face covering requirements, in order to prevent the possible transmission of COVID-19 between the two crews. “The duty to help each other when in need is something that all mariners share, civilian and military alike,” said Navy Capt. Michael O’Driscoll, commander of Task Force 53, to which the Yukon is assigned. “The sailors and civilian mariners aboard MSC ships are trained and ready to answer this call whenever possible.” Safety in San Juan Sailors aboard a rigid hull inflatable boat assigned to the USNS Yukon transit from the distressed motor vessel Wadi Karan after rendering assistance in the Arabian Sea. (Photo courtesy U.S. Navy) Coast Guard Announces Some REC Reopenings The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center circulated the following announcement in midAugust. Reopening of RECs Honolulu & Houston and MU San Juan ABs Jorge Soler and Jonamie Encarnacion are pictured aboard TOTE’s Perla Del Caribe in mid-August, during a safety drill. The National Maritime Center (NMC) is reopening Regional Examination Centers (RECs) Honolulu and Houston, and Monitoring Unit (MU) San Juan for limited examination services beginning Monday, August 24, 2020. Additionally, REC Juneau and MU Ketchikan reopened on August 17, 2020. Mariners seeking to schedule examinations may do so by calling the appropriate phone number or contacting the appropriate e-mail address: REC Houston – rechoustonexam@uscg.mil REC Honolulu – rechonolulu@uscg.mil MU San Juan – (787) 729-2368 REC Juneau – recjun@uscg.mil MU Ketchikan – (907) 225-4496 (extension #3) Examination appointment request e-mails should include the applicant’s name, mariner reference number, requested testing date(s), phone number, and a copy of their Approved to Test Letter(s). Examination services will be by appointment only. No walk-in appointments are available, and all other application customer service functions will continue to be handled remotely. Mariners will be subject to COVID-19 screening questions and temperature checks. Mariners experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea), will not be permitted to enter the REC/MU and will need to reschedule their appointment. Mariners are required to wear a face covering at all times. Those who refuse to wear a face covering, or who remove face coverings during exams, will be dismissed and could be subject to examination module failure. Persons with documented health issues which prevent them from wearing face coverings must notify the REC/MU when scheduling an appointment. Mariners should bring their own #2 pencils, a non-programmable calculator, and plotting equipment. No other personal belongings are allowed in the facility. All counter service appointments and hand delivery of applications remain suspended. The Customer Service Center remains open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Please reach our call center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) and IASKNMC@ uscg.mil. The NMC will announce future REC/ MU openings shortly. Union Activities Return to Edited Version of Normalcy Continued from Page 3 work online prior to arriving at the PHC, and they came away impressed with the process. “It was a great experience,” said AB Willie Smith. “I learned a lot and I’m glad the school was able to pull it off. That was my first time doing an online class, and it was awesome.” AB Juan Chevalier said it also was a new expe- 16 Seafarers LOG rience for him. “I had to buy a laptop, but the whole process was really nice. It all turned out good,” he said. AB Teva Kurth saw the online interaction as part of a bigger picture since the pandemic began. “It was pretty good, and I’m really happy the union did what they could to keep us working and get us where we need to be,” he said. “I’m very grateful.” Training (photo directly above) resumes at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center in early August. In the photo at left, Seafarers in Houston spread out and mask up for the August membership meeting. September 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck (online lecture) October 5 October 19 October 16 October 23 Module 3 September 7 September 11 Module 4 September 15 September 21 October 12 September 18 October 09 October 16 Module 5 October 19 October 26 November 2 November 4 November 10 October 23 October 30 November 3 November 6 November 20 Module 6 November 23 December 18 AB to Mate Modules Module dates vary throughout the year. Once accepted, students will be advised of dates. Classes are only open to students in AB to Mate program and modules must be taken in order. Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT October 19 November 13 Junior Engineer September 21 October 26 November 13 December 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations September 28 November 16 October 23 December 11 Certified Chief Cook September 7 October 12 November 16 October 9 November 13 December 18 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training Revalidation September 11 September 14 September 18 September 11 September 14 September 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. September 2020 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. 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, or 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. 9/20 Seafarers LOG 17 �School’s In! Classes Resume In Piney Point Students recently returned to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) for classes that resumed Aug. 3. The Piney Point, Maryland school had temporarily halted all courses due to the pandemic. Numerous safeguards are in place at the PHC and its Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Social distancing is required throughout the campus, as are face coverings. Hand-sanitizing stations are in place, along with floor markings to help people remain six feet apart whenever possible. Meal times are being staggered so that students and staff have ample room in the dining areas. For now, students are required to remain on campus for the duration of their respective classes. They also must complete a comprehensive medical questionnaire before arrival. The original course schedule for 2020 has been scrapped, but many new classes are underway, and more are being scheduled. Check the SIU website for the latest updates; course dates also are printed on page 17 of this edition of the LOG. The school reopened for classes in early August. Signage and sanitizing stations help keep students and employees protected. Deck department upgraders pause for a snapshot aboard the training vessel Freedom Star. 18 Seafarers LOG September 2020 �Upgraders take part in the one-day BT Revalidation class. Hands-on training remains a prominent part of the coursework at the Paul Hall Center, including during this Able Seafarer-Deck class. Steward-department upgraders spend some time in the classroom. Food preparation has never been safer at the school, thanks in part to extra sanitary gear. Simulator training is a key component of many Paul Hall Center classes. Mariners sharpen their skills during a helicopter fire fighting exercise. Meal times are staggered to help ensure ample room for social distancing. September 2020 Editor’s note: The photos on this page, as well as those on the previous one, were taken during the initial resumption of classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The Paul Hall Center includes the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, located on a nearby campus. Seafarers LOG 19 �VOLUME 82, NO. 9 SEPTEMBER 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Heroic Seafarers Delivered in WWII Editor’s note: This is the fifth installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier installments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. This one picks up with Bunker describing some of the travails of SIU-crewed ships in 1942, including the Waterman vessel SS Beauregard, which spent nearly an entire year on consecutive overseas voyages before returning to the United States. On those ships in the 1942 convoys which had guncrews, the Navy personnel was seldom more than 10 or 12 men at the most, and their armament was usually of popgun caliber. The SIU-manned Alcoa Banner sailed to Russia in convoy PQ-16, being defended by a prodigious battery of five .30-caliber machine guns and a Navy guncrew of two men! This convoy had plenty of use for guns, too, for it was attacked 25 times en route from Iceland. Among the ships it lost was the SIU-crewed Alamar, sunk about the same time as the SS Syros, which blew up when a torpedo nosed into its load of TNT. Massmar Hits Mine En route back from Russia, the Massmar (SIU) struck a mine, along with the John Randolph and the Heffron. Men of this convoy will always be grateful for the heroic work of the French corvette Roselys, which rescued 180 men from sinking ships. There were many other SIU ships on the run to Russia – ships like the Alcoa Rambler, Alcoa Cadet, Topa Topa, and the old Bayou Chico – which saw action aplenty, but it is not possible here to do honor to them all, though they all richly deserve to be equally well remembered. Whatever the ship, their crews shared alike the hazards of this Arctic run and, while 1942 was the peak year for losses in ships and men, there were casualties right up into 1945, with some of the heaviest attacks being launched by the Germans in this last year of the war. The return trip from Russia was hardly less arduous than the run north; for a sunk ship, as far as the Nazis were concerned, meant one less bottom for supplying the Russians, and they let no opportunities go by to bag ships homeward bound from the White Sea. Such was the fate of the SS Puerto Rican (SIU-SUP), which had delivered her freight and was headed back for Iceland early in 1943, with 3,500 tons of ore under hatches. She lost the convoy in a violent storm on March 6, and by the night of March 9 the gales had not abated. The Puerto Rican was proceeding alone against bitter cold wind and freezing spray when, at 10 p.m., she was hit. Loaded deep with ore, the ship sank so fast that there was no chance to launch the boats. Perhaps they couldn’t have launched anyway, for the davits were coated with ice. There wasn’t much chance of a man surviving in such weather, but those who were afloat after the ship went down clung to pieces of wreckage. Several of them climbed aboard a liferaft; others clung to the icy keel of an upturned lifeboat which had been torn form the davits. It was an epic of pure, raw courage by men who would not give up. Bitter-Enders By morning, Bob Howard and George Reilly, ABs, several gunners, AB Robert Kale, an Englishman, Joe Disange and Fireman August Wallenhaupt were still fighting the huge seas and the cold – fighting to live, though there seemed no chance of their ever being found. But courage alone, even for men brave as these, was not enough. One by one they were swept away by the battering seas, till, after two days, only two of them were left. One was dead, frozen with a death grip on the pitching liferaft. The other, Fireman Wallenhaupt, clung to life with a superhuman tenacity. And a miracle (for surely in that wild, tumbling ocean swept by snow squalls and curtained by spray, a miracle it was) rewarded this courageous seaman for his fight. The British destroyer St. Elistin, making a final sweep of the area in its search for the lost Puerto Rican, sighted the raft and its brave occupant. He alone survived his ship – one of many that never came back from the Russian run. Heroes All “A hero,” said the poet Rupert Hughes, “is a man plus.” There were many heroes among men of the SIU during World War II – men who accomplished feats of self-sacrifice; who did acts of courage beyond the ordinary call of duty. Just before midnight, when the 8 to 12 Oiler had called the watch, and the Third Assistant was making the last notation in the engineroom log, a torpedo hit the Angelina amidships, blowing up the starboard boiler, flooding the engine spaces, and putting out all the lights as the dynamos sputter to a stop. The Angelina was soon abandoned, and 43 of the crew crowded into one lifeboat, which threatened momentarily to be smashed against the sinking hulk as they tried to get away. Captain W. S. Goodman and the gunnery officer climbed over the side onto a raft, for the lifeboat was already too full and could not hold them all. Overwhelming Sea Somehow the boat pushed off from the ship without being crushed or capsized, but hardly had the men taken a dozen good pulls at the oars, before the boat broached and a huge comber rolled down onto them The rescue ship Bury and a corvette had responded to the Angelina’s SOS and had picked up the men on the raft before midnight; but it was not until dawn that they spotted the lifeboat, by now with only a handful of survivors still clinging to the grab rails on the bottom. While the corvette dumped oil to windward of the boat, Captain L. E. Brown of the Bury maneuvered his little vessel within a line’s throw of the capsized craft. Captain Brown counted five men on the wallowing lifeboat, but what amazed him was the superhuman exhibit of dogged stamina and courage by one of those sea-beaten five: Gustave Alm, the carpenter. One man would be washed off and then another, but each time this man Alm, by feats of great courage and strength managed to haul them back aboard the lifeboat’s bottom. Precision Seamanship While the rescue ship pitched and rolled, Survivors from an unidentified Allied merchant ship man a lifeboat after their vessel was torpedoed by German submarines in early 1942. There were men such as ABs Tom Crawford and Joseph Squires of the freighter Maiden Creek. They stayed behind on the Maiden Creek to tend the falls and get the lifeboats away when this Waterman ship foundered off Block Island in December of 1942, losing their lives for the safety of their shipmates. And there were men like Seafarer Per Lykke, whose able boathandling that night, through huge waves and gale winds, won from the Navy a commendation for “extraordinary courage and seamanship.” Those who survived owed their lives to Lykke. And not to be forgotten are the seven sailors who manned a lifeboat from the SS John Howard Payne (SUP), risking their lives in dangerous seas to rescue men from an Army bomber forced down in the Pacific. Count as heroes, too, those merchant crew – T. Meredith (SUP) [who] rescued exhausted survivors from the sinking transport Cape San Juan, (and) men who jumped overboard from the SS Edwin. Or the crewmen who manned a gun on the SS Joseph Pulitzer for four days and nights at Gela, Sicily, when the regular Navy gunners were all wounded by a bomb. Yes, they were heroes, these and many more. But if anywhere in the annals of World War II there was “a man plus” it was silent Gustave Alm, carpenter of the SIUmanned steamship Angelina of the Bull Line. Huge seas that were 35 feet high and ran 300 feet from crest to crest had separated the ship from a west-bound convoy from England on the 17th of October, 1942. with the suddenness of a fast express. They saw the mountain of water momentarily just before it hit. “Lookout,” someone yelled, “here’s where we swim.” Rolling hard over, the boat teetered for a moment and then capsized. When the churning comber had swept on, fewer than half of the original 45 still groped for a hold on the upturned craft. For a while they talked a little to each other, calling out names of their shipmates to find out who had been lost. But conversation was brief, for the sea was drubbing them unmercifully. Several men left the boat and swam back to the half-submerged Angelina, hoping to climb aboard and await rescue, but a second torpedo hit the freighter just as they neared its side, sinking the ship and drawing the swimmers down with her as she sank. Back on the upturned lifeboat some of the cold, numbed survivors despaired of rescue but it was Gustave Alm, the carpenter, who urged them to hang on. Indomitable Spirit “Don’t give up,” he kept saying. “Don’t give up. There’s always a chance. Hang on. Hang on a while longer.” During the grueling hours of the night, a destroyer passed within a stone’s throw but no one on the warship saw them or heard their desperate cries. It was then that one of the gunners gave up and drifted away from the boat, but Gus Alm struck out against the pounding seas and hauled the boy back. Captain Brown managed to get alongside the capsized boat. It was a precarious moment – a time for faultless thinking, for a miscue at the wheel or a roll of the Bury at the wrong moment and the survivors in the water would be crushed by the plunging vessel. But Captain Brown knew his ship, and on the lifeboat, Gus Alm summoned up what seemed to be superhuman determination and courage. When they threw him a line from the Bury, he stretched out an arm to get it. Twice the line was thrown and twice it missed, but on the third try Alm grabbed the vital strands of hemp and made them fast around one of the holdrods. Minutes counted now. It was obvious that Alm, strong as he was, could not take care of his battered shipmates much longer. As the big carpenter held one exhausted man on the grab rails, another one was swept off. He would have been lost had not the Bury, with Captain Brown at the helm, darted up so close to the struggling seaman that one of the vessel’s crew reached over the side, grabbed his lifejacket, and dragged him aboard on the crest of a sea. His half-conscious companions being too weak even to know what was transpiring, Alm caught [all the] lines that were thrown to him, securing each one in turn around the chest of a shipmate and freeing the man from his hold on the boat when the Bury was ready to pull him in. Continued on Page 9 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: OFFICIALS FROM NAVY LEAGUE, MARAD CALL FOR ADDITIONAL U.S. FLAG TONNAGE SHIPBUILDERS COUNCIL HONORS SEN. SULLIVAN UNION MEETINGS RESUME, SCHOOL REOPENS WORKERS' RIGHTS, U.S. MARITIME CHAMPION U.S. REP JOHN LEWIS PASSES AWAY AT 80 SIU JOBS STAY SECURE ABOARD EMPIRE STATE COMPREHENSIVE JONES ACT STUDY FINDS NO EFFECT ON COST OF LIVING IN HAWAII ANY ATTACK ON THE JONES ACT IS AN ATTACK ON THE PEOPLE OF HAWAII PORT COUNCIL STRONGLY DEFENDS VITAL AMERICAN MARITIME LAW CREDENTIALS APPROVED FOR CANDIDATES TO 25 UNION OFFICES SHBP AWARDS $132,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS EXECUTIVE BOARD AIMS TO BOOST ACCESS TO ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR SIU ELECTION 2020 FLU SEASON SIGNALS START OF CRITICAL PERIOD FOR EVERYONE SCHOOL'S IN! 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 September 1, 2020 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 82, No. 9 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f69311497e5463c9744495760c6a50dc.pdf fb0a1f9f162960c0064fbbbd2654b0e7 PDF Text Text OCTOBER 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 10 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Seafarers Answer Activation Calls Turbo Exercises Successful as SIU Helps Crew Up 19 Ships SIU members promptly and efficiently helped crew up 19 vessels during two separate activations this summer. One such ship, the USNS Algol (operated by Ocean Shipholdings) is seen in the background of photo at left, taken in San Francisco. Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman is at left, with GUDE Edsel Felipe. The photo above shows the Gopher State (Pacific-Gulf Marine) earlier this year in Newport News, Virginia. Page 3. Honoring those Lost on September 11 SIU members gather aboard the Garden State (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) on Sept. 11 to remember those lost and to recognize the historic sealift in lower Manhattan that day in 2001. Pictured from left are QMED “JD” Diola, AB Matthew Thompson, Oiler Oscar Johnny, Pumpman Alexander Capellan, AB Carlos Avila, AB Michael Sinclair and Bosun Ryan Boltz. (Thanks to vessel master Capt. Christopher Menezes for the photo.) U.S. Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS Newport; Vessel Joins Seafarer-Crewed CIVMAR Fleet The U.S. Navy recently accepted delivery of its newest expeditionary fast transport vessel, the USNS Newport. The ship, pictured in Mobile, Alabama, will be crewed by CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division. Page 4. (Photo courtesy Austal USA) Pandemic Updates Page 3 SIU Election Info Pages 6-10 SIU in WWII Page 24 �President’s Report Another Job Well Done Around this time last year, I congratulated our members and our officials in the hiring halls and at the manpower office for stepping up and tackling a flurry of vessel activations. Kudos once again are in order following a total of 19 recent activations that wrapped up in late August. Although we didn’t have to crew up quite as many ships this time (the 2019 activations were believed to have been the most since the Persian Gulf War), you could say we had an extra challenge in 2020. Nevertheless, the pandemic didn’t stop us from quickly filling every job for which we’re responsible. Under the circumstances, our people deserve recognition for a job well done. I’m proud of all of you, and even though there’s never a doubt that we’ll always live up to our duty as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense, you all truly rose to the occasion. Seafarers Persevere If the activations were relatively sudden, the global COVID19 pandemic has hung around so long, it’s almost difficult at times to remember exactly what our lives were like before it started. There’s no definitive end in sight – but it will end at some point. Meanwhile, our union and our industry have made the best of it, always keeping safety at the forefront. There is no recent precedent for the pandemic, and we’ve all been learning as we move along. No one is saying the operations have been perfect, but I think we’ve all pulled together – labor, management and government – to keep our people safe, keep commerce moving, and support our armed forces around the globe. Where the novel coronavirus is concerned, my message this month to our membership (and our officials and staff) is that this is no time to let down our guard. We’ve got to stick with our safety protocols, try to be patient, and protect ourselves, our families, our shipmates and anyone else we might come into contact with. We’ve all come too far and made too many sacrifices to become careless now. Hang in there and stay safe. After Election Day The SIU will be ready to move forward no matter who wins on Election Day, and that goes not just for the presidency but also the congressional, state and local elections. If you’ve been in this industry for any length of time, I don’t have to tell you that we are heavily regulated, and that’s reason enough for us to remain politically active. As always, we support those who support maritime, and we will work with anyone and everyone who backs the U.S. Merchant Marine and who stands up for workers’ rights. I have mentioned this from time to time but it bears repeating, with Nov. 3 right around the corner: Practice civility in your political discussions. Focus on issues, actually listen to what the other person is saying, and remember that we all love our country, even if we’re bound to disagree on particular subjects. And one of the best ways to show your appreciation for our great nation is to vote. Make sure to cast your ballot in person or via absentee for those candidates who stand up for a strong, vital U.S. Merchant Marine. Both the American maritime industry and the labor movement are very much worth promoting and protecting, and that’s what we’ll continue doing regardless of the outcomes in November. Housing Expenses Responsible For Hawaii’s High Cost of Living There are a few main reasons why it costs so much to live in the Aloha State, but the Jones Act isn’t one of them. That’s the conclusion of a recent study by economists from Boston-based Reeve & Associates (reported in detail in last month’s LOG). Co-author John Reeve amplified the findings in a follow-up column published by the Honolulu Star newspaper in August. “Hawaii does have a high cost of living – but the Jones Act is not to blame,” Reeve wrote. “Government data shows that the cost of housing, utilities, and medical services are the primary culprits. A dedicated fleet of American ships, reliably delivering the goods that the people of Hawaii depend on, ensures supply never falls below demand. An examination of the facts illustrates that the only cost of the Jones Act might be one without it.” The Jones Act, American law for a century, ensures that cargo moving from one U.S. port to another is carried aboard vessels that are built, crewed, owned and flagged American. America’s freight cabotage law helps support more than 653,000 U.S. jobs while enhancing national, economic and homeland security. A separate study found that 91 countries around the world maintain some form of cabotage law. When Reeve & Associates released its comprehensive report this summer, the findings left no doubt that American-flag ocean transportation doesn’t drive up the costs of consumer items. “An April 2020 survey of prices of 200 consumer goods covering groceries, household goods, apparel, building materials, and automobiles, found no substantial difference in costs between major stores in Hawaii and California,” Reeve pointed out. “The prices were reported online by major retailers operating in both Honolulu and Los Angeles such as Costco, Target and Walmart as well as Kelley Blue Book data on automobile prices. The survey was done online to ensure ‘apples to apples’ comparisons of exactly the same items as sold in both Honolulu and Los Angeles stores on the same date. The data shows that the average of the prices of the five different categories was 0.5% higher in Honolulu than in Los Angeles – virtually nil.” By contrast, government data shows that the costs of housing, utilities, and medical services primarily account for Hawaii’s high cost of living, the study found. The state consistently is ranked among the most expensive in which to reside. As for the Jones Act itself, Reeve pointed out it was enacted “because Congress recognized that our national security was dependent on a U.S. Merchant Marine consisting of vessels and skilled seafarers that could be relied upon to move military equipment and personnel overseas in time of war. This policy has been proven right time and again, in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the more recent engagements in the Middle East. But national security benefits are not all that it ensures. Just two weeks ago, we witnessed the reliability and dependability of the dedicated Jones Act carriers that quickly adapted operations to ensure a reliable lifeline of goods to Hawaii was maintained in the midst of an approaching hurricane. “Critics of the Jones Act claim that the higher cost of U.S.-built ships and U.S. crews compared to foreign counterparts are major contributors to Hawaii’s high cost of living despite the fact that the cost of ships and their crews account for only a small fraction of the cost of moving goods between the mainland and Hawaii,” he continued. “But what critics fail to mention is that foreign carriers are not subject to the same labor, environmental and safety standards, or subject to U.S. taxes. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, these additional requirements would likely erase any cost advantage a foreign vessel operator might have if replacing U.S. carriers in serving Hawaii.” He also said it is “questionable” whether a foreignflag ship operator “would provide the same quality of service provided by the current Jones Act operators in terms of port coverage, direct sailings, fast transit times, and dedicated and customized equipment. Current U.S. providers of regularly scheduled services to Hawaii from the mainland have invested over $2 billion in recent years in highly fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vessels and in marine terminal upgrades designed to serve Hawaii for at least the next 30 years, all while their ocean freight rates are essentially at the same level as they were a decade ago.” Pictured from left to right are (seated) QMED Michael Kelly, Chief Cook Thomas Cyrus, Chief Cook Marilou Toledo, QMED Donald Lumpkins, (standing) Recertified Steward Earl Castain, Bosun William Lima and Recertified Bosun Stephen Herring (chairman). Rank-and-file Members Examine Union’s Finances O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 10 October 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Committee Approves 2019 Records The pandemic caused a later-than-usual start, but seven SIU members in early September approved the union’s financial records for 2019. The SIU Constitution requires that a group of rankand-file Seafarers (elected by fellow members) annually examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. Accordingly, this process occurred last month, beginning with the financial committee’s election in Piney Point, Maryland, and then in the following days when they reviewed the paperwork at SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland. The committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2019 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s October membership meetings. Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Stephen Herring (chairman), Recertified Steward Earl Castain, Chief Cook Thomas Cyrus, QMED Michael Kelly, Bosun William Lima, QMED Donald Lumpkins and Chief Cook Marilou Toledo. They were elected Sept. 8 at the monthly membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The members handled their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. In part, their report reads, “We, the committee, do hereby state that we have examined the procedure for controlling of the funds of the union and have found that the system of internal control is adequate to safeguard them properly…. 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 members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. October 2020 �Members Rise to Occasion in Turbo Activations Mariners Answer the Nation’s Call During Back-to-Back Events Beginning in late July, SIU mariners once again answered the nation’s call by crewing up a large number of Ready Reserve Force (RRF) and surge sealift vessels on very short notice. As explained by SIU Vice President of Contracts and Contract Enforcement George Tricker, “As directed by agreement with the United States Transportation Command, MARAD (the U.S. Maritime Administration) conducted the Command Post Exercise Breakout 2020 to test that ship managers, operating companies, and maritime labor unions have the ability to initially crew the entire Ready Reserve Force and Military Sealift Command’s surge sealift vessels simultaneously.” Altogether, SIU members helped crew up 19 ships during the activations. In the first period, the following vessels were activated: USNS Cape Race (operated by Keystone), USNS Denebola (TOTE), USNS Cape Knox (Keystone), USNS Gordon (Ocean Shipholdings) and USNS Fisher (U.S. Marine Management). This totaled 59 SIU jobs. During the second period, which began in late August, the following vessels were activated: Cape Ray (Keystone), Gopher State (Pacific-Gulf Marine), Adm. William Callaghan (Patriot), Cape Henry (Matson), Cape Horn (Matson), Cape Wrath (Crowley), Cornhusker State (Pacific-Gulf Marine), Cape Domingo (Keystone), Cape Decision (Keystone), USNS Shughart (Ocean Shipholdings), Cape Inscription (Ocean Shipholdings), SS Algol (Ocean Shipholdings), USNS Gilliland (Ocean Shipholdings) and USNS Red Cloud (Patriot). Those 14 ships meant 146 jobs filled. The focus of the exercise remains the initial crewing actions to surge vessels for sealift purposes, and does not consider sustainment requirements or the ability to replace mariners because of vessel losses. “It went very well,” said Seafarers Manpower Director Mark von Siegel. “With the five ships in July, the ports did a great job in getting those filled quickly, but they actually did a quicker job with the 14-vessel activation. We had all of those jobs filled within 24 hours. They did a fantastic job. The members really stepped up to the plate when the balloon went up, as they say, and took those jobs on short notice. Abiding by all the rules and regulations due to the quarantine was a challenge, but we got the job done.” Known as the fourth arm of defense, the U.S. Merchant Marine has been a vital part of national security since the country’s founding. As recently noted by the coalition USA Maritime, “The U.S.-flag Merchant Marine ensures that the United States will have the sealift it needs to carry out its military, humanitarian, and commercial objectives overseas, and ensures the availability of U.S.-controlled, U.S.-crewed maritime assets to keep commerce flowing in times of war and national emergencies.” Earlier this year, U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby noted, “The merchant marine has always been there, and has never faltered.” During remarks commemorating this year’s National Maritime Day, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) Commanding Officer Gen. Stephen R. Lyons said, “We count on a strong U.S.-flag maritime industry – a maritime industry that has a long history of enabling military victory. Today, just as in World War II, the United States-flag merchant ships, the mariners who crew them, and our commercial sealift industry continue to play a critical role in our nation’s defense by providing sealift ships, mariners, and access to global seaport networks.” He continued, “As a result, the United States’ ability to project and sustain military power across transoceanic distances remains a strategic competitive advantage, and is admired by friends and adversaries. TRANSCOM, working with MARAD and key industry partners, provides an essential element of deterrence and, if necessary, the unquestionable ability to respond with overwhelming, decisive force, most of which will be moved by sealift. The resulting combined effort is a world order that encourages peace, and opportunities for freedom, while deterring a great power war for over 75 years and counting. “The United States is today, and always will be, a maritime nation,” Lyons concluded. “The most important resource of a maritime nation is people: professional men and women of high technical proficiency, who sail with high technical competency, hard work and innovation. That is why, at the end of the day, it is a U.S. flag on a ship, with U.S. crews at the helm, that remain essential to our national defense.” Pandemic Prompts Some Extensions Editor’s note: SIU members are encouraged to regularly check the union’s website for the latest unionspecific news about the pandemic. There is a prominent COVID-19 section on the home page. Members also may sign up for text alerts by texting the word “join” (without the quotation marks) to 97779. The Marine Safety Information Bulletins mentioned in this article are linked on the SIU website. As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, the U.S. Coast Guard recently relaxed some requirements so that mariners face fewer obstacles staying on the job or returning to work. Most recently, the agency on Aug. 31 issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) stating that for individuals already possessing a valid merchant mariner credential (MMC), the lack of a current Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) will not invalidate the MMC. “For mariners already holding a MMC, if their TWIC expires, and their credential remains valid, then no action needs to be taken and the credential remains valid,” the MSIB indicated. “Under the 46 CFR 10.203(b), failure to hold a valid TWIC may serve as grounds for suspension or revocation of a merchant mariner credential. The Coast Guard will not pursue any suspension and revocation actions based on expired TWIC’s during the COVID19 pandemic. The Coast Guard will update industry prior to reinstating enforcement of this requirement. This enforcement discretion for expired TWICs does not apply to cases where a mariner’s TWIC has been suspended or revoked due to a determination that they are a security threat. In those cases, the Coast Guard may pursue suspension or revocation of the MMC. “With respect to expired TWICs in the MMC application process, mariners applying for an original credential will be treated differently than mariners seeking a renewal, raise of grade or new endorsement,” the bulletin added. “This is because the TSA provides the Coast Guard with biometric and biographic information (including the photograph) necessary to evaluate and produce a MMC.” One week earlier, the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) posted a four-page policy letter waiting some revalidation requirements. For Seafarers, if your current MMC with STCW endorsements expired or expires between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021, you are exempted from the requirement for revalidation courses – as long as you provide documentation reflecting at least one year of sea time within the past five years. (Applicable courses include Basic Training, and Revalidation Basic Training/Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation.) In order to proceed, go to the MMC page on the NMC website, click on the RENEWAL tab, and submit the proper paperwork. Less than a week earlier, a separate MSIB indicated that MMCs (National Endorsements only) that expire between March 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2020 are extended until March 31, 2021. Mariners who are actively working on expired creden- SIU-Crewed NY Waterway Vessel Rescues Man From Hudson River A NY Waterway ferry crew aboard the Empire State rescued a man from the Hudson River on Aug. 27, which is the third rescue in four years that SIU members Capt. David Dort and Deckhand Gregorio Pages have performed while on their ferry route. This was the first water rescue for Deckhand Andrew Galarza. The crew was just leaving the Brookfield Place/ Battery Park City Terminal, headed to the Hoboken NJ October 2020 tials that meet the extension criteria must carry the expired credential with a copy of the notice. Additionally, medical certificates (National Endorsements only) that expire between March 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2020 are extended until Dec. 31, 2020. Mariners who are actively working on expired medical certificates that meet the extension criteria must carry the expired credential with a copy of the notice. This measure relaxes the requirement to carry an unexpired medical certificate and not the actual medical standards, according to the agency. Further, that same MSIB specifies that MMCs with STCW endorsements that expire between March 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2020 are extended until March 31, 2021. Mariners who are actively working on expired credentials that meet the extension criteria must carry the expired credential with a copy of the notice. Finally, STCW Medical Certificates that expire between March 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2020 are extended until Dec. 31, 2020. Mariners who are actively working on an expired medical certificate that meet the extension criteria must carry the expired certificate with a copy of the notice. The aforementioned extensions undoubtedly are acknowledgments that the global pandemic has no clear ending in sight. Nevertheless, the SIU and the U.S. maritime industry as a whole continue adapting to what’s commonly called the “new normal” in order to deliver the goods. In that vein, American-flag vessel Continued on Page 15 The pandemic doesn’t preclude periodic relaxation. This catch was hauled in during some off time aboard the Maersk Denver on Labor Day. Pictured from left are Bosun James Walker, Electrician Herman Castro, AB Rafael Tannis and AB Roque Lambert. Transit Terminal at 7:30 a.m., when they saw a man in the water near Pier 25. “We were just about to back out when I saw something in the water. The deckhands deployed as we moved up and they got him out,” Dort said. “This is why we do our drills.” The crew then brought the man back to the Brookfield Place/Battery Park City Terminal and turned him over to the New York Police Department and medical personnel. In Nov. 2017, Dort and his crew rescued a man from the Hudson after he had jumped off the seawall just north of the Brookfield Place/Battery Park City Ferry Terminal. In July 2016, they rescued a man from the water near West 39th Street. When asked about the multiple rescues in 2017, Cap- tain Dort replied, “For us, this is all in a day’s work.” Since 1986, SIU-crewed NY Waterway ferries have provided dependable transportation for commuters and other passengers in New York and New Jersey. They also have conducted emergency evacuations, bringing hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents home safely after 9/11, the 2003 blackout and other disasters. These ferries and crews also have saved more than 300 people from various accidents, including 143 people rescued from Flight 1549 in the Miracle on the Hudson, the most successful rescue in aviation history. During non-pandemic times, the ferries carry upwards of 32,000 or more passengers daily and maintain an on-time performance rate greater than 99 percent. The boats serve 20-plus routes between New Jersey and Manhattan. Seafarers LOG 3 �USNS Newport Joins CIVMAR Fleet New jobs for CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division are on the way following the Sept. 2 delivery of the U.S. Navy’s newest expeditionary fast transport (EPF) vessel, the USNS Newport. The 338-foot ship successfully completed integrated sea trials on July 30. According to the Navy, “Integrated trials combine builder’s and acceptance trials, allowing for the shipyard to demonstrate to the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey the operational capability and mission readiness of all the ship’s systems during a single underway period. During trials, the shipbuilder conducted comprehensive tests to demonstrate the performance of all of the ship’s major systems. The USNS Newport is the second EPF ship to undergo the integrated trial, signifying the stability and maturity of the shipbuilding program.” “Achieving this milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the shipbuilding team and our partners in industry,” said Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager for the Navy. “We are eager to … enhance the operational flexibility available to our combatant commanders.” EPFs are designed to operate in shallow waterways and are capable of a wide range of activities. They can transport 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots, and include a flight deck to support aircraft operations. The ships are The USNS Newport (U.S. Navy photo) capable of interfacing with roll-on/roll-off facilities, as well as on/off-loading militarily useful vehicles up to and including a fully combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank. Austal USA, the shipyard, has also started construction of the future USNS Apalachicola and is under contract to build the future USNS Cody. Labor Groups Urge Enforcement of Workers’ Rights 17 Organizations Weigh in on United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Seventeen labor organizations, including the SIU, are signatory to a public comment issued Aug. 14 on the Office of U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) notice titled “Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement Procedural Guidelines for Petitions Pursuant to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement” (USMCA). The USTR notice appeared in the Federal Register June 30 (Docket Number USTR-2-2—0028). Posted on Aug. 17, 2020, the statement was issued by Thomas Conway, president of the United Steelworkers and a member of the Labor Advisory Committee, on behalf of a broad cross section of unions with interest and expertise on the subject of trade and workers’ rights. Essentially, Conway stated that the proposed guidelines for what has been described as “the new NAFTA” are “seriously flawed in identifying as a consideration for making determinations as to whether to pursue a petition under the labor chapter draft rules.” The Steelworkers executive addressed provisions of the updated trade agreement regarding the enforcement of labor rights and “a Facility-Specific Rapid Response Labor Mechanism in Annex 31-A. The USMCA, in part, was designed to expand labor rights in all three signatory countries and to enhance the implementation, monitoring and enforcement of such rights. These provisions are critical to addressing the fundamental flaws and failures of the original North American Free Trade Agreement in the area of workers’ rights, which has led to significant outsourcing of U.S. production and jobs to Mexico. “Many unions were deeply engaged with the USTR, the Department of Labor, Congress and other entities during the entire process of drafting and consideration of USMCA,” he continued. “We are similarly committed to being active and engaged in the implementation, monitoring and enforcement of the agreement. The Labor Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations and Trade Policy (LAC), by statute, is charged with performing a number of tasks and providing advice as to the operation of the agreement. We understand, however, that as the Administration has not asked for the LAC’s input on this proposed rule the LAC cannot provide them. This would appear to run counter to the fact that the Congress has clearly identified the important role that the LAC plays not only in the area of labor rights but in advancing the interests of working people. Thus, we are filing these comments on behalf of the millions of working people we represent and not for the LAC.” The comment is co-signed by Gabrielle Cateris of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists; Joseph DePete of the Air Line Pilots Association; David Heindel of the Seafarers International Union; Mary Kay Henry of the Service Employees International Union; James P. Hoffa of Interna- tional Brotherhood of Teamsters; Robert Martinez of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; Sara Nelson of the Association of Flight Attendants-Communication Workers of America; Marc Perrone of United Food and Commercial Workers; Cecil Roberts Jr. of the United Mine Workers of America; Lee Saunders of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; Paul Shearon of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers; Anthony Shelton of the Baker, Confectioners, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers’ International Union; Elizabeth Shuler and Richard Trumka of AFL-CIO; Lonnie Stephenson of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Baldemar Velasquez of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee; Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers; Larry I. Willis of Transportation Trades Department AFL-CIO and Rory Gamble of United Auto Workers. ITF Inspector Receives Honor SIU International Transport Workers’ Federation Inspector Shwe Aung, pictured in Houston, recently was recognized by the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America. He received the organization’s Maritime Samaritan Award. 4 Seafarers LOG October 2020 �Coalition Salutes Rep. Luria An enthusiastic U.S. Merchant Marine supporter recently received a prestigious honor from the nation’s premier domestic maritime coalition. The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, on Aug. 18 announced it is honoring U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) “with the celebrated American Maritime Hero Award. The award recognizes individuals or groups of individuals who have added to the rich heritage of the United States as a maritime nation through their professional contributions, courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” AMP pointed out that as “a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, Representative Luria is one of the first women to serve her entire military career aboard combatant ships. In her final assignment, she commanded a maritime prepositioning force of 400 sailors. With that knowledge; Representative Luria came to Congress in 2018 as a strong supporter of the maritime industry as a member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. The Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee oversees key commercial and military maritime programs and laws.” Rep. Luria stated, “In Coastal Virginia, the maritime industry is integral to our regional economy, national security, and constituents’ livelihoods. As a tireless advocate for the maritime community, it is an honor to receive this award. As a 20-year Navy veteran, I know the importance of supporting and advocating for the maritime industry. In Congress, I will continue to be a staunch advocate for the Jones Act and the U.S. maritime industry.” “Representative Luria has been steadfast in her commitment to this nation, and to the men and women of maritime” said SHBP Announces Award of Additional Scholarship to Seafarer When applications arrived for this year’s Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) scholarship program, one might say the selection committee faced a proverbial “nice problem to have.” There were so many well-qualified applicants, the committee in early September designated an additional 2020 award – for QMED Charles Toliver Jr., who has sailed with the SIU since 2001. In August, the committee had announced the other nine grants (for two active Seafarers and seven dependents), which totaled $132,000 in value. Toliver’s scholarship is for four years and is valued at $20,000. While Toliver intends to put the funds to good use, he doesn’t plan to change careers. He earned a third assistant engineer’s license QMED Charles Toliver Jr. in 2018 but needs additional coursework in order to continue sailing in a licensed capacity. (He also still sails with the SIU, most recently in July aboard the USNS Brittin.) “The scholarship helps me a great deal,” said Toliver, who lives in Jacksonville, Florida. “Those classes are very expensive, so I’m glad I received it.” A frequent upgrader at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Toliver views the merchant marine as a good match for his interest in, and aptitude for mechanics, science and technology. He has identified several maritime academies as potential landing spots during his ongoing education. Mike Roberts, president of AMP. “She has led in Congress on key issues to support the domestic and deep sea U.S.-flag fleets, including programs related to shipbuilding, mariners, and vessel operations. It is our honor to recognize Representative Luria with the American Maritime Hero Award, for her dedication to American maritime companies and American mariners.” Luria earlier this year sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate leaders asking for their support of American-flag ships and their crews. Around that same time, she hosted a promaritime video conference call during which she stated that a drop-off in both government cargo and commercial cargo means it’s the right time to boost the Maritime Security Program. “This program is an essential part of our national security,” she said, and then added her ongoing backing of the Jones Act and cargo preference. U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) SIU Mourns Loss of Supporters Jack Martorelli, Robert Chiesa They may not have been Seafarers, but Jack Martorelli and Robert Chiesa were supportive of the SIU for decades, and undoubtedly were well-known to many union members. The SIU was saddened to learn that both men recently passed away – Martorelli on Aug. 27, at age 78, after a battle with cancer; and Chiesa on June 6, at age 79. Martorelli served as president of the Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Port Council, part of the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department (MTD). Although he only led the port council since 2014, he had been a mainstay of the organization for decades. In recalling his longtime friend, MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco remembered Martorelli as one of the “amigos” who teamed with Sacco, Richard Mantia and Bobby Sansone to rebuild the council during the 1970s. “Jack was the go-to guy in St. Louis,” Sacco said. “If you needed something done, you went to Jack. He will be sorely missed.” Martorelli was a member of Operating Engineers Local 513, where he had served as president and business manager. Chiesa spent almost three decades with SIU-contracted Waterman Steamship Corporation. For most of that time, he worked as manager of marine personnel, supervising crewing and payroll for 13 American-flag vessels. He retired in 2006 but in 2013 Jack Martorelli President St. Louis Port Council Robert Chiesa Crewing Manager Waterman Steamship Corp. returned to work for a while as the government crewing coordinator for the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots. “He was an all-around good guy and he really helped the SIU,” recalled former Seafarer Andrew Pierros, who alerted the LOG about Chiesa’s death. “It’s a shame he’s gone. He worked with the SIU for many years and I’m sure a lot of our guys would know him.” Chiesa was born and raised in New York City on the Lower East Side, better known as Greenwich Village. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1958-63, then worked for railroads as a telegraph operator. Several years ago, Chiesa recalled his civilian maritime roots: “I started out in the maritime industry in New York with Clipper Marine, then with International Admiralty Marine and later with Avon Steamship,” he said. “I worked first as a teletype operator and a mail clerk. I climbed the ladder to become paymaster. In 1979, I finally came to rest on the doorstep of Waterman Steamship Corporation’s New York office.” TOTE Maritime Alaska Celebrates Shipping Milestone Seafarers-contracted TOTE Maritime Alaska recently commemorated its 45th anniversary of providing service between Washington State and Alaska. “TOTE Alaska has a proud history of serving the people and communities of Alaska,” TOTE Alaska President Grace Greene said in a statement. “Driven by a commitment to excellence, we have consistently worked to deliver on our promise of dedicated, reliable service no matter how challenging the times.” TOTE Alaska’s inaugural voyage was made by the Great Land to the Port of Anchorage on Sept. 10, 1975. In a communication to the company’s executives, SIU President Michael Sacco October 2020 wrote, “As someone who understands the many challenges faced by our industry, I am genuinely appreciative of your 45 years of consummate service to our fellow citizens in The Last Frontier. On behalf of our entire executive board, the SIU has been proud to stand (and sail) with you for so many years, and we look forward to continued success working together.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez added, “It is a truly extraordinary accomplishment, exemplified by your continued commitment to providing a critical service even during these turbulent times.” John McCarthy, Port of Tacoma com- mission president and co-chair of The Northwest Seaport Alliance, told Workboat magazine, “Since its very first sailing in 1975, TOTE Maritime Alaska has continued to focus on providing yearround, reliable service to Alaska – keeping a key supply chain open during even the most challenging times. Their dedication to customer service has allowed them to grow over time – repeatedly outgrowing cargo terminals, but never abandoning their commitment to the Pacific Northwest for 45 years.” “TOTE was the first marine cargo facility in the Pacific Northwest to retrofit its cargo-handling equipment and to introduce shore power to reduce its air emissions. It was also the first to deploy rain gardens to manage stormwater. We are fortunate to have them as a partner in Washington State,” said Peter Steinbrueck, Port of Seattle commission president and co-chair of The Northwest Seaport Alliance, according to Workboat. “Through these proactive environmental initiatives, TOTE Maritime Alaska’s commitment to the communities they serve remains a key value today as it looks for ways to be a good neighbor.” TOTE is converting the SIU-crewed Orca-class vessels North Star and Midnight Sun so they can use liquefied natural gas as fuel. That process is scheduled for completion early next year. Seafarers LOG 5 �Information for the 2020 Election of Officers SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Balloting Begins Nov. 1 for Union Officers Voting starts Nov. 1 for the election of officers for the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. SIU members will be able to cast secret ballots at union halls or by mail through Dec. 31, 2020. Seafarers eligible to vote in this election to determine union officials for the 2021-2024 term are full-book members in good standing. This eligibility criteria is spelled out in the union’s governing document, the constitution. The ballot will list the names of all qualified candidates as determined by the credentials committee, a group made up of six rank-and-file Seafarers who reviewed the nominating petitions of all SIU members seeking office in this districtwide election. A sample of this ballot appears on pages 7 and 8. The credentials committee report, which was prepared Aug. 17 and submitted to the membership at the September meetings, indicated 27 candidates had qualified to run for 25 positions. (The committee’s report was published in the September 2020 Seafarers LOG and received membership approval at last month’s meetings.) The 25 posts for which Seafarers will cast their ballots are president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents. 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 postage-paid envelopes printed with the address of the bank depository where the ballots are kept until submitted to the tallying committee, will be available to full-book members in good standing at 20 union halls around the country. (See list of voting locations on this page.) Eligible Seafarers may pick up their ballots and envelopes marked “Ballot” and mailing envelopes at these halls between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays (except legal holidays) from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. Additionally, in accordance with recent SIU Executive Board actions approved by the membership, ballots can be brought to Seafarers-crewed vessels within a 50-mile radius of a hiring hall. Ballots also can be brought to other locations within that same 50-mile radius if a vessel’s crew is congregating there. Finally, if a vessel is one that the port routinely services beyond the 50-mile radius, ballots can be brought to that vessel during routine servicing. This is being done to promote safety and participation during the pandemic, and additional details are available at the halls. Each member must present his or her book to the port agent or the agent’s designated representative when receiving the ballot, the envelope marked “Ballot” and the mailing envelope. When the Seafarer receives the ballot and envelopes, his or her book will be marked 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 “Challenged.” His or her book will be stamped with the words “Voted Challenge” and the date. For members who believe they will be at sea during this time, the SIU constitution provides for absentee voting procedures. This year, as part of the aforementioned executive board action, any member may vote by absentee ballot, again because of the pandemic. Full-book members in good standing who prefer to vote by absentee ballot should direct a request for the ballot to the union’s secretary-treasurer at SIU headquarters – 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Secret Ballots Once the Seafarer has received his or her ballot and envelopes, he or she marks the ballot for the candidates of his or her choice and puts it in the envelope marked “Ballot,” then in the mailing envelope. This envelope is sealed by the member and then dispatched in the mail. These steps ensure the integrity of the secret ballot process. The union’s constitution, in Article XIII, details the procedures for voting in union elections. All ballots will be counted by the rank-and-file committee consisting of two members elected from each of the union’s constitutional ports. These committee members will be elected in December. They will convene in early January 2021. Notice on Unopposed Candidates One part of the article of the SIU Constitution covering rules for elections concerns the election of candidates who are unopposed for the office in question. The section states that those candidates who are unopposed for any office or job shall be considered elected to that office or job and that the tallying committee shall not have to count the votes for any such candidate. The entire section, contained in Article XIII, Section 5 of the SIU Constitution, reads as follows: “A candidate unopposed for any office or job shall be deemed elected to such office or job notwithstanding that his name may appear on the ballot. The Union Tallying Committee shall not be required to tally completely the results of the voting for such unopposed candidate but shall certify in their report that such unopposed candidate has been elected to such office or job. The Election Report Meeting shall accept the above certification of the Union Tallying Committee.” Procedures for Voting All Seafarers eligible to vote in the union’s 2020 election of officers and job holders for the term 2021-2024 may vote by secret ballot from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020. Secret ballots, together with self-addressed, stamped envelopes for mailing, will be available at union halls to all eligible voters. As reported elsewhere in this edition, ballots also may be brought to SIU-crewed ships, depending on proximity to hiring halls and availability of staff, and to other areas (for example, an airport or pre-boarding hotel) where members are congregating. Seafarers are eligible to vote in the union’s election if they are full-book members in good standing. Details of the election procedure are spelled out in Article XIII of the SIU Constitution, which is printed on pages 9 and 10 of this issue of Seafarers LOG. While the constitution itself has not been modified, some of the procedures for the upcoming election have been adjusted due to the pandemic. Those changes are aimed at facilitating participation and promoting safety. They were approved first by the SIU Executive Board and subsequently by rank-and-file Seafarers during the September membership meetings. In summary, here is the procedure for voting in the upcoming election: ■ Eligible Seafarers may pick up ballot and mailing envelopes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (local time), Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 Seafarers LOG noon on Saturdays (excluding legal holidays) from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020 at designated hiring halls (see list on this page). ■ When a full-book member arrives to vote, he or she should present his or her book to the port agent of his duly designated representative. ■ The member will be asked to sign a roster sheet indicating the date, the number of the ballot given the member and his or her book number. ■ The member will have his book stamped with the word “Voted” and the date. ■ At the same time, the member will receive a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope. The mailing envelope has the address of the depository printed on it, making it self-addressed. It also has the postage pre-paid. ■ The top part of the ballot above the perforated line will be retained by the port agent or his duly designated representative. ■ In cases where a member does not produce his or her book, or if there is a question about the member’s good standing or other eligibility matters, the member will receive a mailing envelope of a different color marked with the word “Challenge.” His or her book will also be stamped “Voted Challenge” and the date. ■ After a member has voted, he or she puts the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot,” then in the mailing envelope which is addressed to the bank depository and stamped. The mailing envelope should then be put in the mail. Notice of 2020 Election For Election of 2021-2024 Officers Seafarers International Union of North America Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Elections will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (local time), Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence Nov. 1, 2020 and shall continue through Dec. 31, 2020. Voting Locations ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame Street, Suite 1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 FT. LAUDERDALE 1221 South Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 GUAM Cliffline Office Ctr., Suite 103B, 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 JOLIET 10 East Clinton, Joliet, IL 60432 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy., Mobile, AL 36605 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 PHILADELPHIA 2604 South Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 PINEY POINT Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, MD 20674 PUERTO RICO 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 TACOMA 3411 South Union St., Tacoma, WA 98409 WILMINGTON 510 North Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 Procedure for Absentee Ballots Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled for later this year. As previously reported, the SIU Constitution provides that eligible members can vote by absentee ballot if they are on a vessel or in a hospital during the voting period. However, following recent actions by the union’s executive board as well as rank-and-file members, for this election, anyone desiring to vote by absentee ballot may do so. The constitution specifies that absenteeballot requests should be made by registered or certified mail; but, for this election, such requests may be sent by regular mail (which won’t require members to leave their homes to go to a post office). If, however, any member sends a request for an absentee ballot by regular mail, that member is asked to wait five or more days to allow the request to be delivered, and then call the office of SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel to verify the request has been received. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct ad- dress where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The request must be received at headquarters by 12 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2020. 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. Absentee ballots will be mailed out as soon as possible after receiving requests. In no event will an absentee ballot be mailed out later than Dec. 4. 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 self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2020 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2021. October 2020 �October 2020 Seafarers LOG 7 �8 Seafarers LOG October 2020 �Information for the 2020 Election of Officers SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters SIU Constitution Spells Out Rules On 2020 Elections The section of the union’s constitution outlining voting procedures in the SIU’s elections, which are conducted every four years, appears here and on page 10 in its entirety. Please note that, because of the COVID19 pandemic, some of the rules for nominations were relaxed this year, in order to promote participation and safety. These modifications were reported in the August edition of the Seafarers LOG, on the union’s website and during the August membership meetings, in addition to being shared on the SIU’s social-media pages and text-alert service. Similarly, as reported elsewhere in this edition, adjustments have been made to the balloting procedures for this election, also for reasons of safety and inclusion. Article XIII Elections for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents and Port Agents Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Section 2(b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, or Port Agent, by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or sending a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the Secretary-Treasurer at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: The name of the candidate. His home address and mailing address. His book number. The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the position sought is that of Port Agent. Proof of citizenship. Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: “I hereby certify that I am not now, nor, for the five (5) years last past, have I been either a member of the Communist Party or convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from conviction of robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit any such crimes.” Dated ___________________________ ________________________________ Signature of Member Book No. ________________________ Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Any full book member may nominate any October 2020 other full book member in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of this Article as they are set forth herein relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self nomination provision the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office shall be that of the nominator. All documents required herein must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter’s request. Section 2. Credentials Committee (a) A Credentials Committee shall be elected at either the regular meeting in August of the election year or at a special meeting convened in August of the election year at the Port where Headquarters is located. It shall consist of six (6) full book members in attendance at the meeting with two (2) members to be elected from each of the Deck, Engine and Steward Departments. No officer, Assistant Vice-President, or Port Agent, or candidate for office of the job of Assistant Vice-President, or Port Agent, shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In the event any Committee member is unable to serve, the Committee shall suspend until the President or Executive Vice-President or the Secretary-Treasurer, in that order, calls a special meeting at the Port where Headquarters is located in order to elect a replacement. The Committee’s results shall be by majority vote with any tie vote being resolved by a majority of the membership at a special meeting called for that purpose at that Port. (b) After its election, the Committee shall immediately go into session. It shall determine whether the person has submitted his application correctly and possesses the necessary qualifications. The Committee shall prepare a report listing each applicant and his book number under the office or job he is seeking. Each applicant shall be marked “qualified” or “disqualified” according to the findings of the Committee. Where an applicant has been marked “disqualified,” the reason therefore must be stated in the report. Where a tie vote has been resolved by a special meeting of the membership, that fact shall also be noted with sufficient detail. The report shall be signed by all of the Committee members and be completed and submitted to the Ports in time for the next regular meeting after their election. At this meeting, it shall be read and incorporated in the minutes and then posted on the bulletin board in each Port. On the last day of nominations, one (1) member of the Committee shall stand by in Headquarters to accept delivery of credentials. All credentials must be in Headquarters by midnight of closing day. (c) When an applicant has been disqualified by the Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram, overnight mail, air mail, special delivery, or an equivalent mail service at the address listed by him pursuant to Section 1 of this Article. He shall also be sent a letter containing their reasons for such disqualification by airmail, special delivery, registered or certified, to the mailing address designated pursuant to Section 1(b) of this Article. A disqualified applicant shall have the right to take an appeal to the membership from the decision of the Committee. He shall forward copies of such appeal to each Port where the appeal shall be presented and voted upon at a regular meeting no later than the second meeting after the Committee’s election. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure timely delivery of his appeal. In any event, without prejudice to his written appeal, the applicant may appear in person before the Committee within two (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. The Committee’s report shall be prepared early enough to allow the applicant to appear before it within the time set forth in this Constitution and still reach the Ports in time for the first regular meeting after its election. (d) A majority vote of the membership shall, in the case of such appeals, be sufficient to overrule any disqualification by the Credentials Committee in which event the one so previously classified shall then be deemed qualified. (e) The Credentials Committee, in passing upon the qualifications of candidates, shall have the right to conclusively presume that anyone nominated and qualified in previous elections for candidacy for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President or Port Agent has met all the requirements of Section 1(a) of Article XII. (f) Committee members shall receive a per diem in an amount determined by the SecretaryTreasurer but in no event shall they receive an amount less than the AB Green hourly rate as specified in the current union industry wide contract for eight hours for each day of service commencing with the day subsequent to their election and ending on the day they complete their service or, if applicable, return to the Port from which they were elected. Section 3. Balloting Procedures. (a) Balloting in the manner hereafter provided shall commence on November 1st of the election year and shall continue through December 31st, exclusive of Sundays and (for each individual Port) holidays legally recognized in the City of which the Port affected is located. If November 1st and December 31st falls on a holiday legally recognized in a Port in the City in which that Port is located, the balloting period in such Port shall commence or terminate, as the case may be, on the next succeeding business day. Subject to the foregoing, for the purpose of full book members securing their ballots, the Ports shall be open from 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. (b) Balloting shall be by mail. The SecretaryTreasurer shall insure the proper and timely preparation of ballots without partiality as to candidates or Ports. The ballots may contain general information and instructive comments not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution. All qualified candidates shall be listed thereon alphabetically within each category with book number and job seniority classification status. The listing of the Ports shall first set forth Headquarters and then shall follow a geographical pattern commencing with the most northerly Port of the Atlantic Coast, following the Atlantic Coast down to the most southerly Port on that coast, then westerly along the Gulf of Mexico and so on, until the list of Ports is exhausted. Any Port outside the Continental United States shall then be added. There shall be no write-in voting and no provisions for the same shall appear on the ballot. Each ballot shall be so prepared as to have the number thereon place at the top thereof and shall be so perforated as to enable that portion containing the said number to be easily removed to insure secrecy of the ballot. On this removable portion shall also be placed a short statement indicating the nature of the ballot and the voting date thereof. (c) The ballots so prepared at the direction of the Secretary-Treasurer shall be the only official ballots. No others may be used. Each ballot shall be numbered as indicated in the preceding paragraphs and shall be numbered consecutively, commencing with number 1. A sufficient amount shall be printed and distributed to each Port. A record of the ballots, both by serial numbers and amount, sent thereto, shall be maintained by the Secretary-Treasurer who shall also send each Port Agent a verification list indicating the amount and serial numbers of the ballots sent. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also send to each Port Agent a sufficient amount of blank opaque envelopes containing the word, “Ballot” on the face of the envelope, as well as a sufficient amount of opaque mailing envelopes, first class postage prepaid and printed on the face thereon as the addressee shall be the name and address of the depository for the receipt of such ballots as designated by the President in the manner provided by Article X, Section 1, of this Constitution. In the upper left-hand corner of such mailing envelope, there shall be printed thereon, as a top line, provision for the voter’s signature and on another line immediately thereunder, provision for the printing of the voter’s name and book number. In addition, the Secretary-Treasurer shall also send a sufficient amount of mailing envelopes identical with the mailing envelopes mentioned above, except that they shall be of different color, and shall contain on the face of such envelope, in bold letters, the word, “Challenge.” The Secretary-Treasurer shall further furnish a sufficient amount of “Roster Sheets” which shall have printed thereon, at the top thereof, the year of the election, and immediately thereunder, five (5) vertical columns designated date, ballot number, signature full book member’s name, book number and comments, and such roster sheets shall contain horizontal lines immediately under the captions of each of the above five (5) columns. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also send a sufficient amount of envelopes with the printed name and address of the depository on the face thereof, and in the upper left-hand corner, the name of the Port and address, and on the face of such envelope, should be printed the words, “Roster Sheets and Ballot Stubs”. Each Port Agent shall maintain separate records of the ballots sent him and shall inspect and count the ballots when received to insure that the amount sent, as well as the number thereon, conform to the amount and numbers listed by the Secretary-Treasurer as having been sent to that Port. The Port Agent shall immediately execute and return to the Secretary-Treasurer a receipt acknowledging the correctness of the amount and the numbers of the ballots sent, or shall notify the Secretary-Treasurer of any discrepancy. Discrepancies shall be corrected as soon as possible prior to the voting period. In any event, receipts shall be forwarded for all the aforementioned election material actually received. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare a file in which shall be kept memoranda and correspondence dealing with the election. This file shall at all times be available to any member asking for inspection of the same at the office of the Secretary-Treasurer and shall be turned over to the Union Tallying Committee. (d) Balloting shall be secret. Only full book members in good standing may vote. Each full book member may secure his ballot at Port offices from the Port Agent or his duly designated representative at such Port. Each Port Agent shall designate an area at the Port office over which should be posted the legend “Voting Ballots Secured Here.” When a full book member appears to vote he shall present his book to the Port Agent or his aforementioned duly designated representative. The Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall insert on the roster sheet under the appropriate column the date, the number of the ballot given to such member and his full book number, and the member shall then sign his name on such roster sheet under the appropriate column. Such member shall have his book stamped with the word, “Voted” and the date, and shall be given a ballot, and simultaneously the perforation on the top of the ballot shall be removed. At the same time the member shall be given the envelope marked “Ballot” together with the prepaid postage-mailing envelope addressed to the depository. The member shall take such ballot and envelopes and in secret thereafter, mark his ballot, fold the same, insert it in the blank envelope marked “Ballot”, seal the same, then insert such “Ballot” envelope into the mailing envelope, seal such mailing envelope, sign his name on the upper left-hand corner on the first line of such mailing envelope and on the second line in the upper left-hand corner print his name and book number, after which he shall mail or cause the same to be mailed. In the event a full book member appears to vote and is not in good standing or does not have his membership book with him or it appears for other valid reasons he is not eligible to vote, the same procedure as provided above shall apply to him, except that on the roster sheet under the column “Comments”, notation should be made that the member voted a challenged ballot and the reason for his challenge. Such member’s membership book shall be stamped “Voted Challenge”, and Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 9 �Information for the 2020 Election of Officers SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Continued from Page 9 the date, and such member instead of the abovementioned mailing envelope, shall be given the mailing envelope of a different color marked on the face thereof with the word, “Challenge”. At the end of each day, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall enclose in the envelope addressed to the depository and marked “Roster Sheets and Ballots Stubs”, the roster sheet or sheets executed by the members that day together with the numbered perforated slips removed from the ballots which had been given to the members, and then mail the same to such depository. To insure that an adequate supply of all balloting material is maintained in all Ports at all times, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative, simultaneously with mailing of the roster sheets and ballot stubs to the depository at the end of each day, shall also make a copy of the roster sheet for that day and mail the same to the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters. The Port Agent shall be responsible for the proper safeguarding of all election material and shall not release any of it until duly called for and shall insure that no one tampers with the material placed in his custody. (e) Full book members may request and vote an absentee ballot under the following circumstances: while such member is employed on a Union contracted vessel and which vessel’s schedule does not provide for it to be at a Port in which a ballot can be secured during the time and period provided for in Section 3(a) of this Article or is in an accredited hospital any time during the first ten (10) days of the month of November of the election year. The member shall make a request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail or the equivalent mailing device at the location from which such request is made, if such be the case. Such request shall contain a designation as to the address to which such member wishes his absentee ballot returned. The request shall be postmarked no later than 12:00 P.M. on the 15th day of November of the election year, shall be directed to the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters and must be delivered no later than the 25th of such November. The SecretaryTreasurer shall determine whether such member is eligible to vote such absentee ballot. The Secretary-Treasurer, if he determines that such member is so eligible, shall by the 30th of such November, send by registered mail, return receipt requested 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 SecretaryTreasurer 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. (f) All ballots to be counted must be received by the depository no later than the January 5th immediately subsequent to the election year and must be postmarked no later than 12 midnight December 31st of the election year. Section 4. (a) At the close of the last day of the period for securing ballots, the Port Agent in each Port, in addition to his duties set forth above, shall deliver or mail to Headquarters by registered or certified mail, attention Union Tallying Commit- 10 Seafarers LOG tee, all unused ballots and shall specifically set forth by serial number and amount the unused ballots so forwarded. (b) The Union Tallying Committee shall consist of twenty (20) full book members. Two (2) shall be elected from each of the ten (10) Ports of Jersey City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Detroit-Algonac, San Francisco, St. Louis and Piney Point. The election shall be held at the regular meeting in December of the election year or, if the Executive Board otherwise determines prior thereto, at a special meeting held in the aforesaid Ports, on the first business day of the last week of said month. No officer, Assistant Vice-President, Port Agent, or candidate for office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, or Port Agent shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In addition to the duties herein set forth, the Union Tallying Committee shall be charged with the tallying of all the ballots and the preparation of a closing report setting forth, in complete detail, the results of the election, including a complete accounting of all ballots and stubs, and reconciliation of the same with the rosters and receipts of the Port Agents, all with detailed reference to serial numbers and amount and with each total broken down into Port totals. The Union Tallying Committee shall have access to all election records and files for their inspection, examination and verification. The report shall clearly detail all discrepancies discovered and shall contain recommendations for the treatment of these discrepancies. All members of the Committee shall sign the report, without prejudice, however, to the right of any member thereof to submit a dissenting report as to the accuracy of the count and the validity of the ballots, with pertinent details. In connection with the tally of ballots there shall be no counting of ballots until all mailing envelopes containing valid ballots have first been opened, the ballot envelopes removed intact and then all of such ballot envelopes mixed together, after which such ballot envelopes shall be opened and counted in such multiples as the Committee may deem expedient and manageable. The Committee shall resolve all issues on challenged ballots and then tally those found valid utilizing the same procedure as provided in the preceding sentence either jointly or separately. (c) The members of the Union Tallying Committee shall, after their election, proceed to the Port in which Headquarters is located, to arrive at that Port no later than January 5th of the year immediately after the election year. Each member of the Committee not elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be reimbursed for transportation, meals, and lodging expenses occasioned by their traveling to and returning from that Port. Committee members elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be similarly reimbursed, except for transportation. Committee members shall receive a per diem in an amount determined by the Secretary-Treasurer but in no event shall they receive an amount less than the AB Green hourly rate as specified in the current union industry wide contract for eight hours for each day of service commencing with the day subsequent to their election and ending on the day they complete their service or, if applicable, return to the Port from which they were elected. The Union Tallying Committee shall elect a chairman from among themselves and, subject to the express terms of this Constitution, adopt its own procedures. All decisions of such Committee and the contents of their report shall be valid if made by a majority vote, provided there be a quorum in attendance, which quorum is hereby fixed at ten (10). The Committee, but not less than a quorum thereof, shall have the sole right and duty to obtain all mailed ballots and the other mailed election material from the depository and to insure their safe custody during the course of the Committee’s proceedings. The proceedings of the Committee, except for their organizational meeting and their actual preparation of the closing report and dissent therefrom, if any, shall be open to any member provided he observes decorum. Any candidate may act as an observer and/or designate another member to act as his observer at the counting of the ballots. In no event shall issuance of the above referred to closing report of the Committee be delayed beyond January 31st immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. In the discharge of its duties, the Committee may call upon and utilize the services of clerical employees of the Union. The Committee shall be discharged upon the completion of the issuance and dispatch of its report as required in this Article. In the event a recheck and recount is ordered pursuant to this Article, the Committee shall be reconstituted, except that if any member thereof is not available, a substitute therefore shall be elected from the appropriate Port at a special meeting held for that purpose as soon as possible. (d) The report of the committee shall be made up in sufficient copies to comply with the following requirements: two (2) copies shall be mailed by the Committee to each Port Agent and the Secretary-Treasurer no later than January 31st immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. As soon as these copies are received, each Port Agent shall post one (1) copy of the report on the bulletin board in a conspicuous manner and notify the Secretary-Treasurer, in writing, as to the date of such posting. This copy shall be kept posted until after the Election Report Meeting which shall be the March regular membership meeting immediately following the close of the election year. At the Election Report Meeting, the other copy of the report shall be read verbatim. (e) Any full book member claiming a violation of the election and balloting procedure or the conduct of the same, shall within seventy two (72) hours of the occurrence of the claimed violation notify the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, in writing by certified mail, of the same, setting forth his name, book number and the details so that appropriate corrective action, if warranted, may be taken. The Secretary-Treasurer shall expeditiously investigate the facts concerning the claimed violation, take such action as may be necessary, if any, and make a report and recommendation, if necessary, a copy of which shall be sent to the member and the original shall be filed for the Union Tallying Committee for their appropriate action, report and recommendation, if any. The foregoing shall not be applicable to matters involving the Credentials Committee’s action or report, the provisions of Article XIII, Sections 1 and 2 being the pertinent provisions applicable to such matters. All protests as to any and all aspects of the election and balloting procedures or the conduct of the same not passed upon by the Union Tallying Committee in its report, excluding therefrom matters involving the Credentials Committee’s action or report as provided in the last sentence of the immediately preceding paragraph, but including the procedure and report of the Union Tallying Committee, shall be filed in writing by certified mail with the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters to be received no later than the February 25th immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. It shall be the responsibility of the member to insure that his written protest is received by the Secretary-Treasurer no later than such February 25th. The Secretary-Treasurer shall forward copies of such written protest to all Ports in sufficient time to be read at the Election Report Meeting. The written protest shall contain the full book member’s name, book number, and all details constituting the protest. (f) At the Election Report Meeting the report and recommendation of the Union Tallying Committee, including but not limited to discrepancies, protests passed upon by them, as well as protests filed with the Secretary-Treasurer as provided for in Section (e) immediately above shall be acted upon by the meeting. A majority vote of the membership shall decide what action, if any, in accordance with the Constitution shall be taken thereon, which action, however, shall not include the ordering of a special vote, unless reported discrepancies or protested procedure or conduct found to have occurred and to be vio- lative of the Constitution affected the results of the vote for any office or job, in which event the special vote shall be restricted to such office, offices and/or job or jobs, as the case may be. A majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings may order a recheck and recount when a dissent to the closing report has been issued by three (3) or more members of the Union Tallying Committee. Except for the contingencies provided for in this Section 4(f), the closing report shall be accepted as final. There shall be no further protest or appeal from the action of the majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings. (g) Any special vote ordered pursuant to Section 4(f) shall be commenced within ninety (90) days after the first day of the month immediately subsequent to the Election Report Meetings mentioned above. The depository shall be the same as designated for the election from which the special vote is ordered. And the procedures shall be the same as provided for in Section 3, except where specific dates are provided for, the days shall be the dates applicable which provide for the identical time and days originally provided for in Section 3. The Election Report Meeting for the aforesaid special vote shall be that meeting immediately subsequent to the report of the Union Tallying Committee separated by one (1) calendar month. Section 5. Elected Officers and Jobholders. A candidate unopposed for any office or job shall be deemed elected to such office or job notwithstanding that his name may appear on the ballot. The Union Tallying Committee shall not be required to tally completely the results of the voting for such unopposed candidate but shall certify in their report that such unopposed candidate has been elected to such office or job. The Election Report Meeting shall accept the above certification of the Union Tallying Committee without change. Section 6. Installation into Office and the Job of Assistant Vice-President or Port Agent. (a) The person elected shall be that person having the largest number of votes cast for the particular office or job involved. Where more than one (1) person is to be elected for a particular office or job, the proper number of candidates receiving the successively highest number of votes shall be declared elected. These determinations shall be made only from the results deemed final and accepted as provided in this Article. It shall be the duty of the President to notify each individual elected. (b) The duly elected officers and other job holders shall take over their respective offices and jobs and assume the duties thereof at midnight of the night of the Election Report Meeting, or the next regular meeting, depending upon which meeting the results as to each of the foregoing are deemed final and accepted, as provided in this Article. The term of their predecessors shall continue up to, and expire at that time, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article XI, Section 1. This shall not apply where the successful candidate cannot assume his office because he is at sea. In such event, a majority vote of the membership may grant additional time for the assumption of the office or job. In the event of the failure of the newly-elected President to assume office the provisions of Article X, Section 12 shall apply until the expiration of the term. All other cases of failure to assume office shall be dealt with as decided by a majority vote of the membership. Section 7. The Secretary-Treasurer is specifically charged with the preservation and retention of all election records, including the ballots, as required by law, and is directed and authorized to issue such other and further directives as to the election procedures as are required by law, which directives shall be part of the election procedures of this Union. October 2020 �AFL-CIO’s Shuler: ‘We Must Do Better’ Grassroots Rally in Washington Spotlights Call for Justice AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler was among the headline speakers who took the stage Aug. 28 during the “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks” March in Washington, D.C. Conducted on the National Mall (steps of the Lincoln Memorial) and billed as a demand for an end to police brutality and a push for criminal justice reform, the rally came in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd. An African American man, Floyd died May 25 while in the custody of a White policeman in Minneapolis. The officer had pinned his knee on the back of Floyd’s neck as Floyd repeatedly said that he could not breathe. Other keynote speakers included event organizer, civil rights activist and National Action Network Founder Al Sharpton; Mar- tin Luther King III, son of the late Martin Luther King Jr.; family members of Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and Eric Garner; and a host of Black mothers who over the years have lost sons to police brutality. Some 50,000 people – many of whom were waiting in line before 8 a.m. for temperature and registration checks – turned out for the event. According to several sources, organizers originally expected 100,000 people to attend, but scaled back their projections, citing chartered buses canceled due to COVID-19 issues. The rally was planned months ago to coincide with the 57th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. “We’ve come, like Dr. King came 57 years ago, to say we’re tired of broken promises,” Rev. Sharpton told those in attendance. “There’s a sense of urgency now. We need national legislation to deal with this. It’s time we have a conversation with America.” Shuler mentioned that the AFL-CIO’s 55 affiliate unions (including the SIU) represent, in total, more than 12.5 million working people across the country. “As we stand on the shoulders of Dr. King, Congressman John Lewis, A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin and all the brave souls who marched together 57 years ago, we know, as a nation, we must do better,” she began. “Black Americans know the bank of justice IS bankrupt. Justice was denied to Jacob Blake and George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks be- AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler addresses rallygoers in the nation’s capital. cause they were Black. Justice was out of reach for Riah Milton and Dominique Fells, two Black trans women who were killed earlier this summer. “Union members have been out in the streets protesting these injustices,” Shuler continued. “Professional athletes, many of them proud union members, have stood up in ways they never have before. The Milwaukee Bucks players said enough is enough, and the NBA playoffs are now on hold. WNBA players have spoken out, [as have players from] Major League Baseball, soccer and more.” Shuler said that regardless of the setting – whether in professional sports or generally in our communities – “we in the labor movement are feeling excruciating pain, anger and grief. We will do our part to end racism in our economy, our politics, our workplaces AND our union halls. And on top of the widespread racism throughout our country’s institutions, COVID-19 is exposing the cracks that were already poisoning our system. A system that denies housing and health care and opportunity to far too many people of color. That’s why Black and brown people are more likely to lose their jobs or get sick and die in this pandemic.” The federation official also said there’s no time to waste. “We have to do better,” Shuler said. “Now – NOW – is the time to do the work and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act that are sitting in the Senate.” She conveyed the federation’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement and concluded, “As a White person, I know that I will never experience the same pain and trauma that Black people have been feeling over and over again. All I can say is I understand what I can’t possibly understand. But I choose to stand, and to kneel, and raise a fist, and shed a tear, and say a prayer. And fight like hell to make real change. “As one united labor movement, we stand with our Black members, friends and neighbors. Our mission is to empower families and communities to reach their dreams; that’s why we’re in this movement. It’s how we inch closer to achieving Dr. King’s Dream from 57 years ago. It’s how we wake up America. And it’s how we TOGETHER continue the march of those who marched before us.” Spotlight on Mariner Health Diphtheria Could Cause Problems For Children, Young Adults, Grownups Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan Medical Department. Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make toxin (poison). Signs and symptoms of diptheria usually come on gradually. They begin with a sore throat and fever. In severe cases, a gray or white patch could develop in the back of the throat. This can block the airway and cause a barking type of cough similar to croup. In addition, the infected person’s neck could swell and lymph nodes may enlarge, leading to further problems. Complications from diphtheria include blocked airways, myocarditis, inflammation of the nerves, kidney problems, and instances of bleeding due to low platelet levels. Diphtheria is spread between people in much the same fashion as colds. It occurs as a result of direct contact through the air, when someone coughs or sneezes. October 2020 Contaminated objects can also play a role when children are involved. Since kids may tend to share seemingly everything, their germs could be spread while playing with one another. In some cases, a person can spread the disease and not have any symptoms. Diphtheria diagnosis is made by the patient’s clinical presentation and by lab work/culture. The diphtheria vaccine is effective for the prevention of the disease. This is usually given with the Tetanus and Pertussis shots every 10 years (DPT Shot). The disease mostly affects children and young adults, and can be fatal in 5 to 10% of those who have contracted it. Adults can also get it, but not as frequently. It is treated with antibiotics, rest, fluids, and pain meds. This is why it is so important for people to get their shots as instructed by their doctor when they are young. Remember to also get needed shots as an adult in order to stay healthy and free from diseases. Healthy Recipe Honey-Roasted Chicken & Root Vegetables Servings 24 24 whole chicken breast half without skin 4 teaspoons kosher salt 4 teaspoons black pepper, ground 4 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced 4 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced ½ cup olive oil, divided ¼ cup butter 2 cups white wine ¾ cup honey, divided 8 cups sweet potatoes, diced 10 cups carrots, diced 4 cups fennel bulb, diced 6 cups chicken stock 12 whole bay leaf Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle half the seasoning mixture over chicken breasts. Add to skillet; cook until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. Add wine and 2 tablespoons honey to pan; cook 2-3 minutes, stirring to loosen browned bits. Combine sweet potatoes, carrots and fennel in a microwave-safe bowl. Add remaining olive oil, seasonings and honey to vegetables; stir to combine. Microwave, covered, until potatoes are tender, 10 minutes. Transfer vegetables to a shallow roasting pan. Add chicken stock, wine mixture and bay leaves; top vegetables with chicken. Roast until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 165 degrees, 25-30 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Serve with vegetables and sauce. Nutrition Information: Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 313 calories; 8g fat (24.9% calories from fat); 29g protein; 27g carbohydrates; 4g dietary fiber; 74mg cholesterol; 980mg sodium. Exchanges: 1 grain (starch); 4 lean meat; 1 vegetable; 1 ½ fat; ½ other carbohydrates. Seafarers LOG 11 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU FEAST ABOARD NORTH STAR – The galley gang aboard the TOTE Services vessel went all-out on Independence Day, as reflected by these snapshots (visit the SIU Facebook page for more). Pictured from left in the group photo at the far left are SA Rene Caballero, Steward/Baker Erwin Renon and Chief Cook Abdul Hasan. Cabellero also is pictured at the immediate left. BOOKS GALORE IN HOUSTON – Several members recently received their full books at the hiring hall. AB Roni Castillo is at left in photo at top left with Patrolman Kelly Krick. ABs Marlon Suazo (left) and Walfrado Domapias are pictured in photo at lower left while the photo above includes AB Nestor Costas (right) and Krick. ABOARD ARC INDEPENDENCE – Recertified Steward Lauren Oram (center) commended the work of her fellow galley gang members aboard the TOTE Services-operated vessel. At left is Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo, and at right is SA Julie Sproat. 12 Seafarers LOG October 2020 �B-BOOKS IN NEW ORLEANS – OS Yousef Alsebaeai (left) and OS Ahmed Bazara (right) receive their respective full B-books at the hiring hall. FULL BOOK IN MOBILE – GVA Richard Ayers Vazquez displays his full B-book at the hiring hall in Mobile, Alabama. WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY CITY – Recertified Bosun Tom Flanagan picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN HONOLULU – AB Joseph Humphrey holds his first pension check at the hiring hall in the Aloha State. FULL BOOK IN ALGONAC – OS Arabi Muthala receives his full B-book at the hiring hall. October 2020 WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Picking up their first pension checks, respectively, at the Houston hiring hall are Chris Bartholmey (right in photo above, with SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday) and Terry Tracy (photo at right). Both are longtime Seafarers who most recently sailed as captains with G&H Towing. B-BOOK IN NYC – Seafarer Paul D’ugo (left) receives his B-book. An employee of Covanta, he is pictured with SIU Jersey City Patrolman Edwin Ruiz Jr. in New York. A-BOOK IN JACKSONVILLE – Storekeeper Marcus Cunningham (left) receives his A-seniority book from SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul at the hiring hall. Seafarers LOG 13 �Scholarship WIRELESS DISCOUNTS The Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more CREDIT CARDS than $4.5 million to students from working families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education. FREE COLLEGE Find out more about this and other great Union Plus programs by visiting unionplus.org. CAR RENTALS For more information: unionplus.org/scholarship 14 Seafarers LOG 10/20 October 2020 �COVID-19 Prompts Extentions Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Continued from Page 3 operators recently chartered a third flight to provide crew reliefs in Diego Garcia, and SIU-contracted companies increasingly are finding success with pre-boarding testing and related protocols. However, one of the most prominent ongoing difficulties stemming from the pandemic involves crew changes aboard foreign-flag vessels. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) last month again called attention to what it described as “a humanitarian crisis taking place at sea.” IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, in a statement issued ahead of the General Assembly of the United Nations, called on governments to take swift action to resolve the crew-change crisis. “It is estimated that more than 300,000 foreign seafarers and marine personnel are currently stranded at sea and unable to be repatriated despite the expiry of their contracts,” the IMO reported. “A similar number of seafarers have been unable to join ships and relieve them. This is due to restrictions imposed by several governments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including restrictions on travel, embarkation and disembarkation in ports, quarantine measures, reductions in available flights and limits on the issuing of visas and passports.” The organization added, “Some seafarers have now been on board their ships for more than 17 months, exceeding the 11-months limit set out in the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC). Many have been denied proper access to medical care and shore leave, in breach of their rights under the MLC and other international instruments. This creates serious concerns, not only for seafarers’ health and wellbeing, but also for the safety of shipping. Overly fatigued and mentally exhausted seafarers are being asked to continue operating vessels, increasing the risk of shipping casualties.” “Seafarers cannot remain at sea indefinitely,” Lim insisted. “If the crew change crisis is not resolved soon, ships will no longer be able to operate safely pursuant to the Organization’s regulations and guidelines, further exacerbating the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Shipping moves more than 80 percent of global trade and is a crucial component of the global economy. “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Aug. 16-Sept. 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Sept. 15. Total Registered Port A All Groups B Total Shipped C A All Groups B Registered on Beach C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying healthrelated items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you October & November Membership Meetings Those attending membership meetings are reminded to bring face coverings. Safety protocols are in place at the halls and will remain in effect during the meetings. Seafarers are urged to check the SIU website and/or check with their hiring halls to verify that the membership meetings listed here are still happening. Piney Point.............................Monday: October 5, November 2 Algonac.....................................Friday: October 9, November 6 Baltimore..............................Thursday: October 8, November 5 Guam..................................Thursday: October 22, November 19 Honolulu................................Friday: October 16, November 13 Houston..................*Tuesday: October 13, Monday: November 9 Jacksonville......................Thursday: October 8, November 5 Joliet.....................................Thursday: October 15, November 12 Mobile..............Wednesday: October 14, *Thursday: November 12 New Orleans............................Tuesday: October 13, November 10 Jersey City...............................Tuesday: October 6, November 3 Norfolk..................................*Friday: October 9, November 6 Oakland.............................Thursday: October 15, November 12 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: October 7, November 4 Port Everglades..................Thursday: October 15, November 12 San Juan............................Thursday: October 8, November 5 St. Louis......................................Friday: October 16, November 13 Tacoma................................Friday: October 23, November 20 Wilmington.....................Monday: October 19, November 16 * Houston change due to Columbus Day observance. Effective as of September 2, Norfolk changed meeting date from Thursday after first Sunday to Friday after first Sunday. Mobile change due to Veterans Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m October 2020 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 Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Dr., Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was posed to rank-and-file members who were selected to serve on the Union’s Finance Committee during the September membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: A lot of pretty bad or negative things, including the COVID-19 Pandemic, have happened to Americans over the past eight months. Has anything positive happened to you? Steve Herring Recertified Bosun I’m grateful for waking up today and having an opportunity to continue my career, even though I’m close to retirement. I’m grateful that my family has gotten through the pandemic unscathed so far. I haven’t been home yet; I had been sailing since the pandemic started, since before it got really serious. Mike Kelly QMED Nobody that I know personally has been hurt at all by the COVID Pandemic nor any of the other problems that are going on in our country. All of my friends are safe and happy despite experiencing some financial problems. They are all well when it comes to their health and I hope it stays that way. William Lima Recertified Bosun The union has kept me working which is a real positive note. Everything has been going well in other aspects of my life despite the fact that we have this pandemic. My family and friends who I sail with have kept their jobs and made it home safe while not contracting the virus. Earl Castain Recertified Steward My last job was pretty good, aboard the Houston, (operated by) USS Transport. I just came home from the ship in July. I’ve definitely enjoyed spending more time with my family, just hanging out. That’s really the main thing that comes to mind. Marilou Toledo Chief Cook I’m lucky that I had a job and continued to sail during the pandemic. Being with the SIU and in the maritime industry has been good even during the pandemic because we continued to sail and do our jobs all over the world. All of this has been very good for me and my family. Tommy Cyrus Chief Cook I got off the Denebola April 20, right as the school was closing and shipping was tight. I’ve been able to stay busy this summer doing some remodeling, but I’m looking forward to getting back on a ship soon. I’ve had to take three COVID tests and they’ve all come back negative, so that’s obviously good. (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pics From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 Earlier this year, the LOG published photos of the late NMU Bosun John Ivo Valjalo – snapshots that were submitted by his son. These additional images recently arrived. The larger photo was taken in 1959 in Pensacola, Florida (Valjalo is at right, with a shipmate from the Tyson Lykes). The inset photo was taken at sea aboard the USNS Pecos in 1969. Valjalo sailed with the NMU from 1946-1985. He died in December 2015 in Liverpool, England, at age 92. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org October 2020 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA MOHAMED AHMED ELSAWI Brother Mohamed Ahmed Elsawi, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1993, initially sailing on the Independence. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ahmed Elsawi most recently sailed on the Alliance Fairfax. He resides in Egypt. ELBA ALFARO Sister Elba Alfaro, 70, started sailing with the union in 2002 when she shipped on the USNS Gordon. A member of the steward department, she upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Alfaro last sailed on the SBX, and settled in Loxahatchee, Florida. JANOS BOGNAR Brother Janos Bognar, 62, joined the union in 2002. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Defender. Brother Bognar upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Seabulk Trader and makes his home in Pflugerville, Texas. JOSE CALIX shipped on the Baylor Victory. A steward department member, he studied at the Paul Hall Center in 1969. Brother Ferguson’s last vessel was the Charger. He is a resident of Alliance, Ohio. DEXTER FERRER Brother Dexter Ferrer, 66, joined the union in 1991. He first sailed aboard the Independence and primarily sailed in the deck department. Brother Ferrer upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the Liberty Pride and makes his home in Honolulu. THOMAS FLANAGAN Brother Thomas Flanagan, 64, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Flanagan’s first vessel was the Maersk Vermont; his most recent, the Maersk Atlanta. He settled in New Milford, Connecticut. STEPHEN HILL Brother Jose Calix, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1998. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother Calix’s first vessel was the Sumner; his most recent, the Decisive. He settled in the Bronx, New York. Brother Stephen Hill, 65, joined the union in 1970. A deck department member, he first sailed with Michigan Tankers. Brother Hill upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He last shipped aboard the Gemini and makes his home in Atlantic Beach, Florida. JOSEPH EGAN TROY INGERSOLL Brother Joseph Egan, 67, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1974 when he sailed on the Allegiance. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and was an engine department member. Brother Egan’s final vessel was the Horizon Enterprise. He lives in Estes Park, Colorado. Brother Troy Ingersoll, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1978 when he worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He primarily shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Ingersoll’s final vessel was the Horizon Pacific. He settled in in Stanwood, Washington. JOSELITO EULATRIZ Brother Joselito Eulatriz, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1999, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Washington. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Eulatriz most recently shipped on the Ocean Giant. He makes his home in Anchorage, Alaska. JOHNNIE FERGUSON Brother Johnnie Ferguson, 70, joined the union in 1969 when he October 2020 LUIS IRIAS Brother Luis Irias, 70, signed on with the union in 2002, initially sailing on the Cleveland. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was a member of the engine department. Brother Irias most recently sailed aboard the Pride of America. He resides in West Park, Florida. WILFRED JONES Brother Wilfred Jones, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1995. He first sailed aboard the Independence and primarily worked in the engine department. Brother Jones upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Manhattan Island and makes his home in Lacombe, Louisiana. MICHAEL MAYO Brother Michael Mayo, 65, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing with G&H Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mayo last sailed on the USNS Soderman. He resides in Stella, North Carolina. JAMES MCCARTHY Brother James McCarthy, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1990, sailing first aboard the USNS Antares. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother McCarthy most recently sailed on the USNS Fisher. He is a Houston resident. THOMAS WEBER Brother Thomas Weber, 68, started sailing with the union in 2005 when he shipped on the Overseas Harriette. A member of the deck department, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Weber last sailed on the USNS Bowditch and settled in Kenmore, Washington. ALBERT WILLIAMS Brother Albert Williams, 71, joined the union in 2001. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Cape Taylor. Brother Williams upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the Green Bay and makes his home in Ellenwood, Georgia. JIMMY WILLIAMS Brother Jimmy Williams, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1998. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Williams’ first vessel was the Independence; his most recent, the Cape Isabel. He settled in in Koloa, Hawaii. WILLIAM WILLIAMS Brother William Williams, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990 when he sailed on the USNS Wyman. He shipped in the steward department and last worked on the USNS Pililaau. Brother Williams lives in Mobile, Alabama. cibo. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Chodzko was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in Huntington, Beach, California. JAMES LIVINGSTON Brother Eric Young, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1970. He was first employed with Michigan Tankers and sailed as a deck department member. Brother Young upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 1980. He last sailed on the New York and resides in Mobile, Alabama. Brother James Livingston, 69, began his career with the Seafarers in 1974, initially sailing with Mariner Towing. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Livingston last worked for Interstate Oil. He lives in Milton, Delaware. MUTEE ZINDANI ANDREW PACKER Brother Mutee Zindani, 66, began his career with the SIU in 1990, initially sailing aboard the Nuevo San Juan. He primarily sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center multiple occasions. Brother Zindani concluded his career aboard the Maersk Idaho. He makes his home in the Bronx, New York. Brother Andrew Packer, 61, started shipping with the union in 1998. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Packer worked for Penn Maritime throughout his entire career. He settled in Centerville, Massachusetts. ERIC YOUNG INLAND CHRIS BARTHOLMEY JOSEPH PIECHOCKI Brother Chris Bartholmey, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1975. A deck department member, he was employed by G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Bartholmey lives in Santa Fe, Texas. Brother Joseph Piechocki, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1972 when he shipped with OSG Ship Management. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1998 and was a deck department member. Brother Piechocki worked for the same company for the majority of his career. He calls Westminster, Maryland, home. FRED BOYD Brother Fred Boyd, 63, joined the SIU in 1977, initially sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and was a member of the deck department. Brother Boyd was last employed with Express Marine. He resides in Wilmington, North Carolina. DALE SEVERS Brother Dale Severs, 62, joined the SIU in 1993. A deck department member, he sailed with OLS Transport for the duration of his career. Brother Severs makes his home in Hawesville, Kentucky. PETER CHODZKO Brother Peter Chodzko, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1977 when he sailed aboard the Are- Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA PAUL BLAND Pensioner Paul Bland, 94, passed away July 11. He began his career with the SIU in 1951. Brother Bland was a member of the engine department and concluded his career on the Senator. He became a pensioner in 1991 and resided in Rincon, Georgia. JORGE FALERO Pensioner Jorge Falero, 67, died August 5. He joined the SIU in 2001. Brother Falero first sailed aboard the USNS Roy M. Wheat. He sailed in the engine department, and last shipped on the Calvin P. Titus. Brother Falero retired in 2010 and lived in Puerto Rico. BRIAN FOUNTAIN Pensioner Brian Fountain, 59, passed away August 15. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1980; his first vessel was the Cantigny. Brother Fountain worked in the deck department. He most recently sailed aboard the Florida and retired in 2020. Brother Fountain made his home in Baltimore. SHERWIN JONES Brother Sherwin Jones, 37, died June 1. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 2006, when he sailed on the USNS Impeccable. Brother Jones sailed in the deck department, and most recently worked for Watco. He resided in Brooklyn, New York, his birthplace. EZELL JORDAN Pensioner Ezell Jordan, 76, passed away July 25. He signed on with the union in 1995 when he shipped aboard the USNS Assertive. Brother Jordan sailed in both the steward and engine departments. He last sailed on the Cape Mohican and went on pension in 2014. Brother Jordan settled in Mobile, Alabama. WALTER KIMBROUGH Pensioner Walter Kimbrough, 18 Seafarers LOG 76, died August 17. He started his career with the SIU in 1973, working for Gulf Canal Lines. Brother Kimbrough was an engine department member and last shipped aboard the Libra. He went on pension in 2009 and was a resident of Sparks, Nevada. ARTURO NOBLEZA Pensioner Arturo Nobleza, 72, passed away July 26. He joined the SIU in 2001 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Nobleza’s first vessel was the Seabulk Challenge; his last, the North Star. He retired in 2012 and was a Seattle resident. JOHN KRON Pensioner John Kron, 73, passed away June 29. He became a member of the union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Pacific. Brother Kron primarily sailed in the engine department. He last shipped aboard the Spirit before becoming a pensioner in 2011. Brother Kron lived in San Francisco. ENRIQUE NUNEZ Pensioner Enrique Nunez, 81, died August 26. He began sailing with the union in 1999, when he shipped aboard the USNS Denebola. Brother Nunez worked in the engine department, most recently aboard the Lawrence Gianella. He made his home in New York. JOHNNIE LONG Pensioner Johnnie Long, 73, died August 10. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1964 when he sailed aboard the Falcon Lady. Brother Long sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Groton. He retired in 2011 and resided in Mobile, Alabama. LARRY LOPEZ Brother Larry Lopez, 73, passed away August 24. He began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1973, initially sailing aboard the New Orleans. Brother Lopez was a steward department member and last sailed on the Patriot. He went on pension in 2013 and lived in Kissimmee, Florida. RUDOLPH ODOM Pensioner Rudolph Odom, 76, died July 23. He donned the SIU colors in 1964 when he worked for Waterman Steamship. Brother Odom shipped in the engine department. He last sailed with Michigan Tankers and retired in 2009. Brother Odom made his home in Eight Mile, Alabama. JAMES OSBEY Pensioner James Osbey, 81, passed away August 10. He embarked on his career with the union in 1964, initially sailing aboard the Mildland. Brother Osbey sailed in the steward department and last shipped aboard the Pride. He became a pensioner in 2004 and settled in Houston. SJAMSIDAR MADJIDJI Pensioner Sjamsidar Madjidji, 69, died August 13. He joined the SIU in 1979 and first sailed aboard the Delta America. An engine department member, Brother Madjidji last sailed aboard the Carat in 2013. He became a pensioner the following year and settled in Elmhurst, New York. ALBERT PICKFORD Pensioner Albert Pickford, 92, died August 7. He joined the Seafarers in 1968 and first sailed on a Victory Carriers vessel. Brother Pickford was a member of the deck department, and concluded his career aboard the Virgo. He went on pension in 1995 and lived in Pullman, West Virginia. MANUEL MIRANDA Pensioner Manuel Miranda, 90, died July 25. He joined the union in 1978, initially shipping on the Inger. Brother Miranda sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career on the Cape Knox and lived in Metairie, Louisiana. ELLIOTT RHODES Pensioner Elliott Rhodes, 71, passed away August 24. He signed on with the SIU in 1969, initially sailing on the Cosmos Mariner. Brother Rhodes was an engine department member. He last shipped on the President Polk, and retired in 2011. Brother Rhodes made his home in Norfolk, Virginia. RONALD SWANSON Pensioner Ronald Swanson, 79, died May 17. He donned the SIU colors in 1966 when he shipped on the Chilore. Brother Swanson sailed in the engine department. He last sailed on the Trader and retired in 1994. Brother Swanson resided in Warren, Oregon. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM MCDOWELL Pensioner William McDowell, 89, passed away August 21. He joined SIU in 1961. Brother McDowell was a member of the deck department. Employed by Great Lakes Towing for the majority of his career, he became a pensioner in 1996. Brother McDowell lived in West Valley, New York. INLAND DUANE EVANS Brother Duane Evans, 52, died May 28. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1999. Brother Evans first worked for Allied Transportation, and sailed in the deck department. He most recently sailed on the Padre Island, and resided in Hayes, Virginia. RANDY HOPSON Pensioner Randy Hopson, 64, passed away August 27. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1975. Brother Hopson was employed by Higman Barge Lines for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2018 and lived in Nederland, Texas. JOHN JACKSON Brother John Jackson, 56, died June 19. He joined the SIU in 1994 and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Jackson was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He was a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. GRADY KEECH Pensioner Grady Keech, 85, has passed away. Born in Beaufort, North Carolina, he began sailing during the early 1960s when he worked for Gulf Atlantic Towing. Brother Keech was an engine department member. He was last employed with Maritrans before retiring in 1990. Brother Keech lived in Pinetown, North Carolina. FRANCIS PRIMEAUX Pensioner Francis Primeaux, 90, passed away July 6. He began sailing with the union in 1964 when he worked for Higman Barge Lines. A deck department member, Brother Primeaux last shipped with Dixie Carriers. He became a pensioner in 1994 and settled in Kaplan, Louisiana. ANTONIO TREGLIA Pensioner Antonio Treglia, 86, died August 7. He signed on with the SIU in 1984 when he worked for New York Cross Harbor. Brother Treglia shipped in the deck department and was employed with the same company for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 1996 and resided in Brooklyn, New York. NMU WILLIE POMPY Pensioner Willie Pompy, 78 has passed away. He joined the SIU during the NMU/SIU merger in 2001. Brother Pompy was a steward department member and last shipped aboard the Delaware Trader. He became a pensioner 2006 and made his home in Houston. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Cowart, William 83 Ebanks, Jerral 88 Hadsock, Parnell 86 Hernandez, Rafael 106 Huiett, Joe 83 Johnson, Johnny 80 Kenneth, Norman 89 Marvin, Sprawlin 85 Navarro, Marcial 95 Nelson, Herman 86 Pinheiro, Hildebrando 88 Temple, Aaron 87 Waller, Chester 71 DOD 07/08/2020 08/14/2020 08/10/2020 07/17/2020 08/06/2020 07/21/2020 07/31/2020 08/08/2020 08/07/2020 08/26/2020 08/13/2020 08/15/2020 07/14/2020 October 2020 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), January 25 – Chairman John Oshaughnessy, Secretary Darryl Goggins, Educational Director Jan Morawski, Deck Delegate Randolph Jemmott, Steward Delegate Brian Corp. Wi-Fi to be hooked up in Newark, New Jersey. Bosun thanked crew for a safe voyage. Vote of thanks given to all departments. Members were reminded to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Educational director provided members instructions for inquiring about sea time and visiting the website. He encouraged members to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Wiper needed on ship. Deck and engine departments were commended for a job well done. Members requested raises in pension and vacation days and expressed wishes for physicals to be required once, annually. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sealift), February 16 – Chairman Daron Tinney, Secretary Janelle Harper. Penalty pay not applicable for ship. Chairman provided newest information for pension and brought benefit books, upgrading applications and full book applications. Members discussed possible overtime pay for elected delegates. Educational director went over where to find information in contracts. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Both ovens need to be fixed or replaced and ice machine is rarely working. Cast iron flat tops needed as well as wet floor signs. Mess sink and bathroom pipes in need of attention. Next port: Chinhae. EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sealift), March 1 – Chairman Daron Tinney, Secretary Janelle Harper, Educational Director Joshua Gail. Educational Director was elected. Crew went over payoffs, shipyard, and penalty information. Educational director informed oilers of JE class April 20. Deck delegate informed members of hand sanitizer 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. near gangway and urged them to protect themselves when getting off ship. Crew discussed safety precautions for COVID-19 and possibility of no-fly countries. Oven has been worked on, but waiting on new parts for completion. New washer to be installed. Ice maker still having issues. Next port: Chinhae. EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sealift), March 20 – Chairman Daron Tinney, Secretary Janelle Harper, Educational Director Joshua Gail. Members went over procedure for joining crew and going to dock. Chairman announced various changes due to pandemic that included hall closures, shipping rule suspension and the possible inability to leave ship upon original departure date. Educational director announced waiver for expired MMC and medical certifications. Everything postponed through April. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New linen ordered. Going to dock March 24 and switching to Anchorage March 30. EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sealift), June 5 – Chairman Daron Tinney, Secretary Kenneth Smith, Educational Director William Monroe. Chairman announced temporary closures of halls. Staff still available there to assist members by phone and email. Educational director announced Piney Point scheduled reopening date, Aug. 1. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New linen and pillows ordered. Crew in need of new mattresses, toilet seats and toaster for crew mess. Chairman has upgrading applications. OCEAN GRAND (Crowley), July 26 – Chairman Lech Jankowski, Secretary Carlos Olascoaga, Educational Director Rudy Cesar. Most crew members have been on board for 7-10 months due to difficulty of reliefs. All members are safe and have been advised to upgrade at Piney Point when school reopens. Crew is happy to return back home. Ship purchased pres- sure washer. Penalty pay applicable for use of pressure washer in this circumstance. Protective gear requested. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new pillows, mattresses, room fans and improved internet. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), August 2 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Rollin Crump, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Aljohn Fernandez, Steward Delegate Jeffery Mundy. Members went over President’s Report in Seafarers LOG. Sadness was expressed among crew over the loss of a mariner due to COVID-19. Ship where mariner contracted virus now in quarantine. Chairman urged crew to not go ashore. Union meetings to resume in August with social distancing protocols in place. Chairman reminded members to use proper PPE if going to shore. Secretary thanked everyone for a great job in trash separation during voyage. He reminded everyone to not be wasteful with bottled water. Educational director reiterated importance of taking pandemic seriously. Coast Guard announced extensions for some documentation. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for increase in optometry benefits. Some members asked for new mattresses. Provided headphones are missing in some rooms. New vacuum cleaner needed on crew’s deck. Crew asked for 20 for 30 on vacation days. Chairman thanked steward department for a job well done. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. GLOBAL SENTINEL (SubCom, LLC.) August 29 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary FrancesBrian Bautista, Educational Director Aaron Ellis. Crew restricted to ship since March, while others have been reported coming and going freely without wearing masks. Chairman waiting on written response after contacting union. Ship Aboard USNS Petersburg Pictured aboard the TOTE Services ship in Benica, California, are (from left) Bosun Roberto Flauta, Steward/Baker Jurally Aseberos, GVA Julian Lacuesta and SIU hawsepiper Monte Pryor, now sailing as first engineer. loading in New Hampshire to go back to West Coast after being in port the entire month. Crew asked for clarification for lack of overtime pay for ship restriction. Bosun reminded members to clean up in mess halls, crew lounge, laundry room and public spaces. Washers and dryers should be used by steward department only, no personal use. Room garbage should be brought straight to garbage room. Pay vouchers sent through personal emails. Vouchers can be printed in crew lounge. Members can also go to the bosun and steward to have vouchers printed. Steward depart- ment reiterated importance of keeping all spaces clean after use. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at the Piney Point school to earn new ratings and more money. Treasurer reported ship funds and reminded members that fund purchases are open to suggestions. Seafarers LOGs available in crew mess and crew lounge. Members were advised to bring shipping card before signing on to vessel and to check the duration of contract. Crew was encouraged to attend meetings and to assist other shipmates when help is needed. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt October 2020 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Classes The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck (online lecture) October 19 October 23 AB to Mate Modules Module dates vary throughout the year. Once accepted, students will be advised of dates. Classes are only open to students in AB to Mate program and modules must be taken in order. Module 4 October 12 October 16 Module 5 October 19 October 26 November 2 November 4 November 10 October 23 October 30 November 3 November 6 November 20 Module 6 November 23 December 18 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT October 19 November 13 Junior Engineer October 26 December 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations November 16 December 11 Certified Chief Cook October 12 November 16 November 13 December 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. 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, or 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. 10/20 October 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated August 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Nasser Mohamed Hafid, Michael Hammock Jr., Ahmed Haridy, Kianta Lee, Carnell Middleton, Aarron Millar, Abdulnasser Musa Nasser, Wordell Prescott, Arica Shaw, Arlene Yalo Thomas and Jerren Waller. Government Vessels – Graduated August 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Naulka Persian Caines, Hussein Abdul Hussein, Tony Jenkins, Paul Newman, Kenneth Steiner and Glen Ward. Government Vessels – Graduated August 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Edgar Dequito Dionio, Olivia Mabuti Fisher-Macafe, Bobbie Gibbs, Jamila King, Patricia Lamb-Rivera, Karl Mayhew III, Anthony Parks, Kassem Mohamed Salem, Ryan Sotomayor, Michael Waring and Carlos Zapata. October 2020 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Cargo Handling – Graduated August 21 - (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Jerome Sentell Luckett, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Jorge Salas Santos and Anthony Sanchez Villarrubia. Small Arms (Shotgun) – Graduated August 20 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Natalio Rey Almosa, William Dowzicky III, Kalil Hughes, Rick James, Thomas Moore and Gary Torres. Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated August 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Randall Brinza, Yamira Colon, William Davis Jr., Domingos Dos Anjos Ferreira, Mitchell Fowler, Hussain Mohamed Hafid, Kenneth Steiner and Erasmo Vizcaino. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG October 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Training Revalidation – Graduated August 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Ahmed Yahya Ali, Jessica Rena Crockett, Peter Joseph, Lebindra Maharaj, Paul McDonell, Angela Robertson, Olive Stewart-Paul, Victor Pastor Valencia and Anatoli Vetsinov. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Basic Training Revalidation – Graduated August 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Alfie Cicat, Orlando Evora Dacruz, Glenn Davis, Milan Dzurek, Roslyn Johnson, Bryan Nystrom, Randy Powell and Brandon Tanton. Historian Recaps Heroics of Seafarers During World War II Continued from Page 24 rising nearly 3,000 feet above the sea, thus affording some cover from the air spotters and making it harder for bombers to attack from the land side. In the week that followed, Army stevedores and the freighter’s own men unloaded her vital cargo of guns, shells, food and medical supplies, then took aboard $150,000 worth of tin, a scarce material of war which factories were crying for back in the states. The Army men at Gingoog were amazed that the Coast Farmer had made it through, for they had received reports that the Japanese sank her, along with several other vessels trying to run the gauntlet to Bataan. Fourteen-hundred miles unescorted and unarmed through enemy waters alive with Japanese planes, ships and subs – it was a feat of heroic proportions. While the discharging was underway, the crew acquired several monkeys and a lively dispute arose as to whether they should be kept or put ashore, one faction claiming the simians would bring good luck, and the others averring that they didn’t want any part of “monkey luck” good or bad. October 2020 The “official” ship’s mascot was a scrawny cat and the chief carried his own mascot in the person of an Angora rabbit. When the tin was stowed away, the anchor chain ground up through the hawse and the brave little ship headed out to sea. From the shore the doughboys waved them a wistful goodbye and as Captain Mattson put his ship seaward on the tide it was with the gravest misgivings, for a Japanese cruiser had been reported not far down the coast. “At 3:00 PM,” said the Skipper’s official report, “we were on our way, taking great care not to let the fires smoke, keeping a good lookout for floating mines, and spinning the rudder hard over when one was sighted right ahead.” Something On Starboard While edging south through the night, expecting at any moment to hear the hum of airplane engines or the crack of shells from a U-boat, a ship was reported coming toward them off the starboard side. From the silhouette of the stranger, they thought for awhile she was the Mormacsun, which had been scheduled for the same run. Captain Mattson was about to order the signalman to “speak” her by blinker but an instinctive caution held back the command. He let the ship pass unnoticed and lucky that he did, for when the two vessels came abreast several miles apart they could see that she was not a Mormacsun despite the close resemblance. Whoever she was, she was by all odds a Japanese transport. Several days after this hairbreadth escape, they sighted Thursday Island dead ahead. Army and Navy personnel welcomed them back as though they had returned from the dead. “It’s a miracle,” they insisted. “It’s sure a miracle, all right.” Said Captain Mattson: “Every member of the crew behaved splendidly. I cannot say enough for their loyalty, inspiring courage and co-operation during the entire voyage.” (Deck crewmen were SUP.) The varied adventures of the SS Coast Farmer ended on July 20, 1942, when a Japanese torpedo sent her to the bottom 25 miles off Cape Perpendicular. Convoy PQ-17 One of the most dramatic and yet tragic episodes of the war at sea involved Convoy PQ-17, better known as among SIU seamen as the “Fourth of July” Convoy to north Russia. Seamen of the Seafarers International Union and its affiliate, the Sailors Union of the Pacific, have very personal interest in this convoy, because they manned most of the 20 American freighters in the 33-ship fleet. PQ-17 was heavily protected when it left Reykjavik on June 27, 1942. For convoy patrol and defense there was a heavy task force consisting of destroyers, sloops, corvettes, two “ack ack” ships, several armed trawlers, three rescue vessels and two British submarines that hoped for a chance to torpedo any big German men o’ war that might be lured out to attack the fleet. Heavy escorts included the cruisers HMS London, HMS Norfolk, USS Wichita, and USS Tuscaloosa. Covering the convoy’s flank about 100 miles to the east was another battle fleet, numbering the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious, British battleship Duke of York, USS Washington (battleship), several cruisers and numerous destroyers. Seafarers LOG 23 �VOLUME 82, NO. 10 OCTOBER 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O An Allied convoy crosses the North Atlantic in 1942. SIU Members Show Mettle in WWII Editor’s note: This is the sixth installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier installments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. (We are tentatively planning to post a PDF of the entire booklet on the SIU website once all of the text has been published here.) This one picks up aboard the SIU-crewed SS Coast Farmer in Australia in January 1942. Army officers had just boarded the vessel and said it was loaded with “very important” cargo that in turn was to be transported northward. “North!” To Captain Mattson that could mean only one thing – what with the Japanese in possession of all the Pacific north of Australia except the Philippines – north to MacArthur on Bataan! Broomstick Artillery Two machine guns were then mounted on the bridge as armament, and several Navy gunners were put aboard to serve them. It was later discovered that some vital parts were missing in the guns and they couldn’t be fired, so the Coast Farmer was as well armed as though she mounted a batter of water pistols. Not long after midnight on February 3, the Coast Farmer swung out her lifeboats, “doused” all lights, and left Brisbane for the north. Several days later they arrived on Thursday Island off Cape York, at the entrance to Torres Strait. Here the Skipper was given detailed routing instructions, plus the disquieting news that two faster ships which had left for the same destination had been bombed and sunk by the Japanese. Submarines, it was said, had been sighted along the course the Farmer was to take. This induced Captain Mattson to take advantage of night, and they left Thursday Island for the Arafura Sea in the face of heavy winds and seas which gave the old ship some protection from submarines on the first lap of its hazardous voyage. They were on their own now! No American ships to call upon for aid. No friendly ships of any kind to offer succor in the seas ahead. After passing a chain of islands held by the Japanese a few nights later, the Skipper decided they would have to stop for part of a day in order to approach a certain narrow channel under cover of night. The channel was flanked by Japanese islands and there was a very good chance that enemy patrol boats or transports would be about. At the time they were only 45 miles off the Japanese base at Amboina and, as dawn swept across the great southwest Pacific, the crew of the Farmer started the longest day of their lives. The clocks ticked away minutes that seemed like hours, suspense – filled minutes that were fraught with constant danger. Lookouts manned the bridge and crow’s nest. Every man aboard the ship walked restlessly about the decks, pacing away the dragging hours as the bright sun climbed ever so slowly to its zenith. Occasionally in the distance they could see black objects which seemed to be riding the placid surface of the sea like the conning towers of submarines. But they must have been whales or blackfish, for no sub attacks developed. They all held their breath when several planes crossed the horizon some miles off, but these airmen ignored the little freighter entirely, for no American ship, the Japanese were confident, could venture so far north and so boldly, too. All hands felt much better when the sun had disappeared over the Java Sea and the waters were once again clothed in the night. The boiler fires were lit again, the throttle was opened, and the shaft began to turn over once more. They continued on their way, making the expected landfall during the darkest part of the night and passing close between two Japanese islands unobserved. Steady Nerves A ‘Must’ Several days later they sighted the mountains of Mindanao in the Philippines, but Captain Mattson stayed clear of the land until he was sure of their position. There was no help to be had here in case the shores ahead should be swarming with Japanese. It called for steady nerves, calm judgement, and a few prayers. Facing the Skipper now was the problem of getting ship and precious cargo up to the rendezvous point on Bataan without detection by the enemy. It was 150 miles yet to the embattled defenders of Bataan so, with an assurance from Chief Engineer George Smithers that his men could coax a few extra revolutions from the machinery, Captain Mattson threw the telegraph over to “full ahead” and on they went to whatever might lay before. The current was in their favor and so, too, must have been destiny, for they later found out that their course lay through a mine field which the Japanese had planted just to forestall such reinforcements. Ignorant of this peril, they forged ahead at what for the Coast Farmer was the amazing speed of 15 knots, arriving at the appointed rendezvous at about 5:30 in the morning. At first no one was to be seen along the wooded, hilly shore, but after a while a small launch put out from a veiled landing some 300 yards away. The men in the launch wore American Army uniforms and all hands were on the qui vive as they came up the gangway. But alert, too, were the strangers, for they drew their service revolvers as soon as they stepped over the rail. After all, the Coast Farmer flew no flag and bore no markings on her bow or stern. Meet Friends Grim jaws relaxed, however, as everyone realized that the rendezvous had come off as planned and the boarding party introduced themselves as Colonel Chastine, Major Gregory and Mr. Wilder, a civilian pilot. While the crew rigged booms and tackle for discharging, Mr. Wilder brought the ship to anchor very close to shore under the shadow of a mountain Continued on Page 23 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: MEMBERS RISE TO OCCASION IN TURBO ACTIVATIONS PANDEMIC PROMPTS SOME EXTENSIONS USNS NEWPORT JOINS CIVMAR FLEET LABOR GROUPS URGE ENFORCEMENT OF WORKERS' RIGHTS COALITION SALUTES REP. LURIA SIU MOURNS LOSS OF SUPPORTERS JACK MARTORELLI, ROBERT CHIESA TOTE MARITIME ALASKA CELEBRATES SHIPPING MILESTONE INFORMATION FOR THE 202 ELECTION OF OFFICERS SIU ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS AFL-CIO'S SHULER: 'WE MUST DO BETTER' DIPTHERIA COULD CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG ADULTS, GROWNUPS 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 October 1, 2020 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. 82, No. 10 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b99b66b85d72107d4ae7d2b50633b1d7.pdf 49db59a893043f001108157983c01bf3 PDF Text Text NOVEMBER 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 11 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Safe Operation Paul Hall Center Maintains Momentum After Reopening Thanks to extensive precautions and teamwork, the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, has enjoyed a safe and successful run since reopening in early August. Above, mask-wearing apprentices march across campus of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on Oct. 14. Other photos show some signage along with a free-standing, no-contact thermometer and hand-sanitizing station. Page 3. Support for Jones Act Page 5 SIU Election Info. Page 6 Flu-Shot Notice Page 9 �President’s Report Success in Piney Point The successful reopening of our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, is a great example of hard work, teamwork and dedication paying dividends. From a distance, it may look easy, but it took a substantial amount of planning and ongoing commitment to get the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education back up and running a few months ago. Read about it elsewhere in this edition of the LOG. Credit goes to our school officials and staff members – and especially to the students, who’ve respected the unique circumstances. You’ve made all the difference and while everyone understands there are no guarantees with this pandemic, I know that everything reasonably possible is being done to ensure that the school stays open and safe. It’s crucial that the Paul Hall Center remains available to offer upgrading opportunities and entry-level training to mariners who sail under the Stars-n-Stripes. Our industry is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security, which is why our members are deemed “essential workers.” Caution and circumstances basically demanded that the school close for a few months this summer, but with the right safety protocols having benn put in place, it was time to reopen. To everyone at the school, keep up the good work and remember that even though we’re all tired of the pandemic, it will end. Jones Act Support The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, which included a key amendment emphasizing the enforcement of the Jones Act. Introduced by maritime stalwart Rep. John Garamendi (DCalifornia), the provision helps ensure protection of America’s freight cabotage law in potential new areas of work. There is an ongoing misinformation campaign attacking the Jones Act, but the facts are that this law has looked out for our country’s bests interests for a century. It helps maintain hundreds of thousands of American jobs. It contributes billions of dollars to our economy each year. It helps safeguard our ports and waterways. In short, it does exactly what it was meant to do, which is why it consistently enjoys bipartisan backing. Thanksgiving in a Different Light One of the documented (and very weird) effects of the lifestyle changes brought about because of precautions taken due to the novel coronavirus is that it sometimes causes one day or week or month to feel indistinguishable from another. However, you are not misreading the sentiment when I wish every Seafarer and SIU retiree and your families a Happy Thanksgiving. (Yes, it really is November.) Maybe the only good offshoot of the pandemic is that it sometimes has given people more chances to spend time with their families. That’s not always the case for Seafarers, who’ve kept working throughout the year, but I hope those of you who are home for the holidays get to appreciate your loved ones. For those of you at sea, thank you for your dedication. I also extend my sincerest wishes for a happy, safe and healthy holiday to our armed forces and their families. The entire SIU appreciates your service and we’re proud to stand (and sail) with you as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. Thousands of Mariners Stuck at Sea As Crew Change Crisis Continues Some 400,000 foreign mariners from across the globe are stranded on ships, continuing to work but unable to be relieved, in a deepening crew change crisis which threatens trade and maritime safety, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). SIU officials, in particular Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, continue working closely with the IMO, the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to find an effective solution to this everexpanding crisis which has worldwide implications. (Heindel chairs the ITF Seafarers’ Section.) They are doing so in partnership with the International Chamber of Shipping. “It is not acceptable that some countries have withdrawn shore leave for seafarers or began restricting the number of people allowed to enter their borders each day,” Heindel recently stated. “Those countries that rely on maritime trade, like Australia and Russia, must start pulling their weight on this issue.” During a Sept. 24 high-level event during the United Nations General Assembly (UN), Capt. Hedi Marzougui, who was in command of a vessel between Dec. 2019 and May 2020, appealed to governments to take action allowing mariners to come home. “Not knowing when or if we will be returning home brings a severe mental toll on my crew and myself,” Marzougui said. “I would encourage each and every one of you to think of how you would feel, if you had to work every day, for 12 hours, with no weekends, without seeing your loved ones, and trapped at sea. Now add that you have to do that with no idea of when you will be repatriated.” The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on travel and transit have severely impacted on seafarers. Despite multiple pleas to governments to designate them as essential key workers and to facilitate their travel, the number of foreign mariners whose contracts have been extended by several months continues to increase. Some crews have now been at sea for 17 months without a break, well beyond the 11-month limit set out in the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC). Besides the 400,000 seafarers stuck at sea, another 400,000 are unable to join ships, the IMO reported. This threatens the fundamentals of ship safety standards which the IMO has worked to develop over six decades, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim told participants in the recent online event, which brought together leaders from major global businesses, the maritime industry, government, the UN and labor unions. “Overly fatigued and mentally exhausted seafarers are being asked to continue to operate ships,” Lim said. “On more than 60,000 cargo ships which continue to deliver vital goods, foods and medicines, ship safety is hanging in the balance, just as seafarers’ lives are being made impossible. The safety of navigation is in peril.” Lim restated his plea to governments: “Action is needed – and is needed now. We all depend on seafarers. They should not be the collateral victims in this pandemic. Seafarers deliver for us – and now we need to deliver for them.” In a statement read aloud during the event, to mark World Maritime Day 2020, UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres reiterated his concern for stranded mariners. He renewed his appeal to governments “to address their plight by formally designating seafarers and other marine personnel as ‘key workers,’ ensuring safe crew changes and implementing the protocols developed by UN agencies, as well as the International Chamber of Shipping and the ITF, allowing stranded seafarers to be repatriated and others to join ships.” In a letter issued to the UN Secretary General, the CEOs of 30 Consumer Goods Forum companies, including Unilever and Danone, have called on governments to designate seafarers as “key workers” and raised strong human rights concerns, stating in part that “the situation has also inadvertently created a modern form of forced labor.” Unilever’s Chief Supply Chain Officer Marc Engel said COVID-safe crew changes were needed without delay. “When the ships stop, so does everything else. We are now close to an entirely avoidable breaking point which could ripple out through the economy. Even a temporary interruption could push companies and countries over the edge,” he said. Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and executive director of the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, encouraged businesses to call on governments to end labor abuses that seafarers are suffering, noting that the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact represent pillars of responsible business which “are connected to the humanitarian, economic and safety crisis unfolding on our seas.” Both Guy Platten, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Shipping and Stephen Cotton, general secretary of the ITF called on governments to intervene to end the crew change crisis, warning the numbers of seafarers impacted would only continue to increase without coordinated action by governments. ILO Director General Guy Ryder called on governments to implement urgent and pragmatic solutions that fully respect seafarers’ rights. “Seafarers are exhausted and simply cannot continue working on board indefinitely,” Ryder said. Transport and maritime ministers from Canada, France, Kenya, Panama and the Philippines also addressed the virtual event. They urged other governments to join them in designating seafarers as essential workers, implementing measures for safe crew changes and facilitating COVID-safe transit for mariners. The meeting was convened by the UN Global Compact, the International Maritime Organization and the International Labor Organization, in collaboration with the International Chamber of Shipping and the ITF. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 11 November 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Foreign mariners around the world have struggled to get reliefs. November 2020 �Students and instructors quickly adapted to the school’s updated safety protocols. Above, upgraders study meteorology. At bottom left, mariners examine equipment at the fire fighting campus. Below right, steward department upgraders hone their craft. Planning, Teamwork Result in Successful Reopening Paul Hall Center Safely Navigates Unprecedented Challenges Virtually no part of life in 2020 has been spared from the ongoing uncertainties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, is no exception. Nevertheless, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) successfully reopened in early August and, as of mid-October, was operating without a single case of the novel coronavirus reported among any students or staff. The global pandemic ensures that every strategy nowadays comes with caveats, but the school is succeeding thanks to a combination of exhaustive planning, teamwork and commitment. “We had more staff meetings here from May to August than in the prior three years combined,” said Tom Orzechowski, PHC acting vice president. (The school was closed for most of the summer.) “We’re bringing in students from all over the country, and some of them are getting off ships that have been all over the world. So, we spent a lot of time refining plans to reopen as safely and pragmatically as possible.” PHC Director of Vocational Training Priscilla Labanowski said that all concerned deserve credit, but she’s particularly appreciative of how the upgraders and apprentices have adapted to the safety protocols. “The students have been very understanding and cooperative. They’ve actually been phenomenal,” she said. Orzechowski said “buy-in” has been the key ingredient for the smooth reopening. “People understand it’s serious, and the mariners have behaved as true professionals,” he stated. Students and instructors interviewed for this article all said they feel safe at the school. They were candid about the inconveniences associated with the safety protocols, but all stated that such adjustments are simply part of the 2020 landscape. The list of changes isn’t short. The PHC is operating at around 50 percent student capacity, and the upgraders and apprentices November 2020 aren’t permitted to leave campus. They’re also required to self-quarantine for two weeks prior to travelling to Piney Point. Meal times have been staggered, and there’s a three-person limit at each cafeteria table. Masks are mandatory throughout the campus and classrooms; hand-sanitizing stations and social-distance markings are prevalent. No-touch thermometers also are stationed throughout the school. Class times also are staggered. Staff members regularly and extensively clean all classrooms, common areas and equipment. “I can’t say it’s fun being restricted to the base, but it’s not like there’s anything to really go and do outside,” said AB David Brusco, who is upgrading to third mate. “I feel safe. My advice to anyone coming to the school is, bring entertainment. Bring a computer, bring movies, bring a gaming console. Also enjoy the exercise room” (which is open with capacity limits). Winding Down Reopening was a sizeable task, but Orzechowski pointed out that “winding down is also part of the story.” The school was packed with apprentices and upgraders when the pandemic struck early in 2020. Those students were given the option to leave school without any penalty, or stay and finish their respective classes. Around that same time, the PHC cancelled the remaining schedule for the year (new courses were added later). Labanowski said the school is still working with students who’d started classes before the pandemic, in order to help them complete the coursework. She also noted that PHC has instituted some online-learning components that help reduce classroom time, and commended the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center for being very timely when reviewing and approving the modified curriculum. RJ Johnson, a steward department instructor, thinks the protocols are working. “Everything’s good,” he said. “I feel safe because of all the stuff we did to get everybody here. We’ve done all the protocols, above and beyond what the health department wanted. We’ve got our guidelines and I’m happy with it.” He said the students seem to feel comfortable, and they’re consistently conscientious about “wearing a mask and social distancing when we can. We have an added sense of responsibility as instructors but we’re still teaching, and it’s a good relationship between the students and staff.” Deck instructor Peter Luhn said wearing a mask “is the only difference I feel. We’re taking precautions and I feel safe. The students aren’t allowed to leave the campus and the instructors are following our protocols. Nobody wants to be out of work, so I don’t think anyone’s taking chances to bring the coronavirus in. I think the whole staff is doing what needs to be done.” He added that many students seem to have developed camaraderie as they face the challenges together. “We’re trying to make the best of the situation and I think it’s running smoothly,” Luhn said. Bill Dodd, an engine department instructor, said there was adjustment period at first both among students and staff, but people quickly adapted. “This is my first time having to teach with a mask and/or face shield, and it was kind of disorienting,” he recalled. “But I understand the policies, and it’s still conducive to learning and being able to get the information across to the students…. I’ve always felt safe.” No Hesitation SA Keshyra Brinkley originally was supposed to take the galley operations course in July. She’s sensitive to the pandemic’s seriousness, but didn’t waver about travelling to Piney Point at the next chance. “As soon as the school opened, I immediately took the opportunity,” she said. “I need this class. I wear my mask and try to keep my distance, but at the same time try to be handson and learn. I want to give people their personal space, and I do feel safe.” Bosun Diego Barbosa (like his classmate Brusco) had been at the school in February, upgrading to third mate. He said the biggest differences upon returning to campus include “not being able to have your family come and visit and not being able to leave the campus. But I follow the rules and try to comply with whatever needs to be done. I feel very safe.” He added this advice to future upgraders: “The mail system is your best bet in getting goods delivered. That’s your lifeline.” Looking Ahead Orzechowski said the safety protocols will remain in place at least through the end of this year (likely longer). “We’re currently discussing what next year’s schedule will look like, based on membership and industry needs,” he said. “We’ll always proceed with safety and caution, and be ready to react to what may be a second wave of this virus or any other type of outbreak. Right now, we’re doing well. We’d like to keep it that way but we have protocols ready in case anything happens.” He also reiterated his appreciation for how Seafarers have adapted to the “new normal.” “The membership has responded as true professionals and in outstanding fashion,” Orzechowski said. “They understand the sanctity of the campus, what upgrading means to them and to the industry. The companies are respectful of that, also. We have a need to train mariners and a responsibility to crew ships, plus a responsibility to offer opportunities to train and increase their earning potential.” Finally, there’s the question asked by many: What about Mooney’s Pub, a Piney Point staple? Orzechowski replied, “We’ve limited time and created additional space. People can still be social but respect space and health.” Seafarers LOG 3 �Safety directors log on for a virtual meeting. SIU Safety Team Meets for Virtual Summit Every year, SIU Safety Directors and other team members from various ports gather to share knowledge and experience, as well as receive information about the latest safety trends and regulations from SIU and Paul Hall Center officials. This year, however, the safety team met virtually, through three days of video conferences with subject matter experts, members of the SIU Executive Board and other presenters. The safety team included Ben Anderson (from the port of Tacoma, Washington), Amber Akana (Honolulu), Osvaldo Ramos (Jersey City, New Jersey), Andre MacCray (Philadelphia), Kevin Marchand (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), Kevin Sykes (Houston), Gerret Jarman (Algonac, Michigan), Joseph Koncul (Jacksonville, Florida), Nick Marrone II (Oakland, California), Shane Sterry (Baltimore), Anthony Houston (Norfolk, Virginia), James Brown (New Orleans) and Gordon Godel (Wilmington, California). Topics covered included SIU election information, COVID-19 policies, and updates to the curriculum and recruiting efforts of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC). The meetings would ordinarily be conducted at the PHC, but due to current health concerns, every member of the safety team joined the video conference from their respective hiring hall offices – or their own homes. Presentations were led by SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President of Contracts George Tricker, Vice President Great Lakes and PHC Acting Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Vocational Director Wayne Johnson Jr., Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, PHC Vice President Bart Rogers, and SIU Plans Medical Director Dr. Eric Shaub. Orzechowski, who acted as this year’s virtual host, said, “Although we’re used to seeing each other face to face for these conferences, with the current national health crisis, we decided to meet virtually. I was very pleased with the digital platform, as well as the level of participation from the members of the safety team.” Orzechowski also praised the safety directors and added, “We covered everything virtually that we would have covered in person. That said, we do hope we will be able to hold next year’s meeting in person.” “I thought it went well,’ said Johnson. “In our current situation, I think we adapted and overcame the techni- cal challenges in order to have the best possible meetings. I think we delivered some useful information, and I think we got some good feedback and meaningful discussions out of it. Overall, I think it went as well as we could have hoped.” MacCray said, “It was a little different this year, obviously, but I think it was a good experience. It was nice being able to go home at the end of the day, as opposed to having to travel for the meetings. Overall, I don’t think it ended up being much different than it would have been in person. We all still came away with new and useful information, and I think the whole thing went very smoothly. I think everyone, especially Wayne (Johnson), did a great job in adapting to the new way we had to do business. Hopefully we can get back to business as usual soon.” Maersk Achieves Safety Milestone SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) recently celebrated a significant safety milestone. As of Sept. 12, 2020, the company’s entire internationally trading “blue” fleet had gone 12 months without a single lost-time incident (defined as necessitating an injured mariner to miss a day’s work for recovery). “This is a major achievement and credit goes to all concerned,” stated SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “I’m especially proud of our SIU crews, of course, and would point out that this is the result of a sustained partnership focused on creating an effective safety culture. We’ve all worked together to make it a reality.” MLL announced the milestone as part of its annual “Global Safety Day.” In a related communication to the vessels, MLL Vice President Ed Hanley noted, “We greatly appreciate and applaud the authentic safety leadership and robust safety culture you have established on board, enabling such a momentous achievement…. On behalf of your shore-side support teams, congratulations and thank you!” 4 Seafarers LOG SIU members (including those aboard the Maersk Kensington) played a big role in helping vessel operator Maersk Line, Limited maintain safe operations leading up to a Sept. 12 benchmark. MLL President and CEO Bill Woodhour stated, “Congratulations to all on reaching this milestone. It is truly impressive and rewarding as it means every- one ends the day in as good of shape as they started it. Knock on some wood, and let’s see how we can add another year to this!” November 2020 �House Passes ‘Clean Economy Jobs’ Bill Legislation Includes Jones Act Enforcement Provisions A new bill passed in late September by the U.S. House of Representatives includes a key amendment supporting America’s freight cabotage law. The amendment supporting the Jones Act was introduced by U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) to the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act (H.R. 4447). The House on Sept. 24 passed the bill, 220-185. According to news reports, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is backing a similar bill in that chamber and hopes to conference it with the House bill after Election Day – though almost any current legislation faces an uncertain future. There is no doubt Garamendi continues to stand up for the U.S. Merchant Marine, as seen once again in his amendment, which clarifies that the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, a 1953 law governing offshore mineral and energy development, applies to lease sales for non-fossil fuel en- ergy sources such as wind power, hydrokinetic, or ocean thermal energy conversion. The amendment will enforce Jones Act requirements for all offshore renewable energy production and strengthen our domestic maritime industry. “Offshore wind development will play a critical role in our nation’s transition to a clean energy economy,” Garamendi said. “Demand for offshore wind development in federal waters is strong, and Congress must act to ensure this burgeoning industry abides by federal laws and regulations including the Jones Act so we have the strongest possible labor and environmental protections. “My common-sense amendment simply clarifies that all existing requirements that govern offshore oil and natural gas extraction also apply to renewables,” he added. “This will enable our domestic maritime industry to support the renewable energy industry and provide a critical economic stimulus for our nation.” The congressman further noted that the Jones Act supports approximately 650,000 American jobs while contributing almost $100 billion in yearly economic impact. The 100-year-old law, considered a staple of U.S. national, economic and homeland security, requires that cargo moving between domestic ports be carried on vessels that are built, crewed, flagged and owned American. Garamendi also stated, “I commend Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-California), chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, for his support as the amendment’s cosponsor and Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone’s (D-New Jersey) leadership in crafting the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act.” Garamendi served as Deputy Secretary of the Interior during the Clinton Administration and was the top Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation from 20132018. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) U.S. Rep Wittman Shares View: ‘America is a Maritime Nation’ Congress Expresses Strong Bipartisan Support For Creation Of U.S. Tanker Security Fleet Longtime maritime backer U.S. Rep. Rob Witt- and an aggressive maritime militia with over 100 man (R-Virginia) recently penned an op-ed urging purpose-built ships,” Wittman wrote. “The Chinese the reinvigoration of the nation’s maritime capa- Communist Party has used this naval advantage to destabilize the Indo-Pacific area, intimidating rebilities. While most of the congressman’s writing focused gional nations and militarizing the South China Sea on the U.S. Navy, he also said, “America must re- in violation of international law. “Perhaps even more alarming than the rapid member its role as the world’s preeminent maritime nation, and reinvigorate not just our Navy and Ma- modernization and expansion of the Chinese Navy rine Corps but our shipbuilding and maritime indus- are the advances of the Chinese shipbuilding industry,” he added. “The DOD report notes that ‘China tries. Our country’s future depends upon it.” The piece ran under the headline, “America is is the top ship-producing nation in the world by a maritime nation, and we need to start acting like tonnage and is increasing its shipbuilding capacity and capability for all naval classes.’ In the event of it.” Wittman, who is the ranking member on the a conflict with China, there is an increasing probability that China would be Seapower and Projection able to repair and build both Forces Subcommittee in the commercial and naval ships at House, began, “The United a pace that would far outpace States has always been a marithe United States. America is time nation. It is the foundation simply no longer positioned of our economy and security. to be the ‘arsenal of democStrategists from Thucydides to racy.’” Mahan reveal a timeless truth – The congressman believes, that a prosperous and enduring however, that American milimaritime nation depends on tary leaders “are starting to an intertwined combination of wake up to this stark new rerobust commercial access, inality. Last week, Secretary of ternational relations and naval Defense Mark Esper commitpower.” ted to significant increases in He continued, “These elespending for Navy shipbuildments of national power have ing and readiness. This is an only grown more essential in important step, but it should our globally connected, modern be just the beginning.” world. Since the end of World Earlier this year, Wittman War II, American naval power circulated an article he wrote has been the guarantor of free calling for revitalizing and global commerce, the engine U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman maintaining the U.S. Ready that drives the modern econ(R-Virginia) Reserve Force (RRF), in adomy. Unfortunately, the United dition to taking other steps to States is slowly ceding its role boost U.S.-flag sealift. as the leader for freedom of the In that article, Wittman pointed out, “Comseas and global commerce. If dramatic action is not taken, we risk surrendering the sea and the modern pounding the problem of inadequate numbers, economy to an authoritarian regime whose disdain many ships in our logistics fleet are already past for freedom and international norms could become due for replacement. The average age of the ships in the Ready Reserve Force, which constitute the the defining characteristic of the 21st century.” Wittman then pointed to a U.S. Department of majority of our nation’s surge sealift capability, is Defense (DOD) report to Congress on Chinese 45 years. That is more than double the age at which military developments. The report’s conclusions most commercial cargo ships are retired and the fleet is showing its age…. While the Department “should alarm our nation and its allies,” he said. In particular, the DOD noted that People’s Re- of Defense is investing heavily in technology to public of China boasts the world’s largest navy (ap- compete in a new era of great power competition, it proximately 350 ships and submarines). The U.S. has given short shrift to its ability to transport and Navy’s battle force was below 300 ships as of early sustain forces. Our continued lack of investment in logistics will reduce the effectiveness of our mari2020, according to the report. “In addition to the world’s largest navy, China time forces in combat but, more worrying, is the also has a Coast Guard with over 130 patrols ships debilitating effect it will have on our land forces.” The conference agreement for the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) almost certainly won’t be finalized until after Election Day, but dozens of members of Congress have spoken out for the completed bill to include provisions for a new U.S. Tanker Security Program. Such an arrangement would be similar to the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), which ensures availability of American-flagged, U.S.-crewed dry cargo ships to our armed forces in times of need. U.S. military leaders in recent years have expressed a pressing need for access to Americanflagged tankers. With that in mind, 34 members of Congress in mid-September sent a bipartisan letter to Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Adam Smith (D-Washington), and House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mac Thornberry (RTexas). “As you work to finalize a conference agreement on the NDAA, we write to convey our strong support for retaining section 3511 of H.R. 6395, the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021,” they wrote. “This provision would authorize the establishment of a tanker security program comprised of ten privately owned, militarily useful U.S.-flag product tankers crewed by licensed and unlicensed American merchant mariners. “We are deeply concerned about the decline in the number of militarily useful commercial vessels operating under the U.S. flag and, consequently, in the number of trained and qualified American merchant mariners available to crew the vessels needed by the Department of Defense to protect America’s interests and to support American troops deployed around the world,” the letter continued. “A tanker security program as passed in H.R. 6395 would begin to rectify this situation, adding additional commercial vessels to the U.S.-flag fleet and creating new jobs for American mariners. This program, modeled after the successful and cost-efficient Maritime Security Program, represents an important maritime policy initiative not only for the maritime workforce but for our nation’s commercial sealift readiness capability.” The writers pointed out that Lt. Gen. John Broadmeadow (USMC), while serving last year as deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, told Congress “a 10-tanker program will be a welcome start to begin to address the gap in U.S.-flagged bulk fuel delivery.” The September letter concluded, “Establishing a tanker security fleet would begin to reduce our military’s reliance on foreignflag vessels by ensuring that a greater portion of the fuel needed by the Department of Defense is transported by American mariners on U.S.-flag vessels. It would not promote or expand the production of petroleum products but would instead begin to end America’s almost total reliance on foreign flag-of-convenience vessels to meet the energy needs of the Department of Defense at sea and around the world.” November 2020 Seafarers LOG 5 �Voting for 2020 Union Election Began Nov. 1 Voting started Nov. 1 for the election of officers for the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. SIU members will be able to cast secret ballots at union halls or by mail through Dec. 31, 2020. Seafarers eligible to vote in this election to determine union officials for the 20212024 term are full-book members in good standing. This eligibility criteria is spelled out in the union’s governing document, the constitution. Additionally, and as previously reported, while the constitution itself has not been modified, some of the procedures for the election have been adjusted due to the pandemic. Those changes are aimed at facilitating participation and promoting safety. They were approved first by the SIU Executive Board and subsequently by rank-and-file Seafarers during the September membership meetings. The ballot lists the names of all qualified candidates as determined by the credentials committee, a group made up of six rank-and-file Seafarers who reviewed the nominating petitions of all SIU members seeking office in this district-wide election. A sample of this ballot was published in last month’s LOG. The credentials committee report, which was prepared Aug. 17 and submitted to the membership at the September monthly meetings, indicated 27 candidates had qualified to run for 25 positions. (The committee’s report was published in the September 2020 Seafarers LOG.) Subsequently, the union determined that 27 candidates were qualified. This finding was approved by rank-andfile voting at the September membership meetings. The 25 posts for which Seafarers will cast their ballots are president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents. 20 Polling Places The election is being conducted by mail ballot as provided by the union’s constitution. Secret ballots, accompanied by envelopes marked “Ballot” and postage-paid envelopes printed with the address of the bank depository where the ballots are kept until submitted to the tallying committee, will be available to full-book members in good standing at 20 union halls around the country. (See list of voting locations on this page.) Again because of the pandemic, significant efforts also will be made to bring ballots to SIU-crewed ships when- Union Constitution Has Provision Which Allows Eligible Members To Vote Using Absentee Ballots Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters started Nov. 1. As previously reported, the SIU Constitution provides that eligible members can vote by absentee ballot if they are on a vessel or in a hospital during the voting period. However, following recent actions by the union’s executive board as well as rank-and-file members, for this election, anyone desiring to vote by absentee ballot may do so. The constitution specifies that absenteeballot requests should be made by registered or certified mail; but, for this election, such requests may be sent by regular mail (which won’t require members to leave their homes to go to a post office). If, however, any member sends a request for an absentee ballot by regular mail, that member is asked to wait five or more days to allow the request to be delivered, and then call the office of SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel to verify the request has been received. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct ad- 6 Seafarers LOG dress where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot. 4. The request must be received at headquarters by 12 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2020. 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. Absentee ballots will be mailed out as soon as possible after receiving requests. In no event will an absentee ballot be mailed out later than Dec. 4. 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 self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2020 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2021. ever reasonably viable. Eligible Seafarers may pick up their ballots and envelopes marked “Ballot” and mailing envelopes at these halls between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, except legal holidays, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. Each member must present his or her book to the port agent or the agent’s designated representative when receiving the ballot, the envelope marked “Ballot” and the mailing envelope. When the Seafarer receives the ballot and envelopes, his or her book will be marked 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 “Challenged.” His or her book will be stamped with the words “Voted Challenge” and the date. The SIU Constitution provides for absentee voting procedures that normally only apply to members who are at sea or have extenuating circumstances during the election period. This year, however, all Seafarers eligible to vote in the union’s election may opt to vote by absentee ballot (see related information elsewhere on this page). Full-book members in good standing who prefer to vote by absentee ballot should direct a request for the ballot to the union’s secretary-treasurer at SIU headquarters: 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Such requests must be received at headquarters by 12 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2020. Secret Ballots Once the Seafarer has received his or her ballot and envelopes, he or she marks the ballot for the candidates of his or her choice and puts it in the envelope marked “Ballot.” This envelope is sealed by the member and then dispatched in the mail (or given to the port agent or patrolman if voting aboard ship, though members also can opt to mail it themselves). These steps ensure the integrity of the secret ballot process. The union’s constitution, in Article XIII, details the procedures for voting in union elections. All ballots will be counted by the rank-and-file committee consisting of two members elected from each of the union’s constitutional ports. These committee members will be elected in December. They will convene in early January 2021. Notice of 2020 Election For Election of 2021-2024 Officers Seafarers International Union of North America Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Elections will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (local time), Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence Nov. 1, 2020 and shall continue through Dec. 31, 2020. Voting Locations ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame Street, Suite 1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 FT. LAUDERDALE 1221 South Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 GUAM Cliffline Office Ctr., Suite 103B, 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 JOLIET 10 East Clinton, Joliet, IL 60432 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy., Mobile, AL 36605 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 PHILADELPHIA 2604 South Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 PINEY POINT Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, MD 20674 PUERTO RICO 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 TACOMA 3411 South Union St., Tacoma, WA 98409 WILMINGTON 510 North Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 November 2020 �Rev. David Rider (left) and artist Chad Light stand on either side of the new memorial, which contains a recovered life ring from the El Faro. TOTE Honors El Faro Crew With Ceremony Seafarers-contracted TOTE Maritime on Oct. 1, conducted a “Celebration of Life” ceremony for the families of the crew of the El Faro tragedy. This year’s ceremony took place at the park at Dame’s Point in Jacksonville, Florida, and was livestreamed to those who wished to observe the fifth anniversary of the accident. The memorial began with the sounding of a ship’s horn, followed by an introduction by Rev. David Rider from the Seamen’s Church Institute. After the presentation of the colors by members of the U.S. Coast Guard, the national anthem was sung by Chad Light, who originally sculpted the El Faro lighthouse memorial at Dame’s Point. Rider then recognized some of those who were in virtual attendance. Representing the SIU were Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey and Port Agent Ashley Nelson. Representing the AMO were President Paul Doell and Vice Presidents Dan Robichaux and Dave Weathers. Rider remarked on the uniqueness of this ceremony, saying, “Though we cannot embrace one another in a traditional way, I hope life is going well for you on this special day.” He then read the names of those lost in the accident, with a ship’s bell sounded for each lost crew member. A new addition to the memorial park was unveiled as part of the ceremony, revealing a monument created with the recovered life ring from the doomed vessel. The life ring was discovered on Cat Island in the Bahamas following the sinking, after which it was donated to family members of an El Faro crew member, Deb and Robin Roberts, who wished for it to be displayed for all to see. The monument also carries an engraved plaque, which reads, “This original life ring from the El Faro was gifted to the family and friends of the crew in memory of the 33 lives lost but who remain with us forever in our hearts.” Rider then unveiled a new painting of the lighthouse sculpture, of which copies will be delivered by TOTE to each of the families of those lost. In a statement posted to their website, the AMO (an affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America) said, “Today, we remain comforted by the certainty that the El Faro officer and crew complement worked as one against terrible odds, and that they did so with focus, not fear, each faithful to the traditions of courage and character that have distinguished American merchant mariners in all economic and defense services since the Revolution. Today, we hold warm thoughts for the survivors of these El Faro mariners – parents, spouses, children and fiancés. These equally extraordinary men and women helped each other endure the nearly weeklong search for the ship while gathered at the SIU hall in Jacksonville, bracing for the daily updates from the U.S. Coast Guard – may we all live by their collective example.” November 2020 The ceremony included a reading of each crew member’s name. Seafarers LOG 7 �‘The SIU Took Me when Nobody Else Would’ Retired Port Agent Kenny Quickly Found a Home with Union Fifty years have passed since Georg Kenny joined the SIU, but he doesn’t need prompts to recall his feelings from that time. “I was down on my luck, and a few guys in the neighborhood (in Brooklyn, New York) were merchant seamen,” Kenny said. “Two were SIU members and one was NMU. They kept encouraging me to join the industry. ‘You’ll fit right in,’ they told me.” They were right. “After the arduous torment of being a C-card, I finally got out (on a ship),” Kenny remembered. “I was the galley boy on the Robin Gray and I thought I was a rich man, making all of $450 a month. From the moment I got on board (April 28, 1970), I was hooked and I never looked back.” Kenny, 74, recently retired from his post as the SIU port agent in Norfolk, Virginia. He had sailed off and on throughout the 1970s, then consistently from 1980 until coming ashore to work for the union in 2000 (he became a recertified steward in 1991). “Georg has always looked out for the interest of the Seafarer, whether at sea or ashore as an official,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. “His soft touch was always effective in his representation. If that failed to convince a company, he could filibuster for hours to gain the upper hand. I wish him well in his retirement.” SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi said, “Georg is a great guy and he’s always there for the members and the union. He’s very dedicated and although this is a big loss, I wish him all the best in retirement.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker playfully said Kenny’s verbal stamina served the union well during negotiations, and added, “He dedicated his life to the SIU, and will be missed.” Kenny’s overarching memories of his decades with the union always include his sobriety – something he candidly discusses because he wants to help others and because of his gratitude. “It’s like the SIU took me when nobody else would,” he said. “In simplest form, the Seafarers took me as I was. There came a point where I realized my life was totally unmanageable.” While upgrading at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, Kenny had a chance meeting with someone who took him to his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. “That turned into a 12-week rehab (at the school’s addictions rehabilitation center, often called the ARC or the farm),” Kenny remembered. “If it weren’t for the farm, I don’t think I’d be alive, let alone clean and sober for the past 35 years.” Tough Transition A U.S. Air Force veteran, Kenny is equally forthcoming about his transition period from shipboard life to patrolman. After finally relenting to the longstanding and oft-repeated invitation from then-SIU Vice President Kermett Mangram, he reacted to the conclusion of his first day on the new job by exclaiming, “What was I thinking?!” Nevertheless, he adjusted and came to love the job. And he cites becoming a port agent in 2001 as “one of the proudest moments of my career.” Working as a union official often meant involvement in central labor councils, the state AFL-CIO and the local port council in addition to SIU-specific work. “At one time it felt as if I was wearing 11 different hats, but it’s because of the SIU that I found the labor movement,” Kenny noted. “Everything I have is all because of the SIU.” He also found time to assist fellow Seafarers who struggled with substance-abuse issues, and views those interactions as part of the reason he was drawn to shoreside work. “Nobody bats 1.000 but I’m glad to have had the opportunity to help a lot people,” he said. Looking Ahead Kenny and his wife (a former Seafarer who sailed for about 10 years) plan to remain in the Norfolk area, and he aims to complete his bachelor’s degree. Asked about the timing of his retirement, he answered, “When members would come to the hall and file their retirement papers, they’d often say they just woke up one morning and realized it was time. That’s where I am – no Georg Kenny (left) is pictured with U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) at a Maritime Trades Department meeting in 2019. regrets, it’s just time. You might say I’m in the last chapters of my book, and I plan to make the most of it. If nothing else, it’ll give me more opportunities to get back into the recovery meetings (with greater frequency).” He clarified that his health is “excellent,” and added his thanks to the union’s executive board and personnel in the admissions, claims, academic and manpower offices “for teaching me what I needed to know in order to do the job.” His advice for anyone considering becoming a mariner? “Fill out the application for the apprentice program now,” he immediately replied. “Just do it. You’ll never regret it, and remember that the more you learn, the more you’re going to earn.” Spotlight on Mariner Health Whooping Cough Poses Dangers to All Age Groups Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that is caused by the bacteria Bordetella Pertussis. When someone coughs or sneezes, tiny germ droplets are sprayed into the air. These droplets can be breathed into the lungs of individuals who are standing near the vicinity of the person who coughed or sneezed. If successfully transferred, the disease is usually marked by the victim developing a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that some say sounds like “whoop.” When someone becomes infected with whooping cough, it usually takes about seven to 10 days for signs and symptoms to appear. These can be mild at first and mimic the symptoms of a common cold including a runny nose, nasal congestion, red watery eyes, a fever and a cough. After a week or so, the symptoms can worsen. The person may develop thick mucus inside their airways, causing uncontrollable coughing. This can provoke vomiting, extreme fatigue, and possibly end with a highpitched whoop-like sound during the infected individual’s next breath of air. Sometimes, however, people do not develop the characteristic cough. In the case of infants, for example, they may just appear to be struggling to breathe with no cough at all. 8 Seafarers LOG Prior to the age of vaccine injections, whooping cough was considered a childhood disease. In the United States, it primarily affects children who are too young to have completed their full series of vaccinations. The illness can also affect teenagers and adults who may not have completed their own series of vaccines or whose immunity has failed. Deaths due to pertussis are rare but most commonly are seen in infants. For this reason, it is vital that pregnant women and others who are in close contact with an infant be vaccinated. It should be pointed out that the whooping cough vaccines that individuals may have received as children eventually wear off. As a result, some teenagers and adults could be left susceptible to the infection during an outbreak. Infants who are younger than 12 months and who are unvaccinated, or have not received the full series of shots, are at the highest risk for developing this disease. For teenagers and adults, the complications from developing pertussis include: dehydration, bruised or cracked ribs, abdominal hernias, and broken blood vessels in the skin or the white of the eyes. Among infants, pneumonia, slowed or stopped breathing, dehydration or weight loss, and seizures may occur. To prevent this disease, everyone is encouraged to get the pertussis vaccine. The vaccine can be administered in combination with tetanus and diphtheria shots as ordered by doctors or health department officials. Healthy Recipe Herbed Balsamic Chicken Servings 24 2 cups balsamic vinegar 2 2/3 tablespoons honey ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup fresh basil, minced fine ¼ cup fresh chives, minced 4 cloves garlic clove, minced 3 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground 24 whole chicken thighs without skin 2 2/3 tablespoons lemon zest Preparation Whisk together all ingredients except chicken. In a bowl, toss chicken with 1/3 cup vinegar mixture; let stand 10 minutes. Grill chicken, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 165 degrees, 6-8 minutes per side. Drizzle with remaining vinegar mixture before serving. changes: 0 grain (starch); 2 lean meat; 0 vegetable; 0 fruit; 1 ½ fat; 0 other carbohydrates. Nutrition Information Per serving (excluding unknown items): 154 calories; 9g fat (55.2% calories from fat): 14g protein; 4g carbohydrate; trace dietary fiber; 57mg cholesterol; 295mg sodium. Ex- Editor’s note: The foregoing recipe was provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship. November 2020 �Full Books in New Orleans Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Oct. 15. Congratulations to AB Barry Briggs (left) and Chief Steward Gizelle Jones (center) on receiving their full books. They’re pictured at the New Orleans membership meeting in October. Safety Director James Brown is at right. Precautionary Measure Calls For Seafarers to Receive Flu Shots In accordance with Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) Action 480, and as a precautionary measure due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, mariners will be required to get an influenza immunization (commonly called the flu shot) before sailing or visiting the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. (This SAB, titled “Coronavirus Protocols,” took effect in March 2020.) Effective December 1, all members who plan to sail on a deep-sea vessel, as well as anyone planning to attend any upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center, will have to provide documentation that shows they have received a flu shot in the past 90 days. This decision was made jointly between the union and their contracted employers. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in that mariner being unable to sail and/or attend upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center until they receive the immunization. For more information, contact your local port agent. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying healthrelated items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you November & December Membership Meetings Piney Point...........................Monday: November 2, December 7 Algonac..................................Friday: November 6 , December 11 Baltimore...........................Thursday: November 5, December 10 Guam................................Thursday: November 19, December 24 Honolulu..............................Friday: November 13, December 18 Houston..............................Monday: November 9, December 14 Jacksonville....................Thursday: November 5, December 10 Joliet...................................Thursday: November 12, December 17 Mobile..........*Thursday: November 12, Wednesday: December 16 Total Registered Total Shipped Port All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 19 4 6 12 3 12 5 31 38 26 1 7 22 14 1 1 8 21 0 16 247 8 3 3 14 0 3 1 16 21 12 1 1 15 4 2 2 8 7 0 13 134 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 0 6 7 0 2 2 5 19 9 3 1 15 5 3 0 0 9 0 11 101 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 6 0 4 1 4 2 3 2 5 8 1 1 4 1 5 1 3 57 Deck Department 21 5 1 2 3 5 22 5 2 1 9 4 4 3 27 13 22 22 18 12 2 0 2 3 19 12 8 1 2 1 1 0 2 3 13 7 2 0 13 9 193 108 C Trip Reliefs 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 6 3 0 0 4 5 0 1 4 2 3 1 1 37 1 0 5 5 0 3 3 7 17 6 2 4 16 2 0 1 1 8 1 6 88 3 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 15 Engine Department 8 2 1 0 1 2 5 5 0 0 2 1 3 3 8 5 15 15 8 4 2 1 1 2 12 12 5 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 6 6 0 1 7 3 88 70 7 0 2 9 1 8 4 13 18 4 0 0 18 13 2 2 3 12 4 20 140 0 1 2 5 1 2 0 6 11 1 0 2 12 6 1 1 6 2 0 9 68 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 9 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 1 12 9 1 2 4 3 2 2 9 20 16 2 0 15 8 3 0 1 13 1 12 123 11 2 0 2 1 0 2 9 35 7 4 3 26 3 0 3 2 6 0 4 120 GRAND TOTAL: 500 413 201 New Orleans.........................Tuesday: November 10, December 15 Jersey City............................Tuesday: November 3, December 8 Norfolk...............................*Friday: November 6, December 11 Oakland..........................Thursday: November 12, December 17 Philadelphia................Wednesday: November 4, December 9 Port Everglades...............Thursday: November 12, December 17 San Juan........................Thursday: November 5, December 10 St. Louis................................Friday: November 13, December 18 Tacoma................Friday: November 20, *Monday: December 28 Wilmington...........................Monday: November 16, December 21 *Mobile change due to Veterans Day observance. Effective as of September 2, Norfolk changed meeting date from Thursday after first Sunday to Friday after first Sunday. Tacoma change due to Christmas Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m November 2020 All Groups A B Registered on Beach A All Groups B C 1 1 5 16 0 4 1 19 18 13 0 1 9 4 0 5 3 10 0 7 119 20 4 7 35 6 13 10 74 63 51 2 14 29 24 5 2 10 44 0 45 458 11 4 3 23 0 6 2 34 32 17 2 3 18 4 4 3 4 12 2 22 206 0 2 0 6 0 5 1 8 8 7 3 5 10 3 0 1 1 6 1 5 74 2 0 0 1 1 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 12 2 0 1 2 0 2 3 4 6 3 0 0 5 3 1 0 1 3 0 3 39 5 1 6 11 0 5 14 22 33 17 2 5 22 12 2 1 4 15 3 28 208 1 0 4 12 0 5 6 12 31 11 1 8 28 3 0 2 4 12 4 10 154 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 1 0 2 0 5 3 0 0 0 3 0 1 22 Steward Department 6 0 0 1 0 0 5 2 0 0 1 3 2 0 4 4 9 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 13 8 6 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 9 1 0 0 10 5 76 38 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 1 0 0 3 0 2 2 3 8 1 0 0 8 5 0 1 1 2 0 4 41 7 0 3 10 1 11 8 35 32 9 0 3 22 20 3 4 3 17 4 38 230 0 0 2 8 1 1 1 12 15 1 0 3 23 9 0 4 6 2 1 12 101 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 3 0 1 16 Entry Department 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 6 1 15 0 5 0 1 1 1 0 11 1 5 1 1 0 3 0 0 3 9 1 0 1 9 12 82 10 0 0 1 0 0 1 6 11 1 1 0 11 3 0 5 0 4 0 3 57 4 0 2 1 0 0 0 4 7 2 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 29 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 6 5 4 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 6 0 2 32 13 3 3 9 3 4 5 18 27 22 2 0 24 16 2 0 1 13 2 26 193 9 4 0 6 1 2 3 15 56 15 5 5 32 6 0 8 2 17 0 9 195 113 228 928 654 307 369 298 Seafarers LOG 9 �ABOARD OCEAN GIANT – Steward/Baker Pauline Crespo submitted these snapshots from the Waterman-operated vessel, taken en route to Sudan. The crew requested a turkey dinner and was accommodated. ACU Eduardo Pascua is pictured at the far left, while the Seafaring selfie in the center includes Bosun Alfred Polk (right) and Crespo. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS FISHER – Thanks to vessel master Capt. Jennifer L. Senner (SIU hawsepiper) for these snapshots from the U.S. Marine Management vessel in Pearl Harbor, where it is supporting U.S. Army operations. In photo at left above, Bosun Algernon Reed and AB Shermal Morris enjoy a meal. Chief Steward Diane Light and Chief Cook Tania Ramirez-Diego (photo above at right) pose in galley while AB Rommel Martinez-Arriola (photo at immediate left) gets lunch. AB Rolando Pangan and OS Abdellah Airayashi welcome personnel aboard. in the photo at right. FULL BOOK IN MOBILE – QE4 Robert Pendarvis (standing) is sworn in for his full B-book during a special meeting Sept. 23 at the hall in Mobile, Alabama. 10 Seafarers LOG B-BOOK IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook Janelle Harper is sworn in at the hiring hall for her full B-seniority book during the September membership meeting. She most recently sailed aboard the SSG Edward Carter (Sealift). November 2020 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD SAFMARINE NGAMI – The SIU-crewed ship (operated by Maersk Line, Limited) departs Qatar this past summer. FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – AB Steven Hicks takes the oath and receives his full B-book at the hiring hall B-BOOK IN ALGONAC – GUDE Abdulwali Suwaileh displays his newly acquired full B-book at the hiring hall. FULL BOOK IN ALOHA STATE – OMU Ryan Manlapit receives his full B-book at the hiring hall in Honolulu. November 2020 PHILANTHROPY IN TACOMA – Undeterred by the pandemic, shore gang Lead Bosun Stephen Ackley kicks off this year’s Santa’s Castle toy drive at the hiring hall, benefitting American military families. Ackley typically is the first one to donate every year. A-BOOK ON LAKES – Chief Cook Holly Norick displays her newly acquired A-book aboard the Burns Harbor (American Steamship) on Sept. 29. She started sailing with the SIU in 2013. BURIAL AT SEA – These photos are from a ceremony aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE) honoring the memory of AB Jonathan Rivera-Rodriguez, who passed away July 31 at age 37 (he was involved in an automobile accident). He joined the SIU in 2009. “Jonathan, aka ‘Cross-Fit,’ was an outstanding union brother, hard worker and a pleasure to be around,” said SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson. “He will be greatly missed.” Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by students at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: Why did you get into the maritime industry? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Eric Greenawalt Chief Cook I joined the SIU to become part of the Brotherhood of the Sea, and to be a part of something larger than myself. Being a part of the steward department on a ship, and being able to lift my shipmates’ spirits with some good food, that makes my day a little brighter. Sergio Centeno Bosun Job security, job stability and the ability to learn new skills I can pass on to the next generation. The maritime industry has been here a long time, and will be here for a long time to come. To my brothers and sisters, keep training and upgrade often. Terry Evins Bosun It seemed like an interesting job, and it let me continue to do the same things I did in the Navy. Same jobs, same type of work, and I’m still sailing the world. The SIU has always been a friend to me. Johnathan Williams Chief Cook I wanted to experience new and different things in life. The travel portion of the job was appealing to me, as well as the ability to upgrade my skills. I really appreciate that my career path is laid out for me, and if I follow it, I will better myself and my life. Christopher Hinton Oiler I became a mariner for the change in lifestyle. I was working temp jobs, but sailing has provided a better life for me and my daughter. The SIU saved my life, literally, and helps me provide for my family. The SIU has always kept their promise to me, so I keep coming back. Deon Greenidge Chief Cook I’m a fourth-generation merchant mariner. My uncle is still sailing after 37 years, so it’s in my blood. I started at entry level, and I’m going to retire a merchant mariner. I love this union; I think it’s Grade A. And when people complain, I’m quick to tell them how good they have it. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 This photo first ran in the Aug. 24, 1945 LOG. The original caption: “Specimen rope board is being explained to two admiring SIU men by Warren Wymon who made it for the New York hall. On display in New York on the recreation deck, the board contains such fancy creations as a wheel, anchor, propeller, splices, sizings, whippings and the more essential knots used aboard ship. Across the top of the board is the word ‘Seafarers’ spelled out in fancy braid.” WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG November 2020 �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 MAURICIO ARRIOLA Brother Mauricio Arriola, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1997, initially sailing on the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Arriola most recently sailed on the Ocean Globe. He makes his home in the Bronx, New York. RANDOLPH BOLLING Brother Randolph Bolling, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1972. A member of the deck department, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Bolling’s first vessel was the Warrior; his last, the Honor. He calls Slidell, Louisiana, home. RONALD CELIOUS Brother Ronald Celious, 66, started sailing with the union in 1974 when he shipped on the Keva Ideal. A member of the engine department, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Celious last sailed on the Jack Lummus and settled in the Northern Mariana Islands. WILLIE CLEMMONS Brother Willie Clemmons, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2001. He initially sailed on the Cape Taylor and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Clemmons worked in all three departments. He most recently sailed aboard the USNS Pollux and lives in Houston. DEBORAH GIBSON Sister Deborah Gibson, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1990 when she shipped on the William R. Button. She was a steward department member and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Sister Gibson’s final vessel was the Franklin J. Phillips. She makes her home in Semmes, Alabama. JONATHAN GIBSON Brother Jonathan Gibson, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numer- November 2020 ous occasions. Brother Gibson’s first vessel was the Little Hales; his last, the USNS Watkins. He settled in Semmes, Alabama. ALEXANDER GLEBOV Brother Alexander Glebov, 68, began his career with the SIU in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Green Lake. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Glebov most recently shipped on the Maersk Sentosa. He makes his home in Brooklyn, New York. 1978. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother McDermott’s first vessel was the El Paso Southern; his most recent, the Texas. He settled in Shartlesville, Pennsylvania. ISMAIL MONASSAR Brother Ismail Monassar, 65, joined the union in 1979. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Maryland. Brother Monassar most recently shipped aboard the Matsonia and makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. CARLOS OLASCOAGA Brother Ricardo Hernandez, 66, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2001. He first sailed on the USNS Curtiss and shipped in the deck department. Brother Hernandez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2002 and last worked aboard the Horizon Pacific. He lives in Anaheim, California. Brother Carlos Olascoaga, 72, began sailing with the SIU in 1979. He shipped in the steward department, sailing first aboard the Montpelier Victory. Brother Olascoaga last sailed on the Ocean Grand. He lives in Puerto Rico. ANTONIO MARTINEZ LORENZO RIDDICK Brother Antonio Martinez, 66, joined the union in 1994 when he shipped on the Independence. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Martinez’s last vessel was the Liberty Eagle. He is a Houston resident. Brother Lorenzo Riddick, 65, signed on with the union in 1996, initially sailing with Moran Towing of Maryland. He was a deck department member and last shipped aboard the Pride of Hawaii. Brother Riddick is a Baltimore resident. RICARDO HERNANDEZ BENJAMIN MATTHEWS Brother Benjamin Matthews, 65, began shipping with the SIU in 2003, initially sailing on the USNS Dahl. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Matthews last shipped aboard the Observation Island. He makes his home in Portsmouth, Virginia. CHRISTOPHER MAYE Brother Christopher Maye, 60, signed on with the Seafarers in 1987 when he sailed on the USNS Antares. Brother Maye was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1989. He most recently sailed on the USNS John Glenn and resides in Oklahoma. MICHAEL MCDERMOTT Brother Michael McDermott, 65, donned the SIU colors in HIPOLITA ROCHES Sister Hipolita Roches, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2003, first sailing aboard the USNS Fisher. She worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Sister Roches most recently shipped on the Mississippi Enterprise. She makes her home in Miami. FRANK SENA Brother Frank Sena, 69, started shipping with the Seafarers in 2001, initially sailing aboard the Groton. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Sena last sailed on the Empire State. He resides in San Pedro, California. THOMAS SCHULTZ Brother Thomas Schultz, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1975 when he sailed aboard the Thomas Lynch. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1979. Brother Schultz last shipped on the Elizabeth. He calls Riverhead, New York, home. STANLEY SMITH Brother Stanley Smith, 66, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2003. He sailed in the steward department, and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2005. Brother Smith’s first vessel was the USNS Pathfinder; his last, the Liberty Pride. He lives in Charleston, South Carolina. GREAT LAKES JEFFERY JOHNSON Brother Jeffery Johnson, 62, began shipping with the union in 1977, first sailing on the J.A. Kling. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1987. Brother Johnson’s final vessel was the Sam Laud. He resides in Ossineke, Michigan. JOHN KERNOHAN Brother John Kernohan, 62, joined the SIU in 1978 when he sailed aboard the A. Guthrie. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and was a deck department member. Brother Kernohan concluded his career with Upper Lakes Barge Lines. He settled in Lorain, Ohio. DIRK VANENKEVORT Brother Dirk VanEnkevort, 64, signed on with the Seafarers in 1979, initially shipping on the Buckeye. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1982. Brother VanEnkevort was last employed by Upper Lakes Towing. He lives in Marquette, Michigan. INLAND ROBERT JEFFREY Brother Robert Jeffrey, 71, became a member of the SIU in 2001, first working for McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He sailed in the deck department and was most recently employed by Tugz Company. Brother Jeffrey calls New Port Richey, Florida, home. RUSTY LAFRAGE Brother Rusty LaFrage, 59, started his career with the Seafarers in 1979. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1981. Brother LaFrage worked for G&H Towing during his entire career. He lives in Dickinson, Texas. HOWARD MORGENSTERN Brother Howard Morgenstern, 64, joined the union in 1983. He sailed in the engine department and was employed by New York Cross Harbor Railroad for the duration of his career. Brother Morgenstern resides in Brooklyn, New York. DANIEL MORRIS Brother Daniel Morris, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1986. A deck department member, he sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the majority of his career. Brother Morris makes his home in Laurel Fork, Virginia. ARSEN PERHAT Brother Arsen Perhat, 58, began shipping with the SIU in 1999 when he worked for American Marine Corporation. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and was a member of the engine department. Brother Perhat concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He is a resident of San Pedro, California. JOSE RIVERA RODRIGUEZ Brother Jose Rivera Rodriguez, 62, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1979. He sailed in the deck department and worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services for his entire career. Brother Rivera Rodriguez lives in Puerto Rico. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JOHN BULAWAN Pensioner John Bulawan, 78, died August 30. He signed on with the union in 1974 and was a steward department member. Brother Bulawan first shipped aboard the Santa Mercedes. He last sailed on the RJ Pfeiffer before going on pension in 2010. Brother Bulawan was a Las Vegas resident. JOHN DAVIS Pensioner John Davis, 71, passed away September 18. He began his career with the SIU in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Atlantic Forest. Brother Davis was a member of the deck department and concluded his career on the Green Ridge. He became a pensioner in 2016 and resided in Sun City, Arizona. JULIO DELGADO Pensioner Julio Delgado, 94, died September 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1947 and first sailed on a Sinclair Oil vessel. Brother Delgado was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Caguas and retired in 1988. Brother Delgado lived in Puerto Rico. WAYNE DRIGGERS Pensioner Wayne Driggers, 75, passed away September 8. He donned the SIU colors in 1977 when he shipped on the Charleston. Brother Driggers sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Alliance St. Louis. He settled in Jacksonville, Florida. MARTIN GLOVER Brother Martin Glover, 42, died July 6. He joined the union in 2019 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Glover sailed both first and last aboard the Decisive. He lived in Jacksonville, Florida, his birthplace. GLORIA JAUDON Pensioner Gloria Jaudon, 74, passed away September 1. She signed on with the Seafarers in 1994, first working for West Bank Riverboat Services. Sister Jaudon sailed in the both the steward and deck departments. She most recently sailed aboard the Delaware Trader and retired in 14 Seafarers LOG 2012. Sister Jaudon made her home in New Orleans. ROBERT LLOYD Brother Robert Lloyd, 48, died July 5. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 2010, when he sailed on the APL Agate. Brother Lloyd sailed in the steward department, most recently aboard the Overseas Martinez. He resided in Chesapeake, Virginia. JOSEPH MCGAULEY Pensioner Joseph McGauley, 82, passed away August 4. He signed on with the union in 1963 when he was employed with Hedge Haven Farms, and subsequently made numerous trips on Waterman vessels. Brother McGauley worked in the engine department. He last sailed on the Cove Liberty and went on pension in 2003. Brother McGauley settled in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania. JONATHAN RIVERA-RODRIGUEZ Brother Jonathan Rivera-Rodriguez, 37, died July 31. Born in Puerto Rico, he started his career with the SIU in 2009. Brother Rivera-Rodriguez was a deck department member and first sailed aboard the Pride of America. He last shipped aboard the Isla Bella and was a resident of Orlando, Florida. EUSEBIO RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Eusebio Rodriguez, 86, passed away September 29. He became a member of the union in 1955, initially sailing aboard the Fort Hoskins. Brother Rodriguez sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Panama before becoming a pensioner in 1988. Brother Rodriguez lived in Puerto Rico. JERSON TORO Pensioner Jerson Toro, 88, died September 8. He joined the union in 1984 and first sailed aboard the Manukai. Brother Toro primarily worked in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Overseas Harriette and went on pension in 1997. Brother Toro made his home in Jersey City, New Jersey. KENNETH WELLS Pensioner Kenneth Wells, 58, passed away September 20. He signed on with the SIU in 1991 and first sailed aboard the Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Wells was a member of the engine department and last sailed on the American Liberty. He became a pensioner in 2019 and called Jacksonville, North Carolina, home. OSCAR WILEY Pensioner Oscar Wiley, 81, died September 10. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1967 when he sailed aboard the Steel Voyager. Brother Wiley sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the USNS Chesapeake. He retired in 1998 and resided in Oakland, California. OSCAR WILLIAMS Pensioner Oscar Williams, 90, passed away August 9. He began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1968, initially sailing aboard a Hudson Waterways vessel. Brother Williams sailed in both the engine and deck departments and last sailed on the Overseas Alice. He went on pension in 1994 and lived in Richmond, California. INLAND KEVIN BRADY Pensioner Kevin Brady, 70, died August 21. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1973. Brother Brady first worked for Norfolk, Baltimore and Carolina Lines, Inc., and sailed in the deck department. He most recently sailed with Penn Maritime and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Brady resided in Eagle, Idaho. CLARENCE JENNETTE Pensioner Clarence Jennette, 77, died August 29. He signed on with the SIU in 1976 when he worked for Interstate Oil. Brother Jennette shipped in both the steward and deck departments and was last employed by OSG Ship Management. He went on pension in 2004 and resided in Hernando, Florida. EMILIO MACLARA Pensioner Emilio MacLara, 96, died August 6. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1988. Brother MacLara worked in the deck department. He was employed by Crowley Puerto Rico until his retirement in 1995. Brother MacLara resided in Puerto Rico. JOHN MAXEY Pensioner John Maxey, 82, passed away June 13. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1978. A deck department member, Brother Maxey was employed by Moran Towing of Texas for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2002 and lived in Nederland, Texas. JACK PARKINS Pensioner Jack Parkins, 74, died October 4. He became a member of the union in 2000. Brother Parkins was a steward department member and worked for Allied Transportation for his entire career. He retired in 2009 and made his home in McGuffey, Ohio. CHARLES CHAMBERLAIN MICHAEL SISTARE Pensioner Charles Chamberlain, 75, passed away April 17. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1963. Brother Chamberlain was first employed by Taylor Marine. He last worked with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia and went on pension in 2006. Brother Chamberlain lived in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. Pensioner Michael Sistare, 66, passed away September 22. He joined the SIU in 1977, initially sailing with Marine Contracting and Towing. Brother Sistare sailed in the deck department and remained with the same company until his retirement in 2015. He was a resident of Ravenel, South Carolina. WILLIAM COFIELD CHARLES TELLER Pensioner William Cofield, 75, died September 1. He joined the SIU in 1990 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Cofield was employed by G&H Towing for his entire career. He retired in 2003 and was a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas. Pensioner Charles Teller, 77, died August 22. He began sailing with the union in 1973 when he worked for G&H Towing. A deck department member, Brother Teller last shipped with Tampa Tugs. He became a pensioner in 2005 and settled in Santa Fe, Texas. BRYAN DALHEIM Brother Bryan Dalheim, 47, passed away August 9. He began sailing with the union in 2004 when he worked for Virginia Pilot Corporation. A deck department member, Brother Dalheim remained with the same company for his entire career. He lived in Poquoson, Virginia. Salvage. Brother Walker shipped in the engine department and was employed with the same company for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2018 and resided in Abita, Louisiana. NMU LOUIS DOMINGUEZ Pensioner Louis Dominguez, 91, passed away August 21. Born in New York City, he sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Dominguez became a pensioner 1969 and made his home in Stratford, Connecticut. HERBERT O’NEAL Pensioner Herbert O’Neal, 79, died September 2. He was an NMU member prior to the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother O’Neal retired in 1998 and lived in Charleston, South Carolina. GLENROY REID Pensioner Glenroy Reid, 80, passed away July 20. He joined the union during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother Reid sailed in both the engine and deck departments. He last sailed on the Atlantic before going on pension in 2008. Brother Reid was a Houston resident. SAMUEL SMITH Pensioner Samuel Smith, 85, passed away September 4. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 NMU/ SIU merger. Brother Smith became a pensioner 1985. He made his home in Jacksonville, Florida, his birthplace. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Barre, Clarence Bodden, Kirby Bush, Iverson Culpepper, John Davis, William Dumas, Robert Gabriel, Adolph Garcia, Marcelino Gomes, Peter Krauklis, John Neveaux, Ernest Olivencia, Juan Russele, George Singleton, Albert Smalls, Leon AGE 91 93 96 90 87 91 95 90 92 93 84 101 75 78 76 DOD 09/12/2020 09/29/2020 08/23/2020 09/30/2020 07/16/2020 10/03/2020 07/14/2020 08/26/2020 09/20/2020 09/10/2020 09/23/2020 09/21/2020 07/14/2020 08/29/2020 08/13/2020 DAVID WALKER Pensioner David Walker, 68, passed away September 21. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 when he worked for Crescent Towing and November 2020 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MYKONOS (Overseas Shipholding Group), May 14 – Chairman Albert Mensah, Secretary Maili Wang, Educational Director Kenneth Cabrera, Engine Delegate Hector Guity, Steward Delegate Wilmer Alvarez. Crew reviewed old business including topics of Wi-Fi and safety pay owed to all crew members. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed communications about COVID-19 and talked about establishing safety policies for all members on board. OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Shipholding Group), August 14 – Chairman Rudy Harjanto, Educational Director Darryl Bence, Engine Delegate Ghadir Sarkis. Abundance of new ships coming in by Crowley, OSG and Maersk that will expand the business and create more jobs for SIU members. Chairman thanked all departments for a job well done and reminded crew to check their documents. More information can be found on the union and NMC websites, respectively. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requests Wi-Fi, new linens and new mattresses. Crew asked for different options for desserts. Next port: Lake Charles, Louisiana. JEAN ANNE (Pasha), August 30 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair, Educational Director Stephen Roberts, Deck Delegate Mohamed Saleh, Engine Delegate Yahya Mohamed. Crew got in- 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. ternet access at sea but technical complications arose. Members seek clarification on testing for COVID-19 when ashore at their residence. Company pays for hotel and meals if necessary when testing. Crew asked for more guidance on how to get recertified and who may apply. Members requested less days of service for full retirement benefits and ask for a lesser frequency of physicals. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. Crew requested cigarettes in slop chest because they are unable to go ashore to buy more due to COVID-19 restrictions. MOHAWK (JM Ship, LLC), September 6 – Chairman Paul Brown, Secretary Alan Bartley, Educational Director Andres Nunez-Rochez, Deck Delegate Andrew Bennett, Engine Delegate Gary Longmire. Members discussed getting better workout equipment on board. Ship due to arrive at Port Hueneme, California, on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Most crew will be relieved on the day of arrival. Chairman advised crew to be safe while in port and to be cautious of overhead loads coming and going. Secretary thanked crew for keeping the mess hall clean and for other departments pitching in and assisting the steward department. Educational director reminded members to check their documents for renewal and be sure to renew documents early as possible. He encouraged crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. Disputed OT reported Job Well Done Aboard Isla Bella SIU steward department personnel aboard the Isla Bella (TOTE) received high praise from vessel master Capt. Andrew Mayher, who submitted this photo. Pictured from left are Chief Cook Adalberto Colon Rosa, Steward/Baker Jose Norales and SA Simone Smith. in deck and engine departments due to ship restriction. Crew went over communications and numerous items related to COVID-19 from union. Members ask for better flights when joining the ship and increase in pension benefits. Wi-Fi needs to be reinstated aboard vessel. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. Crew would like company to send books and movies to ship. Members would like new refrigerators for rooms that currently don’t have them, new mattresses and a bigger selection of items in the slop chest. Parts needed for showers in rooms. Next port: Hueneme, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt November 2020 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Classes The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. AB to Mate Modules Module dates vary throughout the year. Once accepted, students will be advised of dates. Classes are only open to students in AB to Mate program and modules must be taken in order. Module 5 November 10 November 20 Module 6 November 23 December 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations November 16 December 11 Certified Chief Cook November 16 December 18 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. 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, or 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. 11/20 Enemy Exacts Heavy Toll on Convoy PQ-17 Continued from Page 20 tacks, and the Samuel Chase made it in only after a raging fight in which bombs snapped all the steam lines to the main engine and auxiliaries, and the fighting ship was taken in tow by a corvette, her guns still barking defiance to the Nazi bombers. Only eleven ships out of PQ-17 made it through to Russia; among them being the American ships Ironclad, Samuel Chase, Benjamin Harrison (all SIU), Silver Sword, Winston Salem, Bellingham (SIU) and Troubador. They had survived by pitting courage and determination against great odds in one of the most bitterly fought battles of World War II. Freighters At The Front Oran, Casablanca, Avola, Gela, Salerno, Anzio, Guadalcanal, Normandy, Leyte, Okinawa… Memorable places these, stepping stones on the long road to victory – the invasion points where the tide of battle finally turned and then, surging forward on the flood, engulfed the Axis in a deluge of men and materiel as the Allies marched inexorably toward Rome, Berlin and Tokyo. SIU ships made these and other beachheads along with the assault troops and the landing craft, and the names of the far-flung battle shores became as familiar to Seafarers as the names of towns back in New York, Indiana, Nebraska or Texas. One of many SIU freighters at the beachheads was the SS Jonathan Grout, a Liberty operated by the Mississippi Shipping Company, which helped carry British troops from Alexandria for the invasion of Sicily in the morning of May 10, 1943. Peaceful Sicily It was an idyllic day as the Jonathan Grout approached the hill-fringed Sicilian shore, and were it not for the firing of monitors and destroyers, for bits of wrecked gliders and dead paratroops bobbing grotesquely about in the placid tide, the war would have seemed a thousand miles away. But the summer calm was broken that afternoon, when Stuka divebombers came roaring down onto the invasion fleet with sirens screaming in their noses as they dived, a wailing cry that was intended to strike terror in the hearts of 16 Seafarers LOG the gunners below. Gunners on the Jonathan Grout and other ships weren’t impressed, however. The three-inch bow guns on the Liberties, the oerlikons and the bofors threw so much steel into the sky that the divebombers didn’t make a single hit. The enemy didn’t give up – not by a long shot, they didn’t. They launched 50 raids against the anchorage at Avola during the next five days. Armed guard and merchant crewmen slept at the guns, while the British stevedores unloaded bombs, canned gasoline, trucks, tanks, food, and the myriad other implements of war, knocking off only when the sirens moaned the approach of more raiders and the lights of the anchored ships blinked off. On the afternoon of July11, three flights of high-level bombers – 15 in all – swept over the convoy so high that it was futile to fire the 20 millimeters. The bombs left the belly of the droning raiders like tiny, shimmery pinpoints of light. A navy gunner on the nearby Liberty ship Colin Kelly wrote, “The stark of terror of the sight is indescribable.” Nick of Time Escape The first salvo shook the Jonathan Grout as though she had been rammed, but all were near misses, partly because the bridge signaled the engine room for “full ahead” and, moving from a dead stop, the ammunition-laden vessel scurried away from the falling bombs in the nick of time. Not so lucky was a Dutch ship, hit by bombs and sunk nearby. Third Mate Wonson of the Colin Kelly sang “Praise the Lord and Pass the ammunition” as hot shrapnel bounced off the deck plates and hissed in the water overside. When hot shell fragments started a fire amid gasoline tins in a forward hold of the Jonathan Grout, two ABs instantly climbed into the hold and just put it out. Just before noon on July 13, without any air raid warning, a pair of Stukas dropped over the mountains that lined the bay, and plummeted onto the anchorage with their engines cut out. Lookouts saw them too late. So sudden and so silent was the attack that not a shell was fired at them till they had blown their target to pieces and were skipping safely back to their bases. A convoy en route to Russia fights in the North Atlantic in July 1942. An enemy plane, hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashes into a U.S. merchant vessel, causing her to explode. The vessel at right is turning to avoid the conflagration. (Official U.S. Navy Photo) November 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes UA to AS-D – Graduated September 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Dominick Bach, Andre Barbary Jr., Badr Bouziane, Susha Dore, Dakota Guthrie, Steven McKelvey, Samuel Schwimmer, Jonathan Silva, Oliver Vickers, Daniel Wood and Danielle Woodward. Electronic Navigation – Graduated September 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Jerome Luckett, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Jorge A. Salas Santos and Anthony Dwight Sanchez Villarrubia. Basic Training Revalidation – Graduated September 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Ion Irimia, Maximo Lacayo Mena, Anecito Taladua Limboy, Ricky McClenton, Allan Tadle Oculam, Lance Spain, Carlos Velasquez, Michael Wees, Johnathan Williams and Ameen Abdo Yahya. November 2020 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Junior Engineering Plant Management – Graduated October 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Nino Bonita, Nicolas Brailsford, Ashley Burke, Carlos Guzman, Daryl Hicks, Christopher Hinton and Wordell Prescott. Their instructor, William Dodd, is at the far left. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated October 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Gunnar Anderson, Juan Barquera, Ramesh Chawaria, Kevin Cottrell, Gregory Davis, Darryl Dewitt, Gerald Flowers, Jasmin Franklin, Eric Greenawalt, Curtis Jasa, Jevon Lowery, Sarah Superman, Brian Tait and Tinesha Travis. Basic Training Revalidation – Graduated September 18 (above, in alphabetical order): William Born, William Churney, Donita Dowdell, Terry Fowler, Sanjay Gupta, Marvin James, Michael Joel, Brett Tiedeman and John Walsh. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 18 Seafarers LOG November 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Chief Steward – Graduated September 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Mohsen Ali Mohammed Al-Adani, Ryan Marquez Gallano, Bryan Nystrom, Luis Enrique Santiago Sotero and Ian Schluder. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Chief Steward Special – Joshua Hinton, above, completed his requirements and graduated from this course October 2. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated September 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Virnabeth Tomo Cano, Jada Gay, Janelle Harper, Joseph Huls, Marcel Jubert, Nadzeya Mikhailovna Kuptsova, Diane MacDonald, William Johan Otero Munoz, Latrel Ross and Kendra Williams. Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated September 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Naulka Persian Caines, Hussein Abdul Hussein, Tony Jenkins, Paul Newman and Glen Ward. November 2020 Seafarers LOG 19 �VOLUME 82, NO. 11 NOVEMBER 2020 El Faro Remembrance Page 7 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O ‘One of the Most Bitterly Fought Battles’ Editor’s note: This is the seventh installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier segments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. (We are tentatively planning to post a PDF of the entire booklet on the SIU website once all of the text has been published here.) This one picks up as Bunker describes the infamous Convoy PQ-17. The first few paragraphs also appeared in the October LOG but are included here for continuity. One of the most dramatic and yet tragic episodes of the war at sea involved Convoy PQ-17, better known as among SIU seamen as the “Fourth of July” Convoy to north Russia. Seamen of the Seafarers International Union and its affiliate, the Sailors Union of the Pacific, have very personal interest in this convoy, because they manned most of the 20 American freighters in the 33-ship fleet. PQ-17 was heavily protected when it left Reykjavik on June 27, 1942. For convoy patrol and defense there was a heavy task force consisting of destroyers, sloops, corvettes, two “ack ack” ships, several armed trawlers, three rescue vessels and two British submarines that hoped for a chance to torpedo any big German men o’ war that might be lured out to attack the fleet. Heavy escorts included the cruisers HMS London, HMS Norfolk, USS Wichita, and USS Tuscaloosa. Covering the convoy’s flank about 100 miles to the east was another battle fleet, numbering the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious, British battleship Duke of York, USS Washington (battleship), several cruisers and numerous destroyers. Quick Attacks Soon after leaving Iceland, PQ-17 was spotted by a Nazi Blohm and Voss patrol plane that kept a constant vigil over the convoy’s course, directing subs and planes to the attack. In the early morning of July 4, a doughty Heinkel defied the escort, darted through a bank of mist, and torpedoed the Liberty ship Christopher Newport (Calmar) with its 9,000 tons of war supplies. That afternoon a flight of 25 torpedocarrying Heinkels attacked from astern and braved a hail of anti-aircraft fire to sink the freighters Navarino (Br.) and William Hooper (Am.) and hit the Russian tanker Azerbaidjan, which, however, did not sink and rejoined the fleet. Another “tin fish” missed the SIU-manned Bellingham by a few feet. Gordon Small, seaman on the Ironclad, recounts how the bombers plowed right up through the convoy lanes against terrific fire, losing their torpedoes and firing at the ships with their machine guns. A plane passed so close to the Ironclad they could see the face of the pilot and the gunner. Bullets from the old Browning .50s on the Ironclad seemed to bounce off the bombers like hail on a tin roof. This was dramatic and costly evidence that the Germans intended to stop Convoy PQ-17 from delivering its 188,000 tons of freight to the Russians. But, despite the warning, the convoy commodore signaled this message to his merchantmen at 8:30 on the evening of July 4: “Scatter fanwise and proceed independently to destination at utmost speed.” Three ships had already been lost despite The covering forces of the PQ-17 Convoy (British and American ships) are shown at anchor in the harbor at Hvalfjord, Iceland, May 1942. (U.S. Navy photo) the heavy naval escort. Now the merchantmen were to be left “on their own” with no more than .30- and .50-caliber machine guns and a few three-inch guns for defense! The order had come from London. Only the armed trawlers, several corvettes and the three rescue ships were left with the freighters and they hurried off independently at top speed. When the cruisers and destroyers dashed away the Bellingham was close behind the little rescue ship Rathlin. Not intending to be completely deserted if he could help it, Captain Mortenson told Chief Engineer Saltsman to “give us every bit of steam you can squeeze out of those boilers.” The watch below really produced, and the Bellingham stuck right on the tail of the annoyed Rathlin despite its repeated signals to “get away.” The Bellingham turned up 14 knots in its hour of desperate need and made it safely into Archangel after numerous adventures, still in company with the rescue ship. When the convoy scattered, the old Ironclad was alongside the Panamanian freighter Troubador, which trailed a continual column of heavy smoke from her coalburning fires, and near the Silver Sword. The little British armed trawler Ayershire steamed up and said, bravely enough, that she would “convoy” them to Nova Zembla. The only escort ship with “guts” enough to stay by the deserted merchantmen was this one-time fisherman. Under escort of the doughty Ayershire, the Silver Sword and Ironclad spent three days in heavy pack ice, which protected them from subs; arrived safely in Nova Zembla and, later, made it through to Russia. First ship to go down after the convoy scattered was the SS Carlton, torpedoed in the deep tanks. Her survivors were picked up by a German seaplane and submarine and others rowed to the coast of Norway. After being taken prisoner, they also survived the torpedoing of a German prisonerof-war transport. Next to get it was the Matson Company’s SUP-manned Honomu. She went down in 10 minutes with 19 of her crew. Heavy Ship Toll Soon after, the SIU-manned Pan Kraft was attacked by three Junkers 88s and set afire, her 5,000 tons of bombers and air- plane parts lost amid the mists of the icy Arctic. In succession went the British freighters Empire Byron, Earlston, and River Afton. A gift for Hitler they were! Unescorted and lightly armed merchantmen against powerful bombers and U-boats! The American freighter Peter Kerr gallantly fought off 7 torpedo planes with four machine guns, but the unequal contest was soon ended and this brave ship also went to the bottom. About the same time the SS Washington edged along an ice pack in company with the Bolton Castle (Br.) and the Paulus Potter (Dutch). Nine Junkers dive bombers attacked, blowing up the Bolton Castle and sinking the Washington after many near misses had caused her to leak like a sieve. Later, they got the Paulus Potter, too. The SS Olopana (another Matson, SUP ship) hove by and offered to pick up the Washington survivors, who were pulling toward Nova Zembla amid gusts of snow and big chunks of drift ice. “No,” they shouted. “You’ll only get sunk, too.” And sunk the Olopana was – only a few hours later. Pan-Atlantic Dies Survivors from these ships then pulled through freezing weather to the mountainous coasts of bleak Nova Zembla where, after “celebrating” over a feast of duck and sea gull soup, they were picked up by the SS Empire Tide and other assorted vessels that had made it there to take shelter under the cliffs. An epic fight against overwhelming odds, meanwhile was waged by the SIUmanned Pan Atlantic, a Waterman ship which had an armament of four .50 caliber machine guns. “Nineteen of the merchant crew and seven Navy gunners were killed while defending this ship,” says the official Navy report about the Pan Atlantic. They stuck by their guns even while a Junkers dropped its lethal load on them from a height of only 4,000 feet – safe beyond machine gun fire. The bombs exploded in the cargo, knocked the foremast on top of the wheelhouse, and severed the ship completely just forward of the bridge. She filled and quickly sank with a very valuable cargo of oil stills, aluminum, nickel, food, tanks and cordite. Courageous Crews Shortly after the Pan Atlantic went down, a sub torpedoed the SIU-manned Alcoa Ranger and the Hartlebury (Br.), many of whose crew froze to death trying to reach Nova Zembla. The Liberty ship Daniel Morgan shot down two dive bombers before a sub got her. It took three torpedoes to sink the Liberty Ship John Witherspoon, whose men were picked up after a daring decision by Captain John Thevik of the SS El Capitan (Pan.), to stop his ship for the rescue, even though a sub was close behind at the time. By the 7th of July, Convoy PQ-17 had lost 18 ships. Almost 100,000 tons of war cargoes had been sent to the bottom of the Arctic and the Barents Sea, to be lost forever. It was on the 7th, incidentally, that the plucky Bellingham was hit by a torpedo which did not explode, although the concussion blew out the lights and knocked the watch off their feet. The SIU-manned Ironclad of the Waterman Company, the Troubador and the Silver Sword and the trawler Ayrshire ran into thick pack ice, then hit on the happy idea of painting their hulls white and covering as much as the topsiders as possible with sheets and blankets. Trick Succeeds This camouflage helped them to evade attack in getting to Nova Zembla and, finally, to the White Sea. Several other freighters of the convoy made it safely to Nova Zembla, where they joined some escort vessels to steam the last lap without further loss, arriving in Archangel July 25. Another segment of the ill-fated fleet had made the dash from Nova Zembla toward Cape Kanin on July 7, accompanied by corvettes and armed trawlers. Included were the freighters Hoosier, Ocean Freedom (Br.), Benjamin Harrison (Calmar) and El Capitan (Pan.). They were later joined by the Liberty ship Samuel Chase (SUP). The Hoosier and El Capitan were sunk short of their destination in violent air atContinued on Page16 � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: THOUSANDS OF MARINERS STUCK AT SEA AS CREW CHANGE CRISIS CONTINUES PLANNING, TEAMWORK RESULT IN SUCCESSSFUL REOPENING SIU SAFETY TEAM MEETS FOR VIRTUAL SUMMIT MAERSK ACHIEVES SAFETY MILESTONE HOUSE PASSES 'CLEAN ECONOMY JOBS' BILL U.S. REP WITTMAN SHARES VIEW: 'AMERICA IS A MARITIME NATION' CONGRESS EXPRESSES STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR CREATION OF U.S. TANKER SECURITY FLEET TOTE HONORS EL FARO CREW WITH CEREMONY 'THE SIU TOOK ME WHEN NOBODY ELSE WOULD' WHOOPING COUGH POSES DANGERS TO ALL AGE GROUPS 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 11/1/2020 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. 82, No. 11 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/46c7801b77adc946f839cd7fd2b5ae16.pdf 4f2830119a423d9e3861b0615c95c6c1 PDF Text Text DECEMBER 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 12 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Season’s Greetings 2021 Meeting Dates Page 4 Beck Notice Page 5 Summary Annual Reports Page 6 �President’s Report More Jones Act Support It seems fitting to close out 2020 with a word about the Jones Act, which marked its centennial this past summer. As you’ll see elsewhere in this edition, America’s freight cabotage law is still making headlines – most recently in the form of support from members of Congress and from the Navy League of the United States. While I never take anything for granted, I’m confident that the Jones Act will continue enjoying strong bipartisan support in the new year (and beyond). This law has never been more important to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. It protects our shipbuilding capability, safeguards our coasts and waterways, and helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S.-citizen mariners who will be available to sail on military support ships in times of need. The Jones Act has endured because it is extremely sound policy. Nevertheless, we’re always on the lookout for attacks against it, and we also invest time and energy educating new legislators about the law’s significant value. We’ll continue on that path. Cargo Preference While it’s sometimes overlooked in maritime discussions, cargo preference is another crucial component of our industry’s foundation. Cargo preference is an economic boon for our country that doesn’t cost the taxpayers a dime. In brief, cargo preference programs require shippers to use U.S.flag vessels to move specified government-impelled, ocean-borne goods. The most often cited program is PL-480, otherwise known as Food for Peace. Enacted in 1954, Food for Peace ships Americangrown food, dry goods and other commodities aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flag ships to countries with dire nutritional needs. Those packages, marked “USAID from the American people,” help nourish those at risk of starvation while spreading a message of goodwill to the most impoverished countries on Earth. That is not the only such law, though. The Cargo Preference Act of 1904 dictates that 100 percent of military cargo be shipped aboard U.S.-flag vessels; and Public Resolution 17 from 1934 states all cargo generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank must be carried aboard U.S.-flag ships unless granted a waiver by the U.S. Maritime Administration. As we turn the calendar to 2021, the SIU will continue to advocate for the expansion of the nation’s current cargo preference laws, and to ensure that American mariners keep working aboard U.S.flag ships around the world. Happy Holidays While we all are still dealing with the global pandemic, I’m hopeful that everyone throughout the SIU will be able to count our blessings during the winter holidays. One thing I’m very grateful for is the incredible professionalism of Seafarers in 2020. You have truly risen to the occasion and fulfilled your mission as essential workers. You have demonstrated flexibility, dedication and sacrifice in order to help keep commerce flowing and to support our armed forces. You certainly answered the call during the turbo activations this summer, and I’m proud of you. This dedication extends to our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, which reopened in early August. Everyone at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has met the moment and done what needs to be done in order to safely, successfully run classes for upgraders and apprentices. It’s not easy but it’s vital, and everyone at the school – staff and students alike – deserves credit for getting the job done. Keep the faith, brothers and sisters. Better days are ahead. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 12 December 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Gov’t Expert Calls for Stronger Sealift Lexington Institute Exec. Spells Out Path for Boosting U.S. Fleet The Lexington Institute generally wants government to butt out, but when it comes to U.S.-flag sealift capacity, the stakes are too high for inaction. That was one conclusion among several penned by Lexington Institute Chief Operating Officer Loren Thompson in a recent article for Forbes. Thompson examined a new Defense Department plan for remaking the U.S. Navy and stated that while much of the Battle Force 2045 strategy likely won’t come to fruition, “there are some elements within the plan that do not require heavy lifting to accomplish, because their cost is modest and bipartisan support already exists. Sealift – the capacity to move U.S. military supplies to foreign conflicts expeditiously – is one such element.” Thompson said he anticipates limits on future Defense spending because of a “fiscal hangover” from the COVID-19 pandemic. He also stated that Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s plan “is so imposing – nearly a dozen new ship classes, half of them unmanned – that it would be challenging to implement even in normal times.” Throwing more support behind civilian-crewed military support ships is very achievable, however, according to Thompson. “The nation’s sealift fleet, which would carry 90% of supplies in wartime, has been decaying for decades,” he wrote. “That partly reflects the low priority assigned to the mission, and partly reflects the decline of the U.S. commercial shipping industry. With fewer than 200 U.S.-flagged vessels engaged in international commerce, there just isn’t much slack in the system if U.S. forces need to be surged overseas in an emergency. “The Navy’s current assets consist of 15 prepositioned supply ships anchored overseas near potential trouble spots, plus an additional 15 ‘surge’ vessels maintained in a reduced state of readiness,” he continued. “These ships are operated by commercial companies under the supervision of the Military Sealift Command, and are designed so that military vehicles and supplies can be driven directly into cargo holds rather than needing to be lifted or broken down.” But that only offers approximately half of the capacity needed “to lift the Army and other services to a major war,” Thompson explained. “To secure the remainder, [the armed forces] must turn to the Transportation Department, specifically the Ready Reserve Fleet (RRF) maintained by the Maritime Administration, and to the private merchant marine.” Thompson then explained the mission and condition of the RRF (which contains 46 former commercial ships) as well as the 60 privately owned, civilian-crewed vessels in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. “There are all sorts of problems with mobilizing this diverse menagerie of vessels,” Thompson said. “The entire sealift fleet is aging and its availability will become increasingly problematic in future years. This challenge has been recognized for years, and explains why Secretary Esper explicitly cited the need to modernize sealift assets in his October 6 discussion of Battle Force 2045. “The problem with Esper’s broader vision is that it requires so much money for so many initiatives that sealift would have to fight every year for funding against missions that have stronger constituencies,” Thompson continued. “However, viewed in isolation it is not a particularly expensive activity. The Congressional Budget Office estimated in 2019 that it would only cost a little over $1 billion per year going forward to recapitalize and operate the sealift fleet. That represents 2-3 hours of federal spending at current rates. So, whatever the fate of Battle Force 2045, sealift is an eminently fixable challenge. The Navy’s three-pronged approach, disclosed in 2018, is to extend the service life of the most modern vessels in the Ready Reserve Fleet, buy second-hand foreign commercial ships for modification, and build a new class of auxiliary vessels in domestic shipyards.” The latter undertaking, named the Common Hull Auxiliary Multi-Mission Platform (CHAMP), “would provide both new sealift and various other support vessels the fleet requires, but the initiative was rebuffed by the White House Budget Office in preparing the 2021 budget submission due to high per-vessel costs,” Thompson said. “Congress has already begun funding the life-extensions of the Ready Reserve Fleet and purchase of used foreign ships. The Navy is not ready to give up on CHAMP, because it meets multiple service requirements and would produce sealift assets superior to what can be obtained by the other two parts of its strategy. The service probably will prevail in the end, because there is bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for building new sealift vessels to commercial specifications in the nation’s shipyards.” He concluded, “The unanswered question is whether the sealift mission can stay afloat now that Secretary Esper has called into question virtually every facet of the Navy’s long-term shipbuilding plan. The political landscape is in such disarray that congressional champions will have to protect sealift from becoming a bill-payer for bigger, more visible missions. Time will tell whether those champions come forward. However, there is a bottom line to the sealift story that military planners would do well to heed: If you can’t get to the fight on time, then you are probably going to lose the war.” Thompson was deputy director of the Securities Studies Program at Georgetown University. He has taught at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and holds doctoral and master’s degrees in government from Georgetown. The Lexington Institute is a non-profit entity whose mission statement in part says that the organization “believes in limiting the role of the federal government to those functions explicitly stated or implicitly defined by the Constitution. The Institute therefore actively opposes the unnecessary intrusion of the federal government into the commerce and culture of the nation, and strives to find nongovernmental, market-based solutions to publicpolicy challenges. We believe a dynamic private sector is the greatest engine for social progress and economic prosperity…. By promoting America’s ability to project power around the globe we not only defend the homeland of democracy, but also sustain the international stability in which other free-market democracies can thrive.” Seafarers Help Stranded Boaters Seafarers recently came to the aid of stranded boaters in the Pacific, approximately 150 miles off the California coast. Chief Steward Samuel Sinclair provided this photo from the MV Jean Anne (Pasha Hawaii) along with the following notes: “The boat was drifting at sea for days and was spotted by 3rd Mate Jim Marren. The captain notified the U.S. Coast Guard. Our ship made a Williamson turn and we maneuvered to allow the distressed boat to drift up alongside. ABs threw mooring line to the castaways in order to secure them. After roping down much-needed water and provisions, the Jean Anne waited until the Mexican coast guard came to take over responsibility. The people in the boat were Mexican citizens trying to gain access to the U.S. Their motor gave out, resulting in the boat drifting aimlessly in the Pacific. The SIU crew professionally performed duties in this humanitarian rescue.” The SIU crew included Bosun Thomas Johnson (who was instrumental in securing the smaller boat to the Jean Anne), AB Shaif Alomary, AB Samuel Lampshire, AB Mohamed Saleh, QE4 Yahya Mohamed, QEE Stephen Roberts, GVA Ahmed Ahmed, GVA Abdulla Saleh, Chief Steward Samuel Sinclair and Chief Cook Tammy Bingisser. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG December 2020 �Navy League Highlights Importance of Jones Act The Navy League of the United States has released a new report titled, “China’s Use of Maritime for Global Power Demands a Strong Commitment to American Maritime,” which outlines and reinforces the importance of the maritime industry and in particular the Jones Act. As stated in the introduction of the report, “America has been guided by the waterborne trades and the laws of maritime commerce since its founding. Shipbuilding and the generations of mariners in the shipping trades are pillars of our maritime and naval heritage. In that spirit, Americans have always gone to great lengths to protect the nation’s ports and sea lanes. Early on, American merchants abided by Navigation Acts fashioned by the English government to protect British Colonial interests. Today, American maritime law and the commercial maritime trades are informed by a set of laws, including the Jones Act.” The report detailed the current state of the U.S.-flag fleet, saying, “U.S. maritime stakeholders are well aware of the challenges America faces in shipbuilding and in global shipping. The U.S. has seen a sharp decline in its international maritime fleet, whereby less than 200 U.S.-flagged vessels are represented in an oceangoing cargo fleet of more than 41,000 ships. The U.S. trails 16 countries in shipbuilding by a disparate proportion. In 2019, China ranked highest with 1,291 oceangoing ships under construction, while Japan and South Korea were the next largest shipbuilders but with each having roughly half of that number of vessels in production. The U.S. was building only eight oceangoing vessels in 2019. “In a comprehensive 2020 study by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, ‘Strengthening the U.S. Defense Maritime Industrial Base: A Plan to Improve Maritime Industry’s Contribution to National Security,’ the Jones Act is described as guarding ‘against the ability of China … to take over shipping to U.S. territories and to gain local influence during peacetime, only to threaten or deny shipping to CONUS [contiguous United States] during a crisis or conflict’,” the report continued. “China’s goals, beyond creating jobs and expanding its economy, are aimed at dominating the shipping industry and world trade. Through its state-owned enterprises, China has, in the past two decades, managed to dominate the world’s core maritime industries, namely shipbuilding, majority ownership of oceangoing commercial ships and ownership or part ownership of marine terminals at key ports on strategically important trade lanes. China The SIU-crewed Overseas Houston (OSG) sails in the Jones Act trade. can shape global trade to its liking in times of peace and, in times of conflict, leverage an overwhelming advantage in global maritime logistics built up primarily at the expense of U.S. importers.” The American Maritime Partnership, to which the SIU is affiliated, issued the following statement concerning the report: “This study by the Navy League raises important questions about China’s ambition to dominate the global maritime supply chain. It requires a thoughtful policy response from the United States, including a renewed commitment to a robust American maritime industry, which is critical to our national security.” Additionally, the Shipbuilders Council of America issued the following statement: “The U.S. Navy League’s latest report on China’s strategy to advance global maritime dominance confirms what American shipbuilders have witnessed for decades which is Beijing funneling hundreds of billions into its shipbuilding programs to manipulate world markets and strengthen the country’s power on land and sea. While China will not rest in this pursuit, it is even more critical that we continue to build and repair the U.S. commercial and military fleets to bolster the American economy and protect domestic and national security.” Ocean Gladiator Flags In The Navy League of the United States is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating citizens about the importance of sea power to U.S. national security and to supporting the men and women of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine and their families. CIVMARS At Work Both of these vessels (pictured Oct. 12 in the Atlantic Ocean) are crewed by CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division. The fast combat support ship USNS Supply (right) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the hospital ship USNS Comfort. The Comfort is on an 11-week medical support mission to Central and South America as part of U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin Alexondra Lowe) Legislators Speak Up for U.S. Freight Cabotage Law SIU members are sailing aboard the recently reflagged Ocean Gladiator (operated by Waterman), a replacement ship for the Ocean Globe. Pictured this summer in Turkey, the Ocean Gladiator was built in 2010 and is 544 feet long. (Photo by Cengiz Tokgöz) December 2020 Three members of Congress are calling upon the respective chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to make sure the Jones Act provisions for “offshore oil and gas development on the Outer Continental Shelf also apply to offshore wind development.” Signed by U.S. Reps. Elaine Luria (DVirginia), John Garamendi (D-California) and Alan S. Lowenthal (D-California), the Oct. 27 letter was sent to U.S. Sens. James Inhofe (ROklahoma), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), the committee’s ranking member, as well as U.S. Reps. Adam Smith (D-Washington), chair of the House Armed Service Committee, and Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), that committee’s ranking member. “Congress clearly intended federal law to apply to the exploration, development, production, transportation and transmission of any form of energy resources under OCSLA [the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act],” the trio wrote. “We urge you to clarify that lease sales for energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf from non-minerals are indeed subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including federal laws affording labor and environmental protections. Indeed, these same federal laws including the Jones Act currently apply to offshore oil and gas development under OSCLA.” They concluded by noting, “The Jones Act ensures a level of maritime capability that is critical to our national security.” The Jones Act requires that cargo moving from one domestic port to another domestic port must be carried aboard a U.S.-crewed, U.S.built, U.S.-owned, U.S.-flagged vessel. The law is considered vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. It was enacted in 1920 with those goals in mind. Seafarers LOG 3 �Voting Continues in SIU’s 2020 Election Voting started last month and will continue through Dec. 31 in the election of officers of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. Balloting is taking place at 20 SIU halls across the country. Full-book SIU members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election, which will determine union officers for the 20212024 term. Seafarers may obtain their ballots from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays (except legal holidays), and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays (again except legal holidays) until Dec. 31. The ballot includes the list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 25 positions). Only two of the positions have more than one candidate running; those positions are highlighted on the ballot. At the union halls, a member in good standing (upon presenting his or her book) is given a ballot and two envelopes. After his or her selection is marked, the ballot is folded and placed inside an envelope marked “ballot.” That envelope then is sealed inside a postage-paid envelope bearing the mailing address of the bank depository where ballots are kept until submitted to the union tallying committee. The rank-and-file tallying committee, consisting of two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will be elected in December. They will convene in early January and will tabulate and announce the election results. Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations and other related information appears on Pages 6-10 of the October 2020 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known address, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, extra steps are being taken to help ensure member participation in the election. These modifications have been extensively reported in the LOG, on the SIU website and at the monthly membership meetings. They include (for this election only) easing the absentee-ballot procedures, expanding the hours for ballot pickup, and having union representatives bring ballots to SIU-crewed ves- sels whenever reasonably possible. As part of the latter development, SIU representatives are undergoing COVID-19 testing every two weeks, and any representative visiting a ship must show proof of a recent negative test. The first two votes are cast in Jacksonville, Florida, (photo at top left) by Recertified Steward Breon Lucas and Bosun Gerald Alford. GUDE Michael Cruz (photo above) seals his ballot at the hiring hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico while members line up to vote (photo at bottom left) in Oakland, California, on Nov. 2. SIU Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli is at right. For more photos of SIU members voting in the union election, see Page 8. Union Membership Meeting Dates for 2021 Port Traditional Date January February March April Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 4 8 8 5 Jersey City Tuesday after first Sunday 5 9 9 Philadelphia Wednesday after first Sunday 6 10 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 7 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday San Juan May June July August September October November December 3 7 6 2 7 4 8 6 6 4 8 6 3 7 5 9 7 10 7 5 9 7 4 8 6 10 8 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12 9 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12 9 Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12 9 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 8 12 12 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 12 10 Norfolk Friday after first Sunday 8 12 12 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 12 10 Houston Monday after second Sunday 11 16 15 12 10 14 12 9 13 12 15 13 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 11 15 13 10 14 12 16 14 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 11 15 13 17 15 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 15 19 19 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 19 17 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 15 19 19 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 19 17 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 19 22 22 19 17 21 19 16 20 18 22 20 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 21 25 25 22 20 24 22 19 23 21 26 23 Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 22 26 26 23 21 25 23 20 24 22 26 27 Dates appearing in bold indicate that meetings are being held on other than traditional meeting dates. The reasons for the changes at affected ports, respectively, are as follows: nPiney Point change in July created by Independence Day Observance Jacksonville & San Juan changes in November created by Veterans Day Observance nHouston change in October created by Columbus Day Observance nGuam change in November created by Thanksgiving Observance nBaltimore, nPiney Point change in September created by Labor Day Observance change in February created by President’s Day Observance nWilmington change in January created by Martin Luther King Day Observance nTacoma change in December created by Christmas Observance nHouston Meetings at each port start at 10:30 a.m. 4 Seafarers LOG December 2020 �SIU Pitches in With ‘BookWaves’ Outreach AFT Spearheads Philanthropic Project to Give Student Assistance A coalition including the SIU, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), SIU-contracted Crowley, Matson and TOTE (respectively), non-profit organizations and other groups has teamed up to eventually deliver more than 100,000 free books to students in Puerto Rico, Guam and Alaska. The AFT, the Transportation Institute (TI) (representing U.S.-flag vessel operators) and the organization First Book in particular spearheaded the launch of the outreach known as BookWaves. Together, all participants are uniting to assist students and families during the COVID-19 crisis. TI Chairman and President Jim Henry said, “Reading books to children helps stimulate their imagination and expands their ability to understand the world, and that’s why the Transportation Institute – with its maritime members Crowley and TOTE – are dedicated and proud to work with teachers to donate and ship thousands of books to young students to help make our future stronger.” AFT President Randi Weingarten said, “We’re doing our part to help students and their families – regardless of their geography or demography – have what they need to learn. Our hope is that BookWaves will provide books to help them navigate this difficult time and prioritize one of the most fundamental things we can all do together: read.” BookWaves is supported by SIU-contracted operators Crowley, Matson, and TOTE, as well as trucking company Convoy and other local air and ground transportation companies that have donated their expertise and services to ship tens of thousands of books across land and sea to remote communities in need of books. The AFT, TI and Pi Beta Phi Foundation provided financial support to secure books from First Book; while the AFT and the SIU helped with title selection and providing onthe-ground coordination of sorting and distribution. At press time, the first wave of 3,000 bilingual and Spanish STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) books have been distributed, at a socially distant outdoor event at the Manuel A. Perez Residencial in San Juan, with more distributions to follow in the late fall and winter across Alaska, Guam and Puerto Rico. “Hearing of the hard work the AFT and First Book have been doing over the years to bring millions of books to students in need inspired our organization to marshal With containers of books in the foreground, volunters team up in San Juan, Puerto Rico. the resources of the U.S.-flag maritime industry and our logistics partners to help Americans in far-flung communities that rely on our shipping services have better access to books and inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning,” said Rich Berkowitz, the Transportation Institute’s vice president of Pacific Coast Operations. Crowley donated the shipping of 3,000 STEM books in Spanish, bilingual and English titles and is committed to shipping another 30,000 books to Puerto Rico. The Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico is spearheading the effort to distribute books, as well as partnering with the SIU to create maritime collections in high schools to support career and technical education. “This is a great initiative, which truly will have a positive impact for the students. A book in the hands of a child or young person is an opportunity for the develop- Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW 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, AGLIW 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, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While nonmembers do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are 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 December 2020 ment of language, comprehension, reading and their upbringing as a human being,” said Elba L. Aponte Santos, president of the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico. “We are grateful for this collaboration to bring highquality books, which are so important for students and teachers of Puerto Rico.” “Working in partnership with the Transportation Institute, including Crowley and TOTE, as well as the teachers of our young students in Puerto Rico, we will create a pathway of knowledge that enables these students to learn, grow and seek out the career ladders that are offered in the maritime industry and other opportunities,” said SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. “Bringing more than 100,000 free books to students Continued on Page 7 Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act 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 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 2019 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representa- tion amounts to 79.84 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $399.20 (three hundred ninety-nine dollars and twenty cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2021calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2020 and November 30, 2021 will have this calculation applied to their 2021 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2022, your objection must be received by December 1, 2021. A report which delineates chargeable and nonchargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2019. Please note that as the chargeable and nonchargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect 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, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, 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 Seafarers LOG 5 �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, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has committed itself to pay all claims incurred under the terms of the Plan. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $239,118,635 as of December 31, 2019 compared to $184,235,622 as of January 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $54,883,013. 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 total income of $145,766,909, including employer contributions of $124,764,974, employee contributions of $499,600, realized gains of $2,754,248 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $17,093,981 and other income of $654,106. Plan expenses were $90,883,896. These expenses included $13,990,253 in administrative expenses and $76,893,643 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: n An accountant’s report; n Financial information and information on payments to service providers; n Assets held for investment; and n 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $7.50 for the full 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: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, 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, 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, 2019 to December 31, 2019. 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. Plan expenses were $11,709,598. These expenses included $1,156,654 in administrative expenses and $10,552,944 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 15,492 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $143,294,725 as of December 31, 2019 compared to $126,965,662 as of January 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $16,329,063. 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 total income of $28,038,661, including employer contributions of $9,976,372, employee contributions of $139,493, gains of $1,484,830 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $16,429,643 and other income of $8,323. 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: n An accountant’s report; n Financial information and information on payments to service providers; n Assets held for investment; n Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; n Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and n Information regarding any common or collective trust, 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: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $7.75 for the full 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: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, 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, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $28,942,105 as of December 31, 2019 compared to $23,993,376 as of January 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $4,948,729. 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 total income of $76,163,973, including employer contributions of $72,463,639, realized gains of $795,151 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $2,772,164 and other income of $133,019. Plan expenses were $71,215,244. These expenses included $6,325,984 in administrative expenses and $64,889,260 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: n An accountant’s report; n Financial information and information on payments to service providers; n Assets held for investment; and n 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $15.75 for the full 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 6 Seafarers LOG Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@ dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Summary Annual Report For Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 261527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. 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. Plan expenses were $3,143,079. These expenses included $79,910 in administrative expenses, $2,900,613 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $162,556 in other expenses. A total of 14,613 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 $46,556,626 as of December 31, 2019 compared to $35,788,111 as of January 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $10,768,515. 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 total income of $13,911,594, including employee contributions of $5,938,148, other contributions of $414,023, and earnings from investments of $7,560,338 and other losses of $915. 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: n An accountant’s report; Financial Information and information on payments to service providers; n Assets held for investment; n Schedule of delinquent participant contributions; n Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, 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, D.C. 20210. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $11.75 for the full 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: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, 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, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. December 2020 �Coalition Comes to Aid of Students Continued from Page 5 and families in need is never easy, but doing it during a worldwide pandemic is almost impossible,” said AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus. “We never could have gotten these books to kids without the generosity, tenacity and collaborative ‘can-do’ spirit of the U.S.-flagged shipping companies Crowley, Matson and TOTE as well as the Seafarers International Union members. Thank you so much for the essential work you do – day in, day out – to provide a stable and vital lifeline of resources to American communities and families.” In Guam, more than 40,000 books have been delivered from the East Coast by Convoy and then shipped across the Pacific Ocean by Matson Navigation. Volunteers from the Guam Federation of Teachers (GFT) and SIU will distribute the books to pre-K through 12th-grade public school students and families as soon as island lockdown restrictions are relaxed. “Our members are so excited to have so many and such great books to provide to our students,” said GFT President Tim Fedenko. “We are eager to start handing out books as soon as possible to support student achievement and to help build the sense of community that can be hard to create while doing remote learning.” “Crowley is proud and honored to support the education of children on the island through the donated transportation of 33,000 books as part of the BookWaves coalition initiative,” said Crowley Logistics Vice President, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, Salvador Menoyo. “As the longest-serving U.S. shipping line serving Puerto Rico, Crowley’s team is dedicated to serving our friends and neighbors on the island. Supporting Puerto Rico’s youths is a natural part of our unending commitment.” TOTE Puerto Rico General Manager and Vice President of Caribbean Services Eduardo Pagan said, “While COVID-19 has changed our world and deeply impacted the education system, today’s delivery of tens of thousands of books by First Book, AMPR, the Transportation Institute and many others demonstrates that our entire community – on and off the island – is dedicated to providing students in Puerto Rico the tools and resources they need to advance their education. This donation is the first of many to come and TOTE is proud to be a partner in this initiative that will help shape the future for Puerto Rico’s young people and create a positive and lasting impact in our communities.” As the coalition focuses on remote and rural communities in Alaska, nearly 40,000 books were slated for delivery in November with an emphasis on STEM and books with Indigenous characters, including “Molly of Denali,” based on the popular PBS animated show. BookWaves is working with Alaska Marine Lines, Alaska Communications, Northern Air Cargo, Ryanair, TOTE, AFT affiliates in Alaska, and Alaskan Indigenous organizations to deliver books to as many rural and remote communities as possible. According to Berkowitz, “The broader effort led to a special partnership between the Alaska fishing philanthropic organization AFIRM and Western Alaskan Community Development Quota Program villages to provide access to books for their local youth. Kids from Atka to Naknek to Diomede will have an opportunity to select their own high-quality books.” Along with the books, the AFT is providing bookplates for kids to write their names inside their books to give them a sense of ownership and pride. In Puerto Rico, materials are in Spanish and English; in Guam, bilingual English-Chamorro bookmarks include reading tips for parents on how to help their children become strong readers; and blank journals will be provided for students in Alaska, Guam and Puerto Rico so students have an opportunity to express themselves and write their own stories. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated an existing crisis in education, especially for children in poverty. We cannot allow them to slide further behind while they are isolated without books and educational resources – essentially locked out of learning,” said Kyle Zimmer, president, CEO and co-founder of First Book. “We are so grateful that the BookWaves coalition understands the gravity of this problem and is working with us to help the kids in greatest need. This innovative collaboration is helping to engage some of our country’s most vulnerable children at a time when they need that support the most.” U.S. Department of Justice Announces Charges Against Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy Editor’s note: The following news release was issued by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia on Oct. 26. 4 Individuals Charged in $200K Coast Guard Credentialing Scheme NORFOLK, Va. – Four individuals have been charged for their respective roles in a conspiracy to sell phony Coast Guard merchant mariner credentials in Norfolk. According to allegations in the unsealed indictment, Lamont Godfrey, 42, of Portsmouth, Eugene Johnson, 45, of Norfolk, Shunmanique Willis, 43, of Texas, and Alonzo Williams, 45, of Louisiana, acted in concert to create counterfeit certificates from the Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy (MAMA) and sell them to merchant mariners for a profit. The MAMA is a private state-ofthe-art maritime training center, offering mariners over 100 U.S. Coast Guard approved deck and engineering courses needed for merchant mariners to hold various positions on merchant vessels. Godfrey worked for the MAMA as the school’s Chief Administrator. According to the indictment, Godfrey used this position to create fake MAMA course certificates for mariners who had never taken the MAMA courses, in exchange for thousands of dollars in payments. The mariners would receive the fake certificates along with instructions on how to load them in the Coast Guard systems and be credited with a fraudulent Coast Guard qualification. Johnson, Willis, and Williams worked with Godfrey as brokers to find additional mariners willing to buy the fake certificates. In exchange for their efforts, Johnson, Willis, and Williams all received a cut of the illicit proceeds from the scheme. In total, the conspiracy netted over $200,000 in profits from the production of these counterfeit MAMA certificates and involved over 150 mariners purchasing fraudulent qualifications. Godfrey, Johnson, Willis, and Williams are charged with conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of two years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Marty J. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge, Coast Guard Investigative Service, Chesapeake Region, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph L. Kosky is prosecuting the case. 2021 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available under the Seafarers’ 2021 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program. The grants are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows: Seafarers Scholarships Dependents Scholarships Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers: Five scholarships designated for dependents: n One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or university n Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a community college or vocational school n A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired Seafarers may apply. To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the Member Benefits tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF). Although the booklet says 2016, all information is still current for the 2021 SHBP Scholarships. Please send me the 2021 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 December 2020 12/20 Seafarers LOG 7 �Seafarers Cast Ballots As reported on page 4, SIU members continue voting in the union’s election for officers. These photos were taken in early November, at the start of the balloting period. GUDE Darrell Whitaker (left) is sworn in by Patrolman Eddie Pittman at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall prior to voting. Chief Cook Jonathan Perez casts his ballot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Recertified Bosun James Blitch votes at the hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida. AB Ruziell Bautista (left) arrives at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida, to cast his ballot. He’s being Members line up to vote in Jacksonville, Florida. sworn in by Safety Director Joseph Koncul. From left, ABM Janaro Jackson, Recertified Steward Kimberly Strate and Recertified Bosun Donley Johnson prepare to vote aboard the Taino (Crowley) in Jacksonville, Florida. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right. SIU representatives must show a negative, recent COVID-19 test result before boarding the ships for balloting. 8 Seafarers LOG Chief Steward Jatniel Aguilera puts the finishing touches on his envelopes at the hall in Puerto Rico. Immediately prior to voting, GUDE Wayne Gomilion (left) is sworn in by Patrolman Eddie Pittman at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida. December 2020 �Precautionary Measure Calls For Seafarers to Receive Flu Shots In accordance with Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) Action 480, and as a precautionary measure due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, mariners will be required to get an influenza immunization (commonly called the flu shot) before sailing or visiting the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. (This SAB, titled “Coronavirus Protocols,” took effect in March 2020.) Effective December 1, all members who plan to sail on a deep-sea vessel, as well as anyone planning to attend any upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center, will have to provide documentation that shows they have received a flu shot in the past 90 days. This decision was made jointly between the union and their contracted employers. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in that mariner being unable to sail and/or attend upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center until they receive the immunization. For more information, contact your local port agent. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying healthrelated items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. Correction In the November LOG, we listed the wrong department for new SIU pensioner Christopher Maye. Brother Maye, who joined the union in 1987, sailed in the deck department. December 2020 & January 2021 Membership Meetings Piney Point...............................Monday: December 7, January 4 Algonac..................................Friday: December 11, January 8 Baltimore...........................Thursday: December 10, January 7 Guam................................Thursday: December 24, January 21 Honolulu..............................Friday: December 18, January 15 Houston..............................Monday: December 14, January 11 Jacksonville....................Thursday: December 10, January 7 Joliet...................................Thursday: December 17, January 14 Mobile..........Wednesday: December 16, January 13 New Orleans.........................Tuesday: December 15, January 12 Jersey City............................Tuesday: December 8, January 5 Norfolk...............................*Friday: December 11, January 8 Oakland..........................Thursday: December 17, January 14 Philadelphia................Wednesday: December 9, January 6 Port Everglades...............Thursday: December 17, January 14 San Juan........................Thursday: December 10, January 7 St. Louis................................Friday: December 18, January 15 Tacoma................*Monday: December 28, Friday: January 22 Wilmington...........................Monday: December 21, January 19 Effective as of September 2, Norfolk changed meeting date from Thursday after first Sunday to Friday after first Sunday. Tacoma change due to Christmas Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD Works For You. SPAD December 2020 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Oct.10-Nov. 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Nov. 9. Total Registered All Groups B Total Shipped C Trip Reliefs 2 1 1 1 0 2 0 4 3 0 0 4 4 1 1 3 0 2 1 1 32 Engine Department 3 2 0 0 2 2 4 4 0 0 3 1 6 3 9 6 13 12 6 6 1 1 1 1 7 12 6 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 5 6 0 2 7 3 74 63 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 14 16 1 2 6 4 1 2 9 23 8 2 0 14 11 3 0 1 4 0 18 125 10 2 2 1 3 1 4 7 27 5 5 2 15 4 1 7 3 13 2 8 122 361 208 C A All Groups B C 3 2 2 10 0 4 1 18 20 7 1 3 11 7 0 4 5 11 0 8 117 24 3 6 25 4 14 9 71 62 41 2 14 34 24 6 1 16 41 0 45 442 9 2 0 14 0 8 3 23 34 18 3 4 16 5 4 4 6 8 1 19 181 0 1 2 6 0 5 1 6 6 4 3 3 10 2 0 1 2 6 1 5 66 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 9 0 0 2 2 0 3 4 6 8 2 0 1 8 3 0 0 1 6 0 4 50 2 0 6 9 0 2 8 20 27 16 3 3 14 10 3 2 10 15 3 18 171 1 0 5 13 0 7 1 11 27 8 1 6 24 6 1 3 2 7 1 15 139 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 4 0 0 1 0 5 3 0 0 0 2 0 4 24 Steward Department 3 0 0 0 1 0 5 3 1 0 6 1 6 1 14 4 7 4 3 1 1 0 2 0 10 8 5 2 0 1 0 1 0 3 7 2 2 0 15 5 88 36 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 0 1 4 0 3 4 4 6 2 1 1 10 5 0 0 0 4 0 7 54 8 0 3 15 1 8 10 22 32 9 1 3 19 19 2 5 4 16 4 37 218 2 0 3 10 0 1 2 9 14 1 0 4 20 8 0 3 7 0 1 18 103 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 1 3 0 1 19 Entry Department 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 6 0 1 0 4 2 1 2 4 2 14 1 8 0 0 1 0 0 6 1 6 0 2 1 1 0 0 5 3 0 1 2 7 17 74 6 0 0 3 1 1 4 4 37 5 2 0 10 1 0 5 1 5 0 5 90 6 1 2 4 0 1 0 0 12 7 1 0 5 2 1 4 0 3 1 4 54 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 8 3 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 4 0 3 31 17 1 2 8 4 2 3 13 39 19 2 0 26 19 2 0 2 13 1 34 207 10 6 2 4 1 1 4 15 35 8 5 5 29 5 1 5 3 21 2 9 171 138 275 862 630 280 A All Groups B Registered on Beach Port A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 16 1 3 8 2 8 5 34 23 23 1 10 17 15 5 2 11 18 0 30 232 7 0 0 2 0 7 2 12 21 13 4 3 5 5 0 1 7 4 1 8 102 2 0 3 1 0 5 0 6 4 3 0 4 6 1 1 3 1 5 2 4 52 Deck Department 9 9 3 2 2 3 13 8 0 0 7 5 4 0 31 17 20 19 20 7 1 3 4 3 15 4 9 1 3 0 4 0 4 3 14 7 0 1 22 10 185 102 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 5 3 0 3 7 11 7 11 2 1 5 6 2 1 6 7 2 5 84 1 0 4 7 0 3 0 8 11 4 1 0 10 5 1 1 1 5 1 11 74 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 3 0 3 20 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 2 13 1 5 7 10 18 5 2 2 11 9 0 2 1 6 2 16 114 2 0 1 4 0 2 2 2 8 1 0 2 12 4 1 2 4 1 0 12 60 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 5 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 5 0 3 23 GRAND TOTAL: 453 364 275 Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU CELEBRATING 52-YEAR CAREER – Shipmates aboard the USNS Victorious (Crowley Maritime) recently surprised AB Richard “Blue” Hindson with tokens of appreciation as he transitions to retirement. Hindson, who sailed for 52 years, received (among other goodies) a United States flag that was flown during his final voyage, plus a group photo that will be framed and a plaque that reads, “Fair Wind and Following Seas, Much Love From The Crew of USNS Victorious T-AGOS 19.” Hindson is pictured at left in photo at left, with vessel master Capt. Horatiu Vintila, and is standing in the middle of the group photo at right. ABOARD USNS ALGOL – These snapshots from the recent activation of the Ocean Duchess-operated ship were provided by Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. Pictured in the photo above are: OS Matthew Sutterer, BREC Ritche Acuman, AB Jape Geonzon, OS Martin Jakob, AB Eric Williams, AB Richard Grubbs, AB Alexander Bermudez, OS Emmanuel Nuez, and AB Daniel Fields. BREC Ritche Acuman, AB Richard Grubbs, AB Daniel Fields 10 Seafarers LOG AB Alexander Bermudez, OS Emmanuel Nuez December 2020 �GRASSROOTS ACTION – Ready to help get out the vote for pro-maritime, pro-worker candidates in Honolulu are (from left) SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, Administrative Assistant Shureen Yatchmenoff and Safety Director Amber Akana. BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Pictured at the Oct. 8 membership meeting (all are B seniorities receiving full membership) are (from left) AB Ronald McCray, GUDE Terence Tripp, and SAs Stacy Davis, Melaethon Silas and Latara Rengifo. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU A-BOOK IN HOUSTON – AB Dennis Mariveles (left) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with Patrolman Kelly Krick (wearing a Corpus Christi Hooks jersey, the Hooks being a minor-league affiliate of the Astros). B-BOOKS IN SAN JUAN – Receiving their books at the hiring all are (photo at left) QE4 Jose Alicea (left, with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo) and QMED James Sanchez (right in photo at right, also with Crespo). December 2020 A-BOOK IN LAUDERDALE – Chief Steward Prasert Mastrototaro displays her newly acquired A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. FULL BOOKS AT WATCO – Seafarers Scott Smith Jr. (photo at left) and Sean Wannamaker (right in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Edwin Ruiz Jr.) recently received their full B-books. Smith is pictured at the Watco Marine Transfer Station in Elizabeth, New Jersey, while Wannamaker and Ruiz are pictured at company facilities in Brooklyn, New York. Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer 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 This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Any plans for 2021? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Wordell Prescott Oiler I plan to ship out, and sail for as many days as I can. I’ve been taking classes at the Paul Hall Center so that, when I get back out there, I’m making more money and I’m able to sail on more types of ships. Brian Smith QMED I think I’m going to go back to sailing on the Lakes, and work out there for a bit. Or maybe get on a Maersk or Crowley ship; I’ve always enjoyed sailing on those in the past. Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa AB To get my license, keep upgrading and moving on up. They’ve really been taking care of us here at the school while I’ve been upgrading. Carleton Jenkins GUDE Get back out on the water and run it up. I also plan to start investing in real estate, and get a couple of properties to use as my first investments. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 Thedford Jones OMU Mostly going to ship out and get on some new and different vessels. I shipped out on some LNG ships earlier this year, and that was a good experience. I would ideally like to get back on one of those. JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Quandell Freeman Steward Assistant I’m just ready to get out there and sail again. I’m also saving up to buy a house next year. The pandemic hasn’t really affected me much, because I would have been upgrading here at Piney Point anyway. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 Pic From The Past Locomotives are loaded onto the SIU-crewed Robin Gray (Moore-McCormack Lines) April 15, 1960 at the pier on 22nd Street in Brooklyn, New York. SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG December 2020 �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 JOHN BLUITT Brother John Bluitt, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1971 when he shipped aboard the Newark. He was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Little Hales. Brother Bluitt is a resident of New Port Richey, Florida. ROBERT CANDO Brother Robert Cando, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1990, first sailing aboard the Cape Ann. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Cando most recently shipped on the William R. Button. He makes his home in Newport News, Virginia. MARCO GUITY Brother Marco Guity, 62, signed on with the union in 1989 when he sailed aboard the Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Guity’s final vessel was the Garden State. He is a Houston resident. JEFFREY KASS Brother Jeffrey Kass, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1974, initially shipping on the Ft. Hoskins. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Kass last shipped on the Philadelphia. He resides in Canada. HOLLY KEAR Sister Holly Kear, 65, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 1992. She upgraded her skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001 and was a member of the steward department. Sister Kear sailed both first and last aboard the Independence. She makes her home in Norwalk, Connecticut. WILFRED LAMBEY Brother Wilfred Lambey, 65, began shipping with the union in 1993, initially sailing on the Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Lambey last shipped aboard the Seabulk Challenge. He lives in Houston. December 2020 PAULO LEITE DANIEL TICER ALLAN WIRGAU Brother Paulo Leite, 63, joined the SIU in 2001 and first sailed on the Cape Jacob. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Leite most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Saratoga. He lives in Hazlet, New Jersey. Brother Daniel Ticer, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1980 when he sailed aboard the Point Judy. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Ticer last shipped on the Horizon Pacific. He calls Manteca, California, home. Brother Allan Wirgau, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1973, initially sailing aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart. He shipped in the engine department, most recently aboard the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Wirgau settled in Alpena, Michigan. JAMES PATRICK Brother James Patrick, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1990 when he shipped aboard the Del Monte. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Patrick settled in Stuart, Florida. JAMES ZAVATSKY Brother James Zavatsky, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1997. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Zavatsky’ s first vessel was the USNS Stalwart; his last, the USNS Pathfinder. He lives in Mesquite, Nevada. GREAT LAKES MICHAEL LABAR MIKHAIL PINCHEVSKIY Brother Mikhail Pinchevskiy, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 2000. Shipping as a deck department member, his first vessel was the Global Mariner. Brother Pinchevskiy upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the Resolve and makes his home in Hallandale Beach, Florida. CARY PRATTS Brother Cary Pratts, 64, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Point Judy. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Pratts last sailed on the Overseas Anacortes. He resides in Slidell, Louisiana. PABLO ROCHEZ Brother Pablo Rochez, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2001. His first vessel was the Maersk Maryland and he sailed in the deck department. Brother Rochez upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Denver and settled in the Bronx, New York. AHMED SUWAILEH Brother Ahmed Suwaileh, 65, joined the union in 1991 when he shipped on the Defender. He sailed in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the Puget Sound. Brother Suwaileh makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. Brother Michael Labar, 65, joined the SIU in 1989 when he shipped on the H. Lee White. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1991 and primarily sailed in the engine department. Brother Labar’s final vessel was the Indiana Harbor. He makes his home in Manistique, Michigan. CHARLES LARSON Brother Charles Larson, 65, began shipping with the union in 1998, first sailing on the Indiana Harbor. The deck department member’s final vessel was the Presque Isle. Brother Larson resides in El Mirage, Arizona. DOYLE LING Brother Doyle Ling, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1977. He sailed as a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Ling’s first vessel was the St. Claire; his last, the Walter J. McCarthy. He settled in Avoca, Michigan. MARK ROBERTSON Brother Mark Robertson, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1973 when he shipped aboard the Lewis G. Harriman. He was a deck department member and last sailed on the Overseas Juneau. Brother Robertson makes his home in Alpena, Michigan. TIMOTHY ZIEMKE Brother Timothy Ziemke, 69, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1972. Sailing in both the deck and engine departments, he worked with Erie Navigation and sailed aboard the JR Emery for the majority of his career. Brother Ziemke lives in Sandusky, Ohio. INLAND DONALD ANDERSON Brother Donald Anderson, 70, started shipping with the union in 1970 when he was employed by Inland Tugs. He last worked for Eagle Marine Industries and makes his home in Groves, Texas. KENNETH ARNOLD Brother Kenneth Arnold, 62, became a member of the SIU in 1996, first working for Crowley. He sailed in the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Arnold calls Runnemede, New Jersey, home. LAWRENCE HENSLEY Brother Lawrence Hensley, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978 when he worked for Southern Ohio Towing. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1979. Brother Hensley last worked for Interstate Oil. He is a resident of Seaford, Delaware. WILLIAM LENFESTEY Brother William Lenfestey, 67, started his career with the Seafarers in 2002, initially sailing on the Sound Reliance. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Lenfestey most recently sailed aboard the Legend. He lives in Spring Hill, Florida. KJELL LIADAL Brother Kjell Liadal, 65, joined the union in 1998. Sailing in the deck department, he was first employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Liadal upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last worked for Penn Maritime and resides in Orange Park, Florida. VINCENT LORMAND Brother Vincent Lormand, 64, signed on with the union in 2004. He was an engine department member and shipped with Crowley Towing & Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Lormand lives in Cecilia, Louisiana. WAYNE PETERS Brother Wayne Peters, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1980. A deck department member, he sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. Brother Peters upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He makes his home in Panama City, Florida. FELIX PRIETO QUINONES Brother Felix Prieto Quinones, 62, began shipping with the SIU in 1977 when he worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He was a member of the deck department and concluded his career with Puerto Rico Towing & Barge. Brother Prieto Quinones is a Puerto Rico resident. WILLIAM RACETTE Brother William Racette, 64, joined the SIU in 1977, initially working with Northeast Towing. He was an engine department member and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Racette most recently sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides in Como, North Carolina. RANDY WATSON Brother Randy Watson, 60, signed on with the union in 1978 when he worked for Interstate Oil. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Watson last worked for OSG Ship Management. He lives in Greenville, North Carolina. LOUIS WATTIGNEY Brother Louis Wattigney, 63, became a member of the SIU in 1978. A deck department member, he worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. Brother Wattigney calls Belle Chasse, Louisiana, home. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA GREGORIO ALGARIN Pensioner Gregorio Algarin, 74, died September 15. He signed on with the union in 1976 and was a deck department member. Brother Algarin first shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He last sailed on the Expedition before going on pension in 2001. Brother Algarin was a Puerto Rico resident. September 22. He donned the SIU colors in 1969, initially sailing aboard the Reiss Brothers. Brother Mondeci sailed in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the Fredericksburg. He went on pension in 2013 and was a New York resident. GEORGE NICHOLSON Pensioner Jaber Ali, 81, passed away November 1. He began his career with the SIU in 1969 when he shipped on the Elizabeth. Brother Ali was a member of the steward department and last sailed on the Lurline. He became a pensioner in 2009 and made his home in San Francisco. Pensioner George Nicholson, 92, passed away March 5. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1966, initially shipping on the Steel Design. A steward department member, Brother Nicholson was last employed by Michigan Tankers. He began collecting his pension in 1993 and settled in Chicago. ROBERT COLEMAN MICHAEL NOBLE JABER ALI Brother Robert Coleman, 57, died September 25. He started shipping with the SIU in 1988 when he worked with G&H Towing. A deck department member, Brother Coleman most recently sailed aboard the Brenton Reef. He lived in Houston. STEVE FABRITSIS Pensioner Steve Fabritsis, 76, passed away October 29. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1972, initially sailing aboard the Bradford Island. Brother Fabritsis was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Philadelphia Express. He became a pensioner in 2009 and settled in Galena Park, Texas. EDWARD MARTIN Pensioner Edward Martin, 93, died November 5. Signing on with the union in 1963, he was first employed by Isco Inc. Brother Martin sailed in the steward department and last worked as a Sealand Port Steward. He went on pension in 1993 and resided in Freehold, New Jersey. JOSEPH MELE Pensioner Joseph Mele, 69, passed away October 17. He began sailing with the SIU in 1969 when he sailed aboard the Longview Victory. Brother Mele was a deck department member and most recently shipped on the Horizon Hawaii. He retired in 2008 and lived in Puerto Rico. VICTOR MONDECI Pensioner Victor Mondeci, 78, died 14 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Michael Noble, 68, died September 11. He began his career with the SIU in 1971, initially sailing aboard the Rose City. Brother Noble was a member of the deck department and concluded his career on the Intrepid. He became a pensioner in 2008 and resided in San Francisco. KIRK PIPER Pensioner Kirk Piper, 66, passed away October 6. He signed on with the union in 1976 and first sailed aboard the Zapata Ranger. Brother Piper sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Westward Venture. He began collecting his pension in 2019 and made his home in Excelsior, Minnesota. ROBERTO QUELIZA Pensioner Roberto Queliza, 71, passed away September 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1991 and first sailed on the Independence. Brother Queliza was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Horizon Pacific and retired in 2015. Brother Queliza lived in Alameda, California. CHANCIE RANSOM Pensioner Chancie Ransom, 76, died October 20. He signed on with the union in 1997 and was a steward department member. Brother Ransom first sailed aboard the Perseverance. He continued to sail on the same vessel until retiring in 2010. Brother Ransom settled in Clayton, North Carolina. MARTIN RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Martin Rodriguez, 84, passed away October 26. He first sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 SIU/NMU Merger. Brother Rodriguez was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the Alliance Richmond in 2014 and settled in Port Arthur, Texas. RICHARD THOMAS Pensioner Richard Thomas, 83, passed away October 16. He joined the union in 1977 and first shipped aboard the Sequehanna. A member of the deck department, Brother Thomas last sailed on the Rover. He retired in 2002 and made his home in Temple, Texas. FRANK THOMPSON Pensioner Frank Thompson, 76, died October 25. He became a member of the SIU in 1991 when he shipped on the Sealift Mediterranean. Brother Thompson was a deck department member. He last sailed on the Maersk Memphis and retired in 2015. Brother Thompson resided in Jacksonville, Florida. PETER TUSA Pensioner Peter Tusa, 72, passed away October 15. He signed on with the SIU in 1984. Brother Tusa was a deck department member and first shipped on the Independence. He concluded his career aboard the Jack Lummus and became a pensioner in 2013. Brother Tusa lived in Moriches, New York. MICHAEL VAUGHAN Brother Michael Vaughan, 63, died July 28. He donned the SIU colors in 2012 when he shipped on the President Jackson. Brother Vaughan primarily worked in the steward department and most recently sailed on the Maersk Idaho. He resided in Norfolk, Virginia. ANGEL VELEZ Pensioner Angel Velez, 82, passed away October 8. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1973, initially sailing on the Warrior. Brother Velez primarily sailed in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Crusader. He became a pensioner in 2002 and made his home in Puerto Rico. JERRY WEIDLE Brother Jerry Weidle, 81, died June 27. He joined the union in 1978 and sailed in the steward department. Brother Weidle’s first vessel was the Santa Mariana; his last the Santa Maria. He lived in Redwood City, California. INLAND CHARLES BARNES Brother Charles Barnes, 59, passed away September 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1987 and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Barnes worked with G&H Towing for his entire career. He lived in Rockport, Texas. HARRY BRYAN Pensioner Harry Bryan, 82, died October 9. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1996. Brother Bryan was employed by Crowley for his entire career and retired in 2003. He was a resident of Edgewater, Florida. JAMES CAIN Pensioner James Cain, 93, passed away October 30. He signed on with the union in 1965 when he was employed by Meyle Towing. A deck department member, Brother Cain last shipped with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He began collecting his pension in 1991 and lived in Glenolden, Pennsylvania. CLYDE ELLISON Pensioner Clyde Ellison, 94, passed away October 13. He joined the union in 1974 when he worked for Mariner Towing. Brother Ellison sailed in the deck department and concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He went on pension in 1990 and settled in Patterson, North Carolina. BORNIE HOBBS Pensioner Bornie Hobbs, 79, died September 6. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1976. Brother Hobbs first worked for National Marine Service and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed with HVIDE Marine, and became a pensioner in 2002. Brother Hobbs resided in Foley, Alabama. DEAN MARCUS Pensioner Dean Marcus, 84, passed away September 17. He joined the Seafarers in 1976, first working for Moran Towing of Texas. A member of the deck department, Brother Marcus last worked for National Marine Service. He went on pension in 1998 and called Port Lavaca, Texas, home. was a resident of Pamplico, South Carolina. BERNARD MOOD Pensioner Bernard Mood, 72, passed away October 11. He donned the SIU colors in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Sugar Island. Brother Mood was a deck department member. He last worked for Great Lakes Dredge and Dock before retiring in 2009. Brother Mood lived in Meadville, Pennsylvania. EDWARD O’CONNELL Pensioner Edward O’Connell, 75, died October 26. He signed on with the union in 1991, and his first vessel was the Relentless. Brother O’Connell worked in the deck department and most recently shipped aboard the Integrity. He retired in 2018 and called Beaufort, South Carolina, home. STEPHEN STRUVE Pensioner Stephen Struve, 79, died October 17. He joined the union in 1994. Brother Struve primarily sailed in the steward department and worked for Orgulf Transport for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2003 and made his home in Florence, Kentucky. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Alfaro, Albert 94 Bourque, Beverly 77 Casson, Paul 63 Cunningham, A. 96 Dyer, Cleveland 102 English, Julius 92 Gibson, Joe 91 Green, James 75 Johnson, Lawrence 90 Kozak, Anthony 89 Massiah, Winston 91 Mgreos, Juan 86 O’Malley, Brian 71 Perry, Edward 79 Vanase, John 80 Woolford, Merrick 88 Yahya, Saleh 90 Zepeda, Rene 76 DOD 10/10/2020 11/02/2020 09/25/2020 10/22/2020 11/03/2020 10/10/2020 11/01/2020 10/31/2020 10/24/2020 10/06/2020 10/16/2020 09/07/2020 10/24/2020 11/04/2020 08/26/2020 10/19/2020 10/14/2020 07/22/2020 ANTHONY MCNEIL Brother Anthony McNeil, 52, died September 12. He signed on with the union in 1999 when he shipped aboard the Cape Lookout Shoals. Brother McNeil sailed in the engine department. He was most recently employed by Penn Maritime and December 2020 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings PRESQUE ISLE (Key Lakes II, Inc.), March 29 – Chairman Tony Sivola, Secretary Hazza Hussein, Educational Director Roderick Thomas. New gym equipment on ship. Chairman reviewed list of COVID-19 symptoms to be aware of and advised members to regularly monitor their health. He encouraged crew to report any illnesses early on and to practice social distancing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed Article IX and suspension of certain shipping rules. Self-restricting to ship may help to avoid virus exposure. New soda and rowing machines ordered for ship. AMERICAN SPIRIT (American Steamship), April 11 – Chairman Paul Gohs, Secretary Khaled Alasaadi, Educational Director Michael Kruse. Chairman discussed marine safety information bulletins and COVID-19 updates that may affect mariner documents and/or shipping rules. He informed members of SIU headquarters address change (only the street name changed). Educational director announced temporary closure of Piney Point school and went over STCW renewal requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested more reliable Wi-Fi service and discussed adding internet availability to future contracts. Members requested amendment for insurance coverage as some may be unable to put in required time due to coronavirus. Crew was reminded to wash hands often. BURNS HARBOR (American Steamship), April 26 – Chairman Foaad Saleh, Secretary Holly Norick, Educational Director Ben Skuban. Members were advised to upgrade once school reopens and to keep credentials current. Crew discussed Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan scholarships and reviewed latest news on COVID-19. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were reminded to wash hands frequently and encouraged to vote. Crew requested new TVs in rooms and better Wi-Fi. WALTER J. MCCARTHY (Armstrong Steamship), April 26 – Chairman Waleed Mohsin, Secretary Theophil Igielski, Educational Director Abdulwali Suwaileh, Deck Delegate Jaber Jaber. Crew talked about upgrading courses at the Piney Point school and the global coronavirus pandemic. Chairman reminded members to stay away from union halls if they show symptoms of the virus and to contact union for any questions about the school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew working together and staying safe. PRESQUE ISLE (Key Lakes II, Inc.), May 3 – Chairman Tony Sivola, Secretary Hazza Hussein, Educational Director Roderick Thomas. Restrictions to ship due to COVID-19. Union modified shipping rules for the month of April, as a precaution. Educational director reminded members to cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing and to wash hands regularly with soap and hot water. Deck delegate thanked steward department for a job well done. Crew pledged to take extra steps to ensure safety while promoting maximum participation in upcoming elections. Members want captain to ease restrictions on going up the street. Crew was instructed to continue to wear masks and to report any occurring symptoms of illness immediately. AMERICAN MARINER (American Steamship), June 2 – Chairman Scott Krajniak, Secretary Daniel Kane, Educational Director Robert Crosby, Engine Delegate Michael Lau. Chairman encouraged crew to vote in both national and union elections. He reminded members to register within 72 hours at the union hall after completing their tour. Chairman complimented galley crew for doing an outstanding job. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Superior, Wisconsin. PRESQUE ISLE (Key Lakes II, Inc.), June 21 – Chairman Tony Sivola, Secretary Hazza Hussein. Chairman reminded crew of upcoming elections and encouraged everyone to vote. Educational director urged members to check all documents for expiration dates and to upgrade at Piney Point whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate gave special thanks to second cook for a job 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. well done. Crew was advised to wash hands often, wear masks and continue practicing safety precautions. INDIANA HARBOR (American Steamship), June 25 – Chairman Jeremy Shenett, Secretary Saleh Saleh, Educational Director Peter Morrison Jr., Deck Delegate Abdullah Algalham, Steward Delegate David Warner. Chairman reiterated the importance of wearing masks and washing hands during pandemic. Members discussed questions regarding new contract and possibility of manpower changes. Secretary reminded crew to make sure they allow plenty of time to renew credentials. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Deck delegate encouraged crew to stay safe and work together. Members were reminded to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Next port: Duluth, Minnesota. BURNS HARBOR (American Steamship), August 16 – Chairman Paul Gohs, Secretary Bernard Lawes, Educational Director Mohamed Ahmed. Crew reviewed August Seafarers LOG and discussed merger of American Steamship Company and Rand Logistics, Inc. Members went over new SHLSS COVID-19 safety precautions and were reminded of upcoming union elections. Educational director recommended crew upgrade at Piney Point. He discussed BST renewal and explained how to renew as early as six months in advance, with no lost time on new MMC. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew voiced concerns over contract renewal with American Steamship. Chairman warned of ongoing rumors and urged members to wait for facts to be released once negotiations conclude. As members of a union, crew was reminded of hardships they must sometimes face to ensure the good of all, especially when negotiations are taking place during a pandemic. Members feel that all should have the ability to work both Lakes and Deep-Sea division if and when necessary. MOHAWK (JM Ship, LLC.), October 4 – Chairman Timothy Kauble, Secretary Alan Bartley, Educational Aboard Matson Anchorage – Recertified Bosun Shawn Strand submitted these photos from the vessel in its namesake port: Anchorage, Alaska. “We parted a mooring wire” on Oct. 25, the bosun reported. “The boys were called out. We had that wire spliced and back on the dock in an hour. They did an awesome job!” In the photos are Strand (immediate right) and (directly below, from left) ABs Abdul Ahmed and Rudy Monopolio. The damaged wire is shown at middle right while the finished product appears below it. . Director Andres Nunez-Rochez, Deck Delegate Ibrahim Fisek, Engine Delegate Gary Longmire Jr. Chairman asked crew to restow workout equipment after use due to rough seas. Rooms to be inspected for oncoming crew. Chairman informed crew of AB relief upon arrival at Long Beach, October 7. No reliefs yet for 2 QMEDs and Steward. Secretary thanked crew for keeping mess hall clean. Educational director told everyone to check their documents and to renew them early. He encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed October LOG and numerous items from the union related to COVID-19. Members would like better flights when joining the ship. Crew asked for clarification of duties for anchor watch by ABs. Steward department was asked to do officer’s rooms, though it has never been done before and is not stated in the contract. Chairman spoke to captain after meeting about room sanitary inspections for departing crew. New mattresses needed in rooms. Members are not permitted to smoke in rooms and if caught, can be terminated by captain. Next port: Long Beach, California. Spotlight on Mariner Health Polio Poses Threats to Some Travelers Polio (Poliomyelitis) is a contagious viral illness that can cause nerve injury leading to paralysis, shortness of breath, and on rare occasions, death. The last case of polio that occurred naturally in the United States was in 1979. Despite a worldwide effort to wipe out the disease, the polio virus continues to affect children and adults in parts of Asia and Africa. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from the illness, especially if they are traveling to locations that are considered highrisk. Adults who are traveling to these areas, and who had the polio vaccine administered as a child, should get a booster shot of inactivated polio virus vaccine (IPV). This will boost their immunity for a lifetime. It’s important to remember that people must complete the entire series of the polio vaccinations in order to be completely immunized. Polio can be transmitted through direct contact with someone infected with the virus or through contaminated food and water. The polio virus December 2020 lives in the throats and the intestines of people who are infected. People carrying the virus can spread it for weeks in their stools/feces. A person who is exposed to the polio virus potentially could exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: paralysis, fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, fatigue, back pain, neck pain, pain in the arms or legs, and muscle weakness. Contracting the most serious form of the disease is rare, but possible. In such instances, individuals could exhibit all or some of the foregoing symptoms and also develop loss of reflexes, floppy limbs, difficulty breathing, and intolerance to cold temperatures. Everyone is advised to see their doctor if they suspect any possibly link to a polio exposure. Treatments for polio are mostly supportive in nature and consist of bed rest, pain medications, antispasmodic drugs to relax muscles, portable ventilators to help with breathing, and physical therapy along with braces to help with walking. Everyone is advised to get their vaccinations and booster shots as instructed in order to build up their immunity. Seared Salmon With Strawberry Basil Relish Servings: 24 24 whole salmon fillet ¼ cup smart balance 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1 tablespoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground 5 cups fresh strawberries, chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt ¼ cup fresh basil leaf, chopped ¼ cup honey ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ground Preparation Brush fillets with melted butter; sprinkle with granulated garlic salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fillets, skin side up, in batches if necessary; cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork. In a bowl, toss strawberries with basil, honey salt, and pepper. Serve salmon with relish. Nutrition Information Per serving (excluding unknown items): 218 calories; 6g fat (25.4% calories from fat); 34g protein; 5g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 88mg cholesterol; 428mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 5 lean meat; 0 fruit; 0 fat; 0 other carbohydrates. Editor’s note: The foregoing recipe was provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Seafarers LOG 15 �Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act Notice/Reminders About SIU Text Message Alerts The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to members’ careers, including important news about the SIU, its contracted companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins. The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to 97779. To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to 97779. Terms and Conditions By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell phone service plan that you have with your provider. You are providing your cell phone number and your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else without your express consent and that this service will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections for union office. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights - Union members have: nEqual rights to participate in union activities nFreedom of speech and assembly nVoice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments nProtection of the right to sue nSafeguards 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: nNominate candidates for office nRun for office nCast a secret ballot nProtest 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 Certain Discipline: A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA 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 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: nFile an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. nRetain 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: nConduct elections for officers of national unions or intermediary districts at least every four years by secret ballot. nConduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year. nMail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election. nComply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material. nNot use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used). nPermit candidates to have election observers. nAllow 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 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt 16 Seafarers LOG requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746. December 2020 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information 2021 Course Dates Coming Soon Numerous Paul Hall Center course dates for 2021 will be published in the next edition of the Seafarers LOG. Individuals also are encouraged to check the SIU website for the latest updates to the Paul Hall Center schedule. Class dates are prominently listed in the “Training and Careers” section. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. 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, or 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. 12/20 Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated October 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Jorge Alamo Pagan, Lexter A. Alfaro-Rivera, Rhiannon Buttrum, Peter Festa III, Joel Frederick, Stephen Fretwell, Steven Gray, Joseph Horton, Stephen Jarrell, Oscar Krowicki, John Sadia, Melvin Singletary, Raul Soto, Blake Stollenwerck, Desmond Unutoa and Herbert Weiss. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-contracted vessels. December 2020 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation – Graduated October 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Jerome Luckett, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Chenequa Moet Rodriguez, Jorge A. Salas Santos and Anthony Dwight Sanchez Villarrubia. Mark Buyes, their instructor, is at the far right. ECDIS – Graduated October 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Brian Guiry, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Chenequa Moet Rodriguez and Jorge A. Salas Santos. Class instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at the far left. Government Vessels – Graduated October 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Juan Barquera, Gregory Davis, Gerald Flowers, Jasmin Franklin, Eric Greenawalt, Deon Greenidge, Curtis Jasa, Jevon Lowery, Sarah Superman, Brian Tait and Tinesha Travis. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 18 Seafarers LOG December 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated October 9 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Sergio Centeno, Joseph Clairmont Jr., Larry Clayton, Terry Evins, Deon Green, Fredrick Hall, Donald McBride Jr., and James Pierce. Certified Chief Cook (Module 6) – Graduated October 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Wilfredo Ramos Silva, Nathalie Bernice Reyes-Ortiz, James Scott, Annie Walker, Michael Wees and Johnathan Williams. Galley Ops – Graduated October 23 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Keshyra Brinkley, Briana Davis, Eric Amauris Rivas-Martinez, Reinaldo Rivera, Johanns Rivera-Rivera and Ammar Saleh Sailan. December 2020 Seafarers LOG 19 �VOLUME 82, NO. 12 DECEMBER 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Members Valiantly Served in WWII Editor’s note: This is the eighth installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier segments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. (We are tentatively planning to post a PDF of the entire booklet on the SIU website once all of the text has been published here.) This one picks up in Sicily as Bunker continues describing the infamous Convoy PQ-17 before shifting to D-Day. The first plane dropped two bombs into an open hold full of ammunition on the Liberty ship Timothy Pickering (SUP), which had arrived at the anchorage only a few hours before and was still crowded with troops. There was a blinding explosion. Tongues of flame roared out of the stricken ship a thousand feet into the air, followed by whirling clouds of smoke. It may have been red-hot hull plates from the exploding Liberty, or bombs dropped by the second Stuka, but a tanker nearby was set afire and exploded in a flaming holocaust soon after. In a few minutes both ships were nothing but twisted, shattered masses of steel, resting on the bottom with only their masts protruding above the surface. Of the 192 crewmen and British troops on the Timothy Pickering, only about a dozen survived. Two-Time Loser The attack had lasted only a minute at the most. Another Liberty that saw exciting action in Italian waters was the James W. Marshall (SUP). Arriving at Salerno just two days after the invasion, she was hit and set afire by a 250pound bomb that smashed through the bridge and wounded several men at the guns. The fire was quickly extinguished by quick action on the part of the crew, and she continued discharging her ammunition, guns, trucks and gasoline. Two days later she was hit again, this time by a heavy bomb that went through the top deck of the ship into the main deck before exploding among GIs who had taken refuge in the messroom. And thrilling tales aplenty can be told by the men who took supplies to 5th Army troops holding the beach at bloody Anzio. For months, the British and Americans had held a costly strip of beach and marshland 30 miles south of Rome, and all the while they were supplied by merchant ships for whom “destination Anzio” also meant “destination front line.” The SIU-manned Liberty ship Lawton B. Evans had 4,000 tons of gasoline and ammunition in her holds when she arrived at “Peter Beach,” Anzio, from Naples on January 22, 1944. No sooner had she dropped the hook than the Germans opened up on her with long-range artillery. Shells hit within 50 feet of the ship and shrapnel peppered the decks like BB shot. Captain Harry Ryan “up anchored” as soon as steam could be turned on the windlass, and they sought a safer spot. But the Germans got their range again and shells splashed too close for comfort. It was “up anchor” again … a game of hide and seek which went on for most of the day. During the next four days, gunners and crewmen ran to battle stations time after time, for one air attack was quickly followed by another, and between raids the Germans plopped big shells onto the anchorage. The grind of the anchor chain through the hawse pipes lent a mournful accompaniment to the drone of airplanes and the whistle of shells – they called them “Whistling Williams.” It was on the 29th of January that the Germans tried out the radio-controlled glider bomb on the ships at Anzio. The USS Philadelphia and two freighters were victims during the first attack of this kind. Three Bombers Down Through it all the Lawton B. Evans proved herself a fighting ship, fit to battle with the best of them. When Stukas and Junkers attacked the anchorage, her gunners knocked one of the Junkers down with 20-millimeter fire, then blew a divebomber to pieces with the three-inch fifty on the bow. Two days later they bagged another divebomber that got too near their guns. On the same day, the Lawton’s gunners blasted a glider bomb out of the sky before it could do any damage, and followed that up by obliterating still another divebomber. A carburetor from the plane landed on the Lawton’s deck and was kept as a souvenir. It was fortunate that the Lawton’s gunners did shoot well, for soon after the blowing up of the glider bomb, another of these strange missiles hit the Liberty ship Samuel Huntington, setting it afire and causing an explosion that rent the ship apart. Long will SIU crews remember the shuttle Old SIU Friends There was the old Kofresi of the Island trade (named after a Puerto Rican rum, she was); the West Nilus, Illinoian, Kentuckian, Alcoa Leader, Pennsylvanian and Robin Gray. Three SIU Liberties were among the breakwater ships, too: The Matt W. Ransom, Benjamin Contee, and James W. Marshall. All of them had seen thrilling action and were consigned to “operation scuttle” as unfit for further service. The Marshall (SUP) had been bombed and gutted by fire at Salerno. The Matt Ransom had been torpedoed and then brought into port by the heroic action of her crew. And the Benjamin Contee, while sailing in the role of a prison ship in the Mediterranean, was torpedoed by a bomber with large loss of life among Italian POWs. Heads-Up Action Quick action on the part of her Skipper and merchant crew calmed the panic among hundreds of rioting troops; kept the tragedy from Thousands of SIU and SUP members helped the Allies at Normandy before, during and after D-Day in 1944. run to “bloody Anzio.” They Made the Beachheads So well-known and so often told is the story of the Normandy invasion in 1944 that there is no point in describing that tremendous operation here. Thousands of SIU-SUP seamen took part in the initial beachhead operations and in the vital line of supply that followed, from D-Day till the German surrender. These men had a part in landing the 2,500,00 troops, the half-million trucks and tanks, the 17,000,000 tons of ammunition and supplies that were put ashore at the beachheads in Hitler’s “fortress Europe” during the first 109 days after D-Day. The flow of material was almost beyond comprehension! Seafarers Volunteered Many Seafarers were also among the 1,000 merchant seamen who volunteered to sail to the Normandy beaches the 32 American merchant ships that were scuttled to make the emergency breakwater – the “miracle harbor” along the Normandy coast. As they steamed their breakwater fleet from British ports on the eve of invasion, theirs was a most hazardous task, for everyone expected the coast of France to erupt in a hell of flame and shell as soon as the ships were sighted by the Germans. That this did not happen to the extent that it was anticipated did not detract one whit from the courage of the seamen who volunteered for this extremely dangerous operation. Among these sunken ships at the Normandy beachhead were a number of well-known-toold-timers-ships that had been sailed along the ocean sea lanes for many years by men of the SIU and the SUP. becoming a disaster of huge proportions. Seafarers have vivid memories of the shuttle run which operated after D-Day between the United Kingdom and Normandy and, later, to French and Belgian ports. Some 150 ships, mostly Liberties, were assigned this monotonous and far from placid service by the War Shipping Administration, plodding back and forth between England and the continent, trip after trip, and month after month. “Channel ferries” the crews called them. A few hit mines, like the SIU-manned Colin Kelly, and ended their careers for good in the English Channel and the channel ports. SIU ships braved the buzzbomb barrage with supplies for the port of Antwerp, where at times a buzzbomb fell on the city and its environs every ten minutes. ‘Swarm of Bees’ Seafarers will recall seeing those eerie, crewless missiles sailing through the sky over Belgium, trailing flame from their tails and droning like a huge swarm of bees while ackack tried to knock them down. When the droning stopped it was time to “hit the ditches,” for the buzzbomb was on its way to earth. The SIU-manned SS Bayou Chico was the second ship up the canal into the old city of Ghent in Belgium, and was cheered by the populace as she steamed along the waterway with her holds full of Army supplies. It was in the Pacific – land of the kamikaze – that SIU and SUP ships experienced some of the hardest and most costly fighting of the war at sea, as Japanese bases fell before the northward advance of American troops from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. Innumerable were the instances of heroism and high courage as Seafarers took their ships up the long, battle-scarred Pacific from island to island and beachhead to beachhead. In February of 1942, the SS Admiral Halstead (SUP) earned a citation unique among merchant ships, when six of her crew received the Distinguished Service Medal of the merchant marine for defending their ship with two machine guns against heavy assaults by Japanese bombers. The Admiral Halstead was the only ship of 12 in Port Darwin to escape being sunk, discharging her cargo of gasoline and ammunition for Australian troops, and escaping the Japanese to participate in more Pacific action. In August of 1943, the Japanese were flushed from New Georgia in the Solomon’s and Army troops re-took the Aleutians. Then came the four-day bloody battle at Tarawa, followed by invasions at Kwajalein in the Marshalls, at New Britain and Hollandia. By July of 1944, Saipan and Tinian had been won, followed shortly by another victory at Peleliu. Then came the biggest show yet, staged in this amphibious war, as a seaborne juggernaut of 600 ships bypassed hundreds of miles of enemy-held territory and landed on the eastern side of Leyte Island in the Philippines. SIU ships were up front here, as usual, fighting with guns and guts as the Japanese pounded the beachhead with everything they could muster. Kamikazes Make Appearance It was at Leyte that the Japanese launched the strangest weapon ever used in war – the “Kamikaze” or “divine wind,” the one-way bomber flown by suicide pilots willing to sacrifice themselves as human bombs in an attempt to win the war for Nippon. An early victim of the kamikaze was the SS Thomas Nelson, a Calmar Liberty hit off Dulag in Leyte Bay while still crowded with some 630 Army troops and loaded with gasoline and ammunition. Her gunners blasted a suicide plane which made a run at the ship but the Japanese hit his target, nonetheless, his two exploding bombs turning the freighter into an inferno of flame, with 213 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. Gunners of the Liberty ship Matthew P. Deady (SUP) bagged two Japanese planes at Leyte, but the ship was bombed and set afire with considerable loss of life among soldiers and crew. In December of 1944, a convoy of ammunition-laden ships, including the Liberty John Burke, was attacked by kamikazes. One hit the Burke square on, blowing her up with the loss of every man aboard. Not a bit of wreckage was left to mark her place in the convoy. Another SUP-manned Liberty, the Lewis L. Dyche, was hit by a kamikaze in January 1945, at Mangarin Bay during the Mindoro invasion. She, too, was obliterated. There were no survivors. And so it went in almost countless dramatic actions that cannot possibly all be recorded here. It was in the invasion of Leyte that the Liberty ship Adoniram Judson won a special niche for herself in the annals of the war, by not only delivering vital landing mats and 3,000 barrels of high-octane aviation gasoline for the captured airfield at Tacloban, but by providing the principal air protection there for several days. Gallant Ships For this the “Ad” Judson was honored by the U.S. Maritime Commission in being named a Gallant Ship of the merchant marine, a distinction accorded only a few ships throughout the war. Another Gallant Ship was the SS Marcus Daly (SUP). This Liberty and her crew won a commendation from General Douglas MacArthur for shooting down at least three Japanese bombers, and for defending the docks at Leyte with her guns. Despite her fire-spitting Oerlikons, and the accurate shot from the flaming three-inch fifty on her bow, a kamikaze smashed onto the Marcus Daly on Christmas Day 1944, blasting huge holes in the deck and sides and ripping the steel plating of the ship like paper, while flames shot high in the air and jagged pieces of steel showered the area in a deadly hail. � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2020 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES: GOV'T EXPERTS CALL FOR STRONGER SEALIFT NAVY LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF JONES ACT LEGISLATORS SPEAK UP FOR U.S. FREIGHT CABOTAGE LAW VOTING CONTINUES IN SIU'S ELECTION SIU PITCHES IN WITH 'BOOKWAVES' OUTREACH POLIO POSES THREATS TO SOME TRAVELERS 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 12/1/2020 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. 82, No. 12 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/34ef8e41cc78ac9ce71d898bb2607e78.pdf ed74f342cf14e871e21541656246f9c7 PDF Text Text JANUARY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 1 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Horizon Reliance To The Rescue SIU members recently helped rescue two downed airplane pilots in the Pacific. The survivors’ life raft is pictured in the inset at right, while the main photo shows the SIU-crewed vessel. Page 4. Voting Concludes in Union Election Seafarers cast their respective ballots in the SIU election beginning Nov. 1 and finishing on the last day of 2020. In photo at left, OS Arabi Muthala completes his ballot in Hawaii aboard the SBX (TOTE). The photo above includes (from left) GSTU Nala Johnson and Chief Cook Gregory McNiel, ready to vote aboard the Washington Express (Marine Personnel and Provisioning) in La Porte, Texas. Pages 11-14. Virtual AOTOS Page 2 SIU’s Year in Review The COVID-19 global pandemic affected virtually every part of life in 2020 – but there were many encouraging stories, too. Above, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman (right) checks the temperature of an oncoming individual on the USNS Algol (Ocean Duchess) in San Francisco. Page 5. General Election Recap Page 3 SHBP Scholarship Info Page 6 �President’s Report Seafarers Delivered in 2020 Although the COVID-19 global pandemic is far from finished as of this writing in mid-December, I extend one last 2020 “thank you” to all Seafarers and their families for a job well done in the face of unprecedented challenges. Your work has never been more important, and you consistently have risen to the occasion. Well done, SIU brothers and sisters. At the same time, we all have to continue following safety protocols, thereby protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our shipmates. There is daylight on the horizon in the form of vaccines, but we’re not there yet. Stay safe! We’ve all come too far to let down our guard. Besides the eventual end of the pandemic, we have other things to look forMichael Sacco ward to in our union and our industry. As reported elsewhere in this edition, American-flag shipping scored several enormous wins in the newest Defense bill, including a new Tanker Security Fleet and reinforced protections for the Jones Act and cargo preference laws. I am confident that these developments will mean new job opportunities for Seafarers during this decade, and I’m equally sure that they’ll boost U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Additionally, as noted during the December membership meetings and also in this edition, I’m happy to report that SIU-backed candidates fared quite well on Election Day. This, too, bodes well for our industry. The more people in Congress (and other levels of government) who understand our industry, the better. As always, we’ll reach out to newly elected representatives to introduce ourselves and to explain why America needs a strong merchant marine. On that note, some of you may know that President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris are longtime friends of the SIU and unwavering backers of the Jones Act. They know our industry and they’ll be allies when it comes to protecting workers’ rights, too. We have a lot of friends in the outgoing administration as well, and if that seems odd or unlikely in any way, remember that maritime is a historically bipartisan issue. We’ve always had friends from both major political parties, and we’ll always work with anyone and everyone who’s willing to stand up for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for America’s working families. Regardless of how you voted and for whom, I hope you share my encouragement at the record turnout across our great nation. This happened despite a pandemic that’s unprecedented in modern times. Pre- and post-election polls also showed widespread support for workers’ rights and for an economy that boosts the middle class. This is firmly in line with our union’s work since our founding in 1938. I’m not blind to the wide range of emotions that accompanied Election Day and the sometimes-agonizing moments that followed. Just remember that we all love our country and we’ll all be better off by finding common ground, working together and treating each other respectfully. As Seafarers do every day when they’ve signed aboard a vessel, let’s move forward together as one crew in 2021. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 1 January 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao accepts this year’s AOTOS award during a virtual ceremony. She credited SIU President Michael Sacco and the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, for playing key roles during the global pandemic. AOTOS Goes Virtual, Honors Entire Industry Sec. Chao Accepts Award on Behalf of American Maritime The United Seamen’s Service (USS) 51st annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award was presented virtually for the first time, in a Dec. 9 ceremony that highlighted the work of the entire American maritime community. The traditional silver statuette of Christopher Columbus – the first Admiral of the Ocean Sea – was accepted by The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, on behalf of the honorees, and the award will have a permanent home displayed at U.S. Maritime Administration headquarters in Washington, D.C. In accepting the award, Chao specifically praised SIU President Michael Sacco, who delivered the keynote address. “He is always championing the issues and concerns of his rank-and-file members,” she told the virtually assembled crowd, adding that she learned a lot about leadership from observing him. She went on to highlight the work done by the SIU to safely reopen the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. She referred to the U.S.-flag industry as a “partnership” who “work together and so well,” before saluting the industry for stepping up and delivering throughout the crisis. LTG Kenneth R. Wykle, USA, (Ret.), Chair- man, USS AOTOS Committee, served as the moderator of the program. The event also featured Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby; General Stephen R. Lyons, USA, commander, United States Transportation Command; RAdm. Michael A. Wettlaufer, USN, commander, Military Sealift Command; William Adams, president of the International Longshore and Warehouseman’s Union; Thomas B. Crowley Jr., chairman and CEO of Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime Corp; and William Woodhour, president of SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited. Wykle said in his opening remarks, “About 13 months ago, we gathered in New York City for the annual AOTOS dinner.... Unfortunately, the world changed early this year.” He then spoke about the unique nature of this year’s event, as well as the challenges that have faced the maritime industry in 2020. Sacco said, “I have the honor of discussing one of the few bright spots of 2020, and that is the outstanding performance of the U.S. Merchant Marine during this global pandemic. Actually, I salute the world’s entire seafarers population for the outstanding job and sacrifices Continued on Page 5 Labor Department Honors Crowley As Veteran-Friendly Employer U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia recently awarded SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Platinum Medallion for its exemplary success recruiting, employing and retaining U.S. military veterans. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program, created through a 2017 federal law, is the only federal government award recognizing companies for exceptional achievement in veteran employment. Crowley was among a number of other companies who received the award on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11. By meeting the criteria required for a Platinum Medallion Award, the highest level of the program, Crowley “demonstrated both patriotism and recognition of the value veterans bring to the workplace,” according to the Labor Department. Veterans make up more than 9 percent of the overall company workforce, and 13 percent of Crowley’s administrative employees, and the retention rate for veterans exceeds 90 percent. In addition, the company supports an employee resource group led by members of its workforce dedicated to helping veterans and active-duty personnel achieve career success. “We see the contribution veterans make on a regular basis that help our customers and our com- Official logo for the DOL award pany achieve great results,” said Crowley’s Julius Richardson, talent acquisition business partner who is a Marine Corps veteran and co-chair of the Veterans Employee Resource Group. “We thank the federal government for the recognition, and the biggest thanks goes to our men and women who served our nation, and now make Crowley a great company and a great place to work.” Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG January 2021 �SIU-Backed Candidates Fare Well on Election Day The SIU’s political department has completed its review of the results of Election 2020. The findings show overwhelming success for candidates supported by the SIU. Unlike most federal political action committees, the Seafarers Political Activities Donation – SPAD, the union’s voluntary fund – is bipartisan, and the union contributes to incumbents, challengers and candidates running in open seat races. In the U.S. House of Representatives, SPAD participated in 153 races around the country. In those elections, the SIUbacked candidate won in 149 and lost in four. That’s a win percentage of 97.38. SPAD participated in 13 Senate races around the country. Of those races, the SIU-backed candidate won in every single race (for a win percentage of 100). The U.S. Electoral College was scheduled to vote Dec. 14 and was expected to certify Joe Biden as president and Kamala Harris as vice president. In a letter to SIU President Michael Sacco earlier this year, former Vice Presi- dent Biden wrote in part, “As a lifelong advocate for working families and unions, I write to assure you of my strong and unwavering support for the Seafarers International Union, its members, and the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine fleet. Labor unions built the middle class and the middle class built this country. The basic building blocks of a good life – middle-class jobs at union wages, a 40-hour work week, health insurance, retirement benefits, a voice in the workplace – resulted from workers who organized unions and fought for worker protections. This is the history of the Seafarers International Union. And at a time when our country is facing unprecedented challenges, our economic future today depends on unions like yours – just as it did in the past. “Just as unions are essential to the middle class, the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine fleet and the men and women who operate U.S.-flag ships are crucial to America’s national security, our international trade relationships, and economic development,” Biden continued. “For this reason, I have been a consistent and strong advocate for the Jones Act and its mandate that only U.S.-flag vessels carry cargo in the coastwise trade. As President, I will continue my strong support for the Jones Act.” He added his ongoing support for cargo preference laws, the U.S. Maritime Security Program, and the U.S. Export-Import Bank, all of which help maintain jobs for U.S. mariners. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, during on online speech that took place Nov. 5, said the union vote made a big difference on Election Day. “Joe Biden’s path to the White House ran through America’s labor movement,” Trumka stated. “Initial toplines from our post-election survey show union members went 58 percent for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. While the general public supported Biden by three points, our members favored him by 21 points. Simply put, we got out the vote. In Wisconsin. In Michigan. In Pennsylvania. Joe Biden’s firewall was union made!” He added, “The labor movement is expanding the map. Look at Arizona. Look at Georgia.” Trumka concluded, “There will be work to do over these next few days, and no shortage of work over the next four years. While we don’t know the final composition of the Senate, we know our priorities. Our members made it clear. Some 95 percent say that protecting workers’ rights is the top priority for this next congress. And yes, that includes 93 percent of our members who went for Trump. The right to collective bargaining. Fair wages and workplace safety. A voice on the job. The belief that all work has dignity and everyone should retire with security. None of that is red or blue. It’s simply American. It’s what America’s labor movement has fought for in 2020 – not just in this election but in our workplaces, too…. None of this will be easy, but union members are not afraid of hard work. We do it every day and we see the job through.” New Defense Bill Constitutes A Huge Victory for Maritime Legislation Calls for New, 10-Vessel Tanker Security Fleet A year of unprecedented challenges nevertheless contained some potentially fantastic news for the United States maritime industry. On Dec. 3, the House and Senate Armed Services committees released the conference report agreement for the William M. “Mac” Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. At press time, both the House and Senate were expected to pass the legislation and send it to the president. Although President Trump had expressed concerns about the bill completely unrelated to maritime, its prospects appeared favorable. Highlighting the NDAA is a new, 10-vessel Tanker Security Fleet patterned after the well-proven Maritime Security Program (MSP). The new program would allow owners of eligible product tankers to apply for a $6 million per year stipend in exchange for making the vessels available to the U.S. Department of Defense in times of war or national emergency. The legislation also includes a temporary financial boost for MSP participants, in order to offset some costs related to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The aforementioned components were aggressively backed by the SIU, as is a section that strengthens cargo preference requirements for the movement of military cargoes. Another part of the bill calls for a new study regarding federal compliance with existing civilian and military cargo preference rules. American shipyards also stand to benefit from the NDAA, because the measure strengthens existing requirements that vessels under charter to the United States be repaired or modified in U.S. yards during the length of the charter. Moreover, the bill facilitates the purchase of existing, foreign-built vessels to recapitalize the government-owned reserve fleet. Other highlights include the establishment of a new Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief program aimed at offering monetary help to the industry during emergencies. According to the bill’s text, eligible participants include vessel owners and operators, shipyards, maritime training facilities and others. Finally, the bill includes new stipulations to reinforce the Jones Act, both when it comes to the law’s application to wind farms and when waivers may be requested. During the December SIU membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez updated Seafarers on the bill and underscored the vital roles played by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) in advancing pro-maritime components. January 2021 “This bill is a gigantic win for our industry, and the maritime sections collectively are an equally big victory for our country,” Tellez stated. SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman said, “The wins we’ve achieved for maritime in this bill highlight the SIU’s continuing, effective bipartisan approach. Working closely with members on both sides of the aisle, and in both the House and Senate, made this victory possible.” As previously reported, 34 members of Congress in mid-September sent a bipartisan letter backing the new Tanker Security Fleet to Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Adam Smith (D-Washington), and House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mac Thornberry (R-Texas). The provision creating the new program would initially involve 10 privately owned, militarily useful U.S.-flag product tankers crewed by American merchant mariners. “We are deeply concerned about the decline in the number of militarily useful commercial vessels operating under the U.S. flag and, consequently, in the number of trained and qualified American merchant mariners available to crew the vessels needed by the Department of Defense to protect America’s interests and to support American troops deployed around the world,” the legislators wrote. “A tanker security program … would begin to rectify this situation, adding additional commercial vessels to the U.S.-flag fleet and creating new jobs for American mariners. This program … represents an important maritime policy initiative not only for the maritime workforce but for our nation’s commercial sealift readiness capability.” The writers pointed out that Lt. Gen. John Broadmeadow (USMC), while serving in 2019 as deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, told Congress “a 10-tanker program will be a welcome start to begin to address the gap in U.S.-flagged bulk fuel delivery.” The letter concluded, “Establishing a tanker security fleet would begin to reduce our military’s reliance on foreign-flag vessels by ensuring that a greater portion of the fuel needed by the Department of Defense is transported by American mariners on U.S.flag vessels. It would not promote or expand the production of petroleum products but would instead begin to end America’s almost total reliance on foreign flag-of-convenience vessels to meet the energy needs of the Department of Defense at sea and around the world.” The SIU-crewed Liberty Pride takes on military cargo in Italy last year. (Photo courtesy Elena Baladelli, 7th Army Training Command) SIU Members Transport 420 MRAPs for MSC SIU members aboard the MV Liberty Pride, chartered by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and operated by Liberty Maritime, arrived in the Port of Livorno, Italy, late last year to complete an on-load with the U.S. Army 839th Transportation Battalion, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) and its Italian detachment. The Liberty Pride was in port to on-load 420 MaxxPro Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, transferring them from the U.S. Army’s prepositioned stocks in Europe to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. “Our U.S. Navy partners at MSC provided the maximum amount of capability the U.S. can bring to bear regarding sealift for this operation,” said Lt. Col. Scott F. Wyatt, 839th Transportation Battalion Commander. “It’s been a team effort across the board.” Operations like these require extensive planning between several organizations, both public and private, between the United States and the host-nation, according to MSC. “Once again, on-site coordination was key in ensuring a timely onload,” said MSC Europe and Africa (MSCEURAF) Marine Transportation Specialist John Myhre. “SDDC’s con- tracted labor worked flawlessly with MSC’s chartered vessel. This wouldn’t happen without well-trained representation.” Camp Darby, about a five-hour drive from MSCEURAF and located near the Port of Livorno, is home to both the 839th and Army Field Support Battalion-Africa. Its primary mission is to support war reserve material storage, maintenance and the movement of equipment for operations across the globe. Camp Darby’s location is well-suited to this role, being close to an MSC office, a port, railroads, highways and airport, making it a prime location for U.S. forces in Italy. “At the end of the day, our responsibility is to get combat capability to where it needs to be at the right time,” said Wyatt. “We couldn’t do this without the partnership we have with SDDC and MSC.” SIU-crewed MSC ships play a crucial role in the movement of cargo for U.S. Army partners throughout Europe, from supporting operations such as these to exercises around the globe. For inter-theater lifts, which are longdistance movements of equipment from one fleet to another, MSC uses many SIU-crewed vessels “which significantly reduces operational costs,” according to the agency. Seafarers LOG 3 �Pictured from left are Captain Mark Tuck, Electrician Frederick N Williams, Rescued Pilot Nathaniel Johansson, Rescued Pilot Kelly Michaels, AB Kenneth Benton, Third Mate William Laprade, AB Alicia Plunkett, Steward Maili Wang, Second Engineer William Kyttle, Bosun Ruben Datu, Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova, SA Daniel Mergillano, Third Engineer Antonio Macatiag, Chief Engineer Justin Raby, AB James Douglas, Second Mate Joseph Comerford II, AB Alan Lumansoc, Oiler Cresente Gumanas, GDE Alfredo Nieto, Oiler Yahya Shamman, Engine Utility Gabriel Waiwaiole, Third Engineer Elizabeth Jenkins and First Engineer Davie Rivera. Horizon Reliance Crew Rescues Two Seafarers came to the rescue after a small plane went down in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. On Nov. 7, SIU members working aboard the Horizon Reliance (Sunrise Operations) helped rescue the crew of the downed aircraft, adrift in a life raft roughly 1,000 nautical miles from Honolulu. “We were en route to Honolulu, from Los Angeles, when we got the call that a small airplane went down with two pilots on board and no passengers,” said AB Kenneth Benton. “The two were delivering an airplane to a customer in Australia; they had taken off from Los Angeles when they lost an engine and went down in the middle of Pacific. An Italian vessel [the tanker Ariel] tried to rescue but were not capable, and after 19 hours of unsuccessful attempts by the foreign vessel, they allowed our professional crew to step in. With precision, we got the job done with ease, and the two sur- vivors were of course so very grateful.” The SIU crew of the Horizon Reliance included: Bosun Ruben Datu, AB Alan Lumansoc, AB Benton, AB Blake Braye, AB Alicia Plunkett, Electrician Frederick Williams, Engine Utility Gabriel Waiwaiole, Oiler Yahya Shamman, Oiler Cresente Gumanas, Oiler Stanley Golden, GUDE Alfredo Nieto, SB Maili Wang, Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova and SA Daniel Mergillano. The rescue was described by the Horizon Reliance’s master, Mark Tuck: “The winds were northeasterly and sea heights were approximately 2-3 meters. At 0800, the crew rigged a pilot ladder, gangway, and gangway net hanging at water’s edge, and painters on the starboard side. Three additional crew were used on the bridge as lookouts and to take bearings to locate and maintain a visual on the life raft. The starboard side was chosen due to the vessel’s port gangway being more narrow and possibly more difficult to assist weakened or hypothermic survivors onto the vessel. Vessel’s original plan was to approach from a northwesterly position to place the vessel between the wind and the raft, creating a lee. By the time the Ariel handed off the rescue to the Horizon Reliance, the raft was bearing 180 and approximately one to two NM distance, we were not receiving a radar signal from the raft and it had to be located visually. “The Ariel remained close to the raft and advised the Reliance until we had a visual. I maneuvered the vessel using the wind and a “back and fill” maneuver to maintain position between the wind and life raft, close the range and maintain a bearing that would bring the vessel alongside the raft. As the vessel closed on the raft, we briefly acquired the raft on the radar at about 0.4 NM and determined that we were closing on the raft. The distance slowly closed and two attempts with line throwing apparatus were unsuc- cessful. The third line thrower was a ‘dude.’ The fourth and last apparatus placed a line near the raft. The pilot had to jump into the water to retrieve the line. There was a very good lee at this time, and the pilot leaving the raft was not in danger of not being able to board the raft after retrieving the line. The line was secured to the raft, and the vessel’s crew pulled the raft to a position under the pilot ladder/accommodation ladder rig. There was a 2-3-meter swell wrapping around the vessel and moving down the starboard side. The survivors were told to debark the raft on the crest of the swell and to grab the pilot ladder and not climb, but hold tightly. The crew would then operate the pneumatic winch and raise them to the main deck.” The two men pulled from the life raft, Pilot Nathaniel Johansson and Copilot Kelly Michaels, were determined to be unharmed, and were taken to Honolulu aboard the Horizon Reliance. Industry Pioneer Imperatore Dies at 95 NY Waterway founder and President Arthur E. Imperatore Sr., a visionary entrepreneur who invented the modern commuter ferry system, died Nov. 18 at age 95. SIU members crew NY Waterway’s 30plus boats, which operate between New York and New Jersey. “Arthur truly was unique, and he absolutely was a giant in the maritime industry,” said SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. “He held the SIU in high esteem and treated his employees with respect. Arthur will be missed.” Imperatore’s career spanned more than seven decades and included various ventures from mining to real estate, from sports teams to transportation. He founded NY Waterway in 1986 in Weehawken, New Jersey, and built it into a mass transit system which has transported almost 300 million people to date. NY Waterway ferries have become a vital component in the Metropolitan Area’s mass transit network and a life-saving backup system when other transit modes are disrupted. SIU ferry crews evacuated 150,000 people from Manhattan on 9/11 and have rescued hundreds of people from area waters, including 143 people from Flight 1547, the Miracle on the Hudson, the most successful marine rescue in aviation history. Despite skeptics who derided his vision as “Arthur’s Folly,” Imperatore drew from his nearly 40 years of experience in the industry to pioneer a ferry-bus network, leading to the company’s resounding success. With his stepson, Armand Pohan, Imperatore ran the company until his death. It was Imperatore’s dream to revitalize 4 Seafarers LOG his native New Jersey community, and NY Waterway did just that. Starting with the company’s Port Imperial terminus in Weehawken, Imperatore led the development of a thriving residential and commercial community. As his vessels transported passengers to and from New York City, his fleet of buses made the ferry service accessible to the surrounding towns. In this way, the ferry-bus network became the infrastructure that supported waterfront development from Edgewater to Jersey City (the New Jersey “Gold Coast”), boosting both local and state economies. To this day, the ferrybus network is the international model for effective, coordinated mass transportation systems. Born on July 8, 1925 to Italian fruit grocer Eugene Imperatore and his wife Teresa (née Sorrentino) in West New York, New Jersey, Imperatore was the ninth of ten children living in a two-bedroom apartment above his father’s grocery. He began earning a wage at age five, and by age eight had set a goal of earning 10 cents per week to help support his family. Starting as a delivery boy for his father’s grocery, Imperatore also worked as a Western Union messenger and shoeshine boy. His strong work ethic and entrepreneurial drive continued to propel him forward. Imperatore carried that work ethic and sense of duty into the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served as a navigator on B-24 Liberators and B-29 Superfortresses during WWII. After the war, in 1947, he and his brothers started A-P-A Transport Corp. with two surplus army trucks – and the business grew to become the fourth largest and most profitable interstate freight truck- ing company in the United States. At A-P-A he instituted stringent productivity and efficiency systems which are emulated today across numerous industries. The notion that a company’s greatest asset is a motivated and involved workforce is a common thread that runs throughout Imperatore’s successful enterprises. He was committed to connecting, communicating, and giving back to all of his employees, whom he looked upon as extended family. As an employer, he set the performance bar high to inspire employees to reach the potential he believed they all had – demanding excellence while also leading by example. Imperatore was widely regarded for his responsible corporate citizenship, family values, and love for country. His support and engagement in charitable causes included medical research, social services and education. Throughout his life, Imperatore was honored by business and civic organizations for his corporate and humanitarian contributions. Among his awards were three honorary doctoral degrees, the prestigious Horatio Alger Award, and the first U.S. Senate Productivity Award, presented to him by former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley. Never one to rest on his laurels, Imperatore contemplated the possibilities of what he might yet achieve during his 2017 induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, saying, “I talk to God every once in a while. I tell him ‘listen, God, I know you might have your eye on me – however, I still have a lot of work to do.’” He is survived by his wife, Dr. Mei-Ling Yee-Imperatore; his son, Arthur E. Imperatore, Jr.; his daughter, India Imperatore; his (Photo courtesy NY Waterway) Arthur Imperatore Sr. stepson and daughter-in-law Armand Pohan and Nancy O. Rieger; his step-children George (Elizabeth) Carr, Alexander (Renée) Carr, and Arielle Moylen; eight grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by parents and his nine brothers and sisters. A memorial service will be planned for a future date. January 2021 �SIU’s Year in Review: Identifying a given year’s top story – good or bad – sometimes may be difficult, but that’s certainly not the case when reviewing 2020. The COVID-19 global pandemic impacted virtually all aspects of life around the world. By mid-December, the novel coronavirus had claimed 1.55 million lives worldwide (more than 300,000 in the United States). Upwards of 68 million cases had been reported across the globe (15 million in the U.S.). For the U.S. Merchant Marine in general and the SIU in particular, the pandemic presented a challenge that is unprecedented in modern times. Nevertheless, the industry and the union rose to the occasion, delivering commercial and military cargoes around the world. The following is a brief recap of some of the year’s top stories for the SIU. Pandemic The list of adjustments made by Seafarers and the SIU isn’t short. At various times, hiring halls were closed to personnel other than staff, though business was still conducted by phone, fax and email. Some halls periodically closed for precautionary reasons. When they were open (which was the norm), strict safety precautions remained in place – including temperature checks, social distancing, use of sanitizer, placement of dividers, wearing masks, and more. Nevertheless, union representatives and members made it work, utilizing phones and emails and whatever other means of communication facilitated Seafarers shipping out safely and on time. By the fourth quarter of the year, it had become commonplace for mariners to undergo COVID-19 testing before sailing. Preboarding quarantines also became routine. Aboard the vessels themselves, precautions included wearing masks, temperature checks, extra sanitization of common areas, staggered meal times and more. SIU President Michael Sacco repeatedly praised members for stepping up to meet the challenge, both in online and printed messages. So did U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Transportation Command commanding officer Gen. Stephen Lyons, and U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, each of whom credited crews for living up to their federal designation as essential workers. The can-do spirit of the SIU arguably was never more evident than during the summer, when the union helped crew up 19 vessels in a pair of turbo activations. These exercises are a critical test of the nation’s sealift readiness. The SIU filled more than 200 total jobs in those mobilizations. One of the biggest pandemic-related challenges faced by mariners around the world is very much ongoing as the calendar turns to 2021. Namely, crew changes have been postponed for periods as long as several months. Complications include local and national transportation restrictions. American-flag ship operators stepped up to tackle this component by chartering several crew-change flights to and from Diego Garcia, with no monetary assistance from the government. Travel also is a significant consideration for the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), located in Piney Point, Maryland. The school implemented a gradual closure in the spring, during which students could choose between finishing their coursework or leaving the campus and rescheduling later. Then, following months of planning, the school reopened in early August, with myriad safety protocols in place. These included travel-related precautions, since students travel to Piney Point from all over the country (and because they likely sailed to numerous foreign countries). Tom Orzechowski, the school’s acting vice president, credited students and staff for making it all work. As of mid-December, only a single positive case of COVID-19 had been reported on campus, and the individual who contracted the virus promptly isolated and didn’t spread it. If the modified basic formulas for conducting routine business at the hiring halls and at the school gradually became part of the so-called “new normal,” there were distinctive considerations for running the SIU election. Union officers are elected once every four years, and the typical system for voting involves casting ballots either at the halls or via mail (absentee voting). Due to the pandemic, the union’s executive board implemented numerous, one-time modifications (with membership approval) in order to promote participation in the election. The most visible change was conducting shipboard voting; union reps visiting the vessels were required to show proof of a recent, negative COVID-19 test. Other changes included relaxing the requirements for requesting an absentee ballot and also making it easier to qualify to run for office. Election results will be announced in early 2021. New Ships, Rescues, Outreach For all the changes brought by 2020, some things felt timeless, including the addition of several new vessels into the SIU-crewed fleet. Those ships included the Matson con/ ro vessels Lurline and Matsonia, Schuyler Line’s bulker SLNC Severn (more details will be reported next month), and the expeditionary fast transport USNS Newport, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. Similarly, SIU crews took part in several rescues, upholding the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. The ships and boats executing the rescues included the Mahi Mahi, the USNS Yukon, the Horizon Reliance and the Empire State (a NY Waterway ferry). Members showed their mettle on shore, too. Among other philanthropic endeavors, Seafarers participated in community outreach projects in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Florida, Maryland, Washington State, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan issued what is believed to be a SIU President Sacco Delivers Keynote Address During Annual AOTOS Awards Continued from Page 2 they have made to keep the supply chain moving.” Later in his speech, he said, “My role today is to salute our mariners, but I also want to say a brief word of thanks to our ship operators, our U.S. Longshoremen and our partners at the Maritime Administration, TRANSCOM, the Coast Guard and DOT. Your leadership and your cooperation made it possible for us all to continue getting the job done – safely and on time. Because of your work, readiness has SIU President Michael Sacco delivered the keynote address for this year’s AOTOS ceremony. January 2021 Pandemic Dominates 2020, But Bright Spots Still Exist been maintained.” He concluded, “Last but not least, I have a request for every seafarer, no matter where you sail. Please, please continue to take this pandemic seriously, just like you’ve done all along. We can see the lighthouse ahead of the safe harbor, but this isn’t the time to drop our guard. You really are essential workers, and your country depends on you. More importantly, I know that you are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, spouses and close friends. You have every reason to remain vigilant and do everything possible to stay safe.” “Our union brothers and sisters have always answered the call, as they did in 2020,” said Crowley, representing Jones Act carriers. “Our nation’s mariners play a vital role for the economy and national defense.” Speaking for the U.S.-flag international fleet, Woodhour described how the company worked with its contracted unions to move crew members safely around the world. “Mariners know it is more than a job, delivering vital supplies,” Woodhour pointed out. Adams represented the nation’s dockworkers, and spoke about their importance during this crisis: “Our members are essential workers,” he declared. “We are heroes without capes. Dock workers kept the supply chain moving.” Buzby jokingly stated “not many jobs in this industry can be done remotely.” Then he saluted mariners and the industry saying, “We needed everyone to get the job done and they got it done!” Lyons thanked mariners and the industry for making sure “the mission never fails. Together, we will deliver.” Wettlaufer applauded mariners for overcoming the challenges before them during the epidemic. record $152,000 in scholarships to members and SIU dependents. Legislative Wins All indications were that the year would end with one of the biggest legislative victories that maritime industry had seen in many years. At press time, the annual Defense bill appeared headed for enactment – and it included several crucial components that will boost the U.S. Merchant Marine. Those elements included a new American-flag tanker program, reinforcement of the Jones Act and cargo preference laws, boosts for domestic shipbuilding and repair and more. In June, the industry observed the Jones Act’s centennial. Throughout the year, various studies underscored how the law remains vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Also, in the early days of spring, President Trump signed an SIU-backed bill providing the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II with a Congressional Gold Medal. Finally, the SIU remained politically active at the local, state and national levels. SIU-backed candidates fared well on Election Day, signaling potential progress for the maritime industry and for America’s working families in the new year. Final Departures The SIU was saddened to say goodbye to far too many friends in 2020, including the following (any omissions are unintentional): Retired Port Agent Ed Kelly; retired MTD and SIU official Frank Pecquex; BCTGM President David Durkee; retired PHC instructor Bernabe Pelingon; GUDE Michael Vaughn, believed to be first active SIU member to perish from COVID-19; U.S. Rep. John Lewis; Jack Martorelli, president, St. Louis Port Council; Robert Chiesa, longtime crewing manager at Waterman; Arthur Imperatore, head of NY Waterway; and Larry Willis, president of the AFL Transportation Trades Department. Maersk Sends Holiday Gifts Showing Gratitude Towards Union Crews SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) knows that its crews made plenty of sacrifices in 2020, and the company recently said “thank you” in a big way. In mid-December, MLL sent $10,000 to each of its Americanflag vessels, to be used for crew welfare. Additionally, all mariners in good standing who sailed at least 120 days with MLL in 2020 will receive a holiday gift basket and note of appreciation sent to their home address. (The latter endeavor also supports local small businesses near the company’s home office in Norfolk, Virginia. MLL selected arrays of quality, non-perishable products from various companies in Virginia’s Tidewater area.) In a communication to the fleet, MLL President and CEO Bill Woodhour noted the “extraordinary efforts of all serving onboard ships in our fleet throughout the 2020 pandemic.” He conveyed the company’s “sincere appreciation and gratitude,” and encouraged the vessel masters to consult with officers and crew members regarding how to spend the cash donations. He encouraged them to “keep in mind the funds should try to benefit those onboard now and those who will be returning, as much as possible.” MLL Labor Relations Vice President Ed Hanley praised the crews “for keeping our vessels moving throughout the pandemic – facing unique and extremely challenging circumstances – often including extended periods away from family, quarantine, and/or restriction to ship. While the rest of the world largely adapted to social distancing and working from home, the U.S. Merchant Marine lived up to its reputation and reliably delivered the goods in 2020 including food, medicine, PPE and thousands of other supplies to people suffering around the world from the pandemic. These mariners were on the tip of the sword and helped make it happen – and we wanted to say thank you in an unexpected way.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker stated, “This is an exceptionally generous gesture by Maersk, and I applaud them for showing so much appreciation for the crews. There is no doubt that 2020 has been uniquely challenging, and there’s also no doubt that our members and their shipmates delivered. Maersk’s kindness is a great tone-setter as we head into the winter holidays.” Seafarers LOG 5 �Steward: Maritime Careers Worth Exploring Longtime, Enthusiastic Seafarer Featured in Job Corps Newsletter Recertified Steward Just B. Self isn’t the type to seek publicity, but when he recently saw an opportunity to help showcase the U.S. Merchant Marine, he readily agreed. Self launched his maritime career in 1991 after graduating from the Treasure Island (California) Job Corps program. He initially sailed with the National Maritime Union before that organization merged into the SIU in 2001. In early October 2020, Self was featured in the Treasure Island Job Corps newsletter (whose editors had been reminded about him). He encouraged others to consider following his wake into the maritime industry. “I always wanted to reach back and help with Job Corps, so I thought the article was good,” he said. “I’ve also always felt that Job Corps would be a good place for the union to get manpower.” Self, 52, said his sailing career has proven very worthwhile. He has spent the vast majority of his years working for Alaska Tanker Company, where he helped found the organization’s wellness program. He completed recertification at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in 2012 and plans to continue shipping for the foreseeable future. “This line of work has provided pretty much everything I need for my family,” he stated. “I like the stability and the flexibility. It allowed me to choose the best place for my family to live, too. I have no plans to leave, unless I hit the lotto or something. This is pretty much it. The work pays the bills.” Reflecting on his initial contacts both with the SIU and NMU, Self said he’s grateful for the assistance he received. “There were a lot of SIU chefs on Treasure Island back in 1991, and they were talking about wellness already,” he recalled. “They knew that wellness programs were coming, and all these years later, it’s real. They were very helpful to me. “Switching to the SIU was a good transition for me, and (retired SIU Assistant Vice President) Archie Ware was like an angel,” he continued. “We met when he worked in San Francisco, and coincidentally, we’d both end up moving to Jacksonville. He really made a difference in my career.” SHBP Offers Scholarships for 2021 The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Scholarship Program will offer eight awards totaling $132,000 for the 2021 calendar year. Three scholarships will be designated for Seafarers while five will be targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the endowments reserved for Seafarers totals $20,000 and is intended to help defray the costs associated with attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The remaining two are in the amount of $6,000 each and are designed as two-year awards for study at a postsecondary vocational school or community college. Each of the five scholarships for spouses and dependents is for $20,000. Now is an ideal time to begin the application process. The first step is to obtain a scholarship program booklet. This package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. Union members and their dependents now have three avenues through which they may obtain this booklet. Prospective applicants may request these booklets via mail by completing and mailing the form provided. Booklets may also be obtained by visiting any SIU hall. Finally, applicants may obtain the booklet online by visiting www.seafarers.org, going to the Member Benefits tab, navigating to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and selecting Scholarship Booklet (PDF). Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of the paperwork needed to submit with the Self said he particularly values his career’s longevity. The lone drawback “was not being home for certain things. Other than that, while the job can be a handful, there’s no comparison to the jobs I had before I started sailing. Now, I make more money and work less than when I was on land.” As for advice he’d give to people considering maritime careers, Self said it’s important to weigh some of the potential sacrifices involved “if they have young children. But otherwise, I’d say take advantage of this opportunity. Stack your money, get yourself set up, and maintain a positive attitude. Channel your energy and be respectful.” He added that patience can pay off. For instance, Self first sailed as an OS even though he had a chief cook endorsement, because shipping was slow. “The patrolman told me I’d be all right. ‘Just don’t go out there acting like you know everything.’ He was right. I got to know the steward department from the outside and built a rapport with them. Sometimes you have to do things you don’t like in order to get where you want to go. Things worked out.” full application, which must be received by April 15, 2021. A scholarship selection committee, consisting of a panel of professional educators, will examine the high school grades of all applicants as well as evaluate scores from their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by ap- Recertified Steward Just B. Self says his career “provided pretty much everything I need for my family.” plicants who have not done so to take these tests no later than February 2021. Doing so will virtually assure that the results reach the evaluation committee in time for review. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Please send me the 2021 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name .......................................................................................................................................... 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 1/21 Spotlight on Mariner Health Chronic Conditions Pose Assorted Challenges to Health Care System Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Although the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to dominate the headlines, a host of other chronic health issues are also presenting challenges to the effectiveness and adaptability of our overall health care system. In addition to COVID-19, the country also has an alarmingly high rate of non-communicable diseases (NCD) that put people at risk. Some examples are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, cancer, lung diseases, depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse. Cardiovascular disease alone causes nearly half of the annual NCD deaths in this country. And when additional chronic illnesses manifest themselves at the same time, the picture for health care gets much more serious. Associated costs are phenomenal. One in three adults worldwide has multiple chronic conditions. So, in addition to the dollars and cents ingredients, stress is added to this unsavory recipe that ultimately must be consumed by not only the person suffering from several conditions, but also by their family members. In such a scenario, everyone involved potentially could experience loss of work, pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. The personal challenge of living with chronic conditions can also give rise to other stressors including coping with the cost of 6 Seafarers LOG medications, frequent hospital visits, and abrupt declines in the quality of life for the individual. Activities which they once did suddenly cannot be done anymore. Things they use to be able to do, they cannot do anymore. To make matters worse, individuals suffering from chronic conditions could require help in executing day to day activities, requiring them to find and set aside funds to pay for in-home assistance. The former conditions are long-term. Rather than waiting until they develop irreversible health conditions caused by dangerous lifestyle choices (smoking, poor diets and lack of exercise), people should regularly seek guidance and assistance from health care providers. These professionals can provide valuable support – to adults as well as children – in fostering and maintaining healthy lifestyles and addressing issues before they become serious. Everyone is encouraged to see their family doctors and/ or other health care practitioners often. Do lab work when requested and always take medications as prescribed. A final tip would be to remain open to new ideas for different types of treatments. In the final analysis, managing one’s health effectively pays huge benefits. There are less trips to the doctor, fewer labs and tests to accomplish and far less medications to ingest. Collectively, these paybacks translate into reduced costs and a better quality of life. Cajun Chicken Servings: 25 Ingredients 10 pounds chicken breast without skin, trimmed of fat 1/2 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons thyme, dry crushed fine 1-1/4 teaspoons salt 1-1/2 tablespoons paprika, Spanish 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons granulated garlic 2 tablespoons oregano, dry crushed fine 1 teaspoon white pepper, ground 1 teaspoon cumin, ground 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground 2 tablespoons parsley, fresh chopped 1/4 cup red bell pepper, roasted and diced Preparation Place the chicken in a large container with plenty of room. Pour the olive oil all over the chicken. Mix all the remaining dry ingredi- ents together. Mix the dry seasoning into the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken in 2” hotel pans. Bake the chicken in a 350’F oven uncovered for about 15-20 min. until internal temp. of 165’F. Garnish pans with chopped parsley and roasted peppers. Yield: 5/8 ounce Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 205 Calories; 6g Fat (28.6% calories from fat); 34g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber: 84mg Cholesterol; 202mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 4 112 Lean Meat: 0 Vegetable: 1 Fat. (Recipe courtesy of the Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) January 2021 �SIU’s Heindel Tackles Crew-Change Crisis Presented with the sizable task of describing some of the more significant challenges facing the maritime industry, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel opened with what’s arguably the runaway leader in that category: crew-change crises across the globe. Besides his role with the SIU, Heindel also serves as the head of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) Seafarers’ Section. He figuratively wore that hat as a keynote speaker Nov. 28 during an online address that reached tens of thousands of people in real time. The twoday event was hosted by The Naval Connection, and featured more than 40 “global leaders” from all components of the maritime industry. The host organization offers wide-ranging services including mariner training, consulting, quality management and David Heindel SIU Secretary-Treasurer process audits, and more. Heindel also talked about how new technology will affect the industry; the realities of a career at sea; and how the ITF has worked collaboratively in the shipping industry. But he began by describing “the most pressing – and least forgivable – challenge faced by our industry. There are approximately 400,000 seafarers currently suffering because of the pandemic, whether it’s due to ship restrictions or pre-work quarantines or other related hardships. Employer organizations estimate that around half of those mariners – 200,000 people – have completed their tours but are unable to return home due to various port state, labor supply state and travel restrictions. “For those who are unaware, seafarer contracts are often as long as nine months on average,” he continued. “Imagine working that long, seven days a week, and rarely or never leaving the ship, but still being stuck when you’ve finished your contract. Those travel restrictions cut both ways, too. There are hundreds of thousands of other seafarers who are ready to go back to work but are unable. This means they can’t support their families.”He then provided several examples of mariners fulfilling their contracts but subsequently being unable to leave the ships for months. In some instances, mariners ended up spending 20 straight months on the vessels. “This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Heindel asserted. “The ITF has numerous examples of other seafarers being held on board ships for more than a year because of the inability or unwillingness of shipowners, charterers or governments to make crew changes happen. The ITF has received more than 12,700 requests for help from seafarers since the pandemic began. Not all of those requests are about getting on or off the ship. The pandemic also has created problems with non-payment of wages, and lack of provisions on board. And by ‘lack of provisions’ I don’t mean that the crews want big-screen televisions. Some, cannot get basic food and water supplies. Some of these conditions are what we’d normally call slave labor.” Besides the basic humanitarian considerations, Heindel said there are other problems stemming from the prolonged tours. “Even in normal times, this industry is characterized by very long hours,” he explained. “We’re in a dangerous spot with these extended tours, because tired and exhausted crew members are much more likely to be involved in accidents, with potentially disastrous consequences not only for human life but also for the environment.” For remediation, he said mariners “need to be properly identified and respected as key, essential workers. Following ITF and employer lobbying, the United Nations has endorsed this approach, but in many countries it hasn’t been enough.” He said the industry also needs “consistency and cooperation with national administrations so commitments by transportation departments are upheld across other governmental agencies. We need foreign affairs agencies of labor supplying Labor Movement Mourns Passing of TTD President With his wife and daughter by his side, AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department (TTD) President Larry Willis on Nov. 29 succumbed to injuries sustained a week earlier in a tragic biking accident. He was 53. “The collective hearts of America’s labor movement, particularly transportation unions, are broken by the tragic death of our brother, TTD President Larry Willis,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “Larry brought a love of workers and a deep understanding of transportation issues to his leadership of TTD. He paid an incredible attention to detail, always looking for opportunities to win more power and prosperity for the working people who move America. As a lawyer, congressional staff member, policy expert and worker advocate, Larry was respected across the aisle and throughout our movement. Larry’s passing is a reminder that we cannot take a single day for granted, and the AFL-CIO will honor his memory by fighting for the issues he championed and the people he loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with Larry’s wife and daughter, along with the entire TTD family, during this difficult time.” AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan stated, “Larry was truly dedicated to improving the lives of working people. He was a pugnacious fighter January 2021 in defense of the Jones Act.” TTD Secretary-Treasurer Greg Regan issued this statement of mourning and remembrance: “We mourn today the shocking loss of a brother and fierce advocate for working people. The transportation labor family and the entire workers’ rights community lost a leader, activist, mentor, and friend when Larry … passed away yesterday. “For more than 20 years, Larry dedicated his life to the labor movement, working tirelessly to enhance the rights and livelihoods of those who work on the front lines of our transportation system,” Regan continued. “In addition to serving as president, a position he was elected to in 2017, Larry also served as secretary-treasurer, chief of staff, general counsel, and legislative counsel and representative at TTD. His mastery of complex legal and regulatory issues set the foundation for TTD’s policy leadership, and raised the bar for demanding and enforcing worker protections throughout our nation’s transportation system. “During his tenure at TTD, Larry faced some of transportation labor’s most daunting challenges. He met those and other crises head on, showing an unwavering dedication to working people and their unions, and a deep-seated desire to help those suffering countries and port states to cooperate to assure passports can be renewed and/or extended for those trapped on board vessels and that visas can be issued or extended.” Heindel added, “We need leniency when it comes to international travel so that mariners can go to their jobs and then go home. We need flexibility from governments because society hasn’t faced a pandemic like this in a century. And we need follow-through from all concerned, for all the right reasons.” Some progress has been made, he noted: “Those of us in the industry have done practically everything possible, short of shutting the industry down, to facilitate the easing of the crew change crisis. Now, we need governments to recognize the importance of the industry, the significance of the human capital that keep their supplies and trade moving and keeping their store shelves filled…. If you retain nothing else from this presentation, please remember that hundreds of thousands of mariners around the world need our help – and the world, in turn, depends on their work.” Changing subjects, he then discussed the ILO Maritime Labor Convention (2006) and its positive impact on mariners; periodic criminalization of seafarers; and maritime piracy. Notwithstanding those and other challenges, Heindel said maritime careers still can be appealing. There is a shortage of seafarers around the world, though. “For one thing, those jobs aren’t going away anytime soon,” he said. “There isn’t a single country in the world that can support its economy internally without importing some goods or materials from other nations – items that can only be moved by sea in sufficient quantities. And yes, that includes China. Approximately 170 countries have an investment in seafarers as a workforce, and for island nations in particular, it’s imperative that they retain those individuals. “Personally, I think we can help make it a more attractive career by ensuring that the typical requirements are more realistic, and that all parties feel invested beyond finances,” he added. “Right now, a contract is likely to involve a seafarer from South Asia going on a tour of duty lasting nine months, and that will be their only commitment to the shipping company. We might question what kind of loyalty these seafarers can realistically have, but yet they’re delivering the essentials of life for the rest of humanity. The ITF believes a longer-term vision should involve working together as an industry to shape the future skills needed to crew ships and therefore provide young seafarers, including more women, with skills that can later be transferable to a shore-based job.” He concluded by discussing new technology in the maritime industry. “As with all transport sectors, there are moves towards more automation on ships,” he said. “Seafarers will never stand in the way of progress, but new technology must be used to relieve the burden on mariners and to help them be more effective rather than replacing them.” from circumstances beyond their control. In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Larry took on the insurmountable challenge of restoring our transportation industry and balancing the security needs of the country with the due process working people are entitled to, successfully securing protections in our laws that lie at the center of our homeland security regime. During the 2008 financial crisis, he played a pivotal role in shaping the largest economic stimulus package for transportation investments ever passed in the U.S. Even up until the week he left us, Larry continued to push for health care and economic assistance for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and acted as a steady reminder that recovery from this crisis is not possible without the essential functions performed by transportation workers.” Regan added, “Larry’s advocacy style was straightforward and effective: forge meaningful relationships with leaders at all levels of government and across the political spectrum, build power through unity and find ways to work together to lift up all transportation workers. This approach is perhaps best exemplified in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization bill. Under a Republican-controlled Congress and White House, Larry’s leadership led transportation labor to endorse one of the most pro-labor FAA reauthorization bills in U.S. history. “Millions of people have had their lives improved because of the work Larry did, yet most of those people will never know Larry’s name,” Regan concluded. “For Larry, that didn’t matter. He was not motivated by fame or fortune – his end goal was always about doing the most good for the greatest number TTD President Larry Willis of people. Though his time with us has been cut short, Larry’s legacy will live on in the legislation he helped shape, the policy makers he reached through thoughtful, sophisticated arguments, the colleagues and staff he influenced and mentored, and the working people he dedicated his life to.” Willis graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Political Science and earned a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School. He was an active member of the D.C. Bar. He is survived by his wife, Amy, and daughter, Samantha. The TTD includes 33 affiliate unions. Seafarers LOG 7 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU B-BOOKS IN OAKLAND – Being sworn in for their respective full B-books at the hall in Oakland, California, are (center in photo at left) Chief Cook Reynaldo Agapay and (center in photo at right) QEE Sukhbir Bains. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone is at left in both photos; SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona is at right. ABOARD INDIANA HARBOR – Chief Cook Saleh Saleh (above and right in photo at immediate right) shows off some of his Thanksgiving Day handiwork aboard the American Steamship vessel. Thanks to Bosun Jeremy Shenett for the photos. SEAFARING SELFIE – Thanks to Bosun Brett Tiedeman (left) for this photo from aboard the Philadelphia Express (Marine Personnel & Provisioning). He’s pictured with AB Christopher Barberan (right) and OS Gideon Korley as they get ready to stow the starboardside accommodation ladder and pilot ladder after leaving Hamburg, Germany. ABOARD APL GUAM – Pictured from left in the group photo are Recertified Steward Karl Meyer, SIU Guam Port Agent Fred Sanchez Jr., ACU Jose Ayon-Ayon and Chief Cook Virnabeth Cano. The other photos are from Thanksgiving. 8 Seafarers LOG January 2021 �ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Pictured in the larger group photo are ABDM Felix Garcia, Bosun Gregorio Cudal, AB Ethan Jones, ABDM Fernando Haber, AB Debbie Garcia and AB Ali Mohsin Ali. The other photo includes Chief Steward John Bennett, Chief Cook Hyeyoung Forrer and GVA Roche Bonita. Both snapshots were taken in Singapore Harbor and supplied by vessel master Capt. T. Pham. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE – The Seafarers in these two photos are shown receiving their respective full B-books at the hiring hall. ACU Jack Gourgue (left) and OMU Blake Caviness are pictured in the photo above, while the image at right includes (from left) OMU Tyrique Batie, SA Ashley Fabor, AB John Paul, AB Travis Williams, AB Thyron Dy, SA Wilfredo Ramos-Silva and Chief Cook Brittany Harris. FULL BOOK IN MOBILE – AB Joshua Maughon (left) picks up his full B-book at the Mobile, Alabama, hall. He’s pictured with Port Agent Jimmy White. A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – Chief Cook Al Yandoc (right) receives his A-book at the Wilmington, California, hall. He’s pictured with Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr. A-BOOK FOR AB – Terrance Jones (left) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Houston. He’s pictured with Patrolman Kelly Krick. January 2021 B-BOOK IN JERSEY – SA Angel Berrios (right) picks up his book at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. Congratulating him as Port Agent Ray Henderson. WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY – Longtime SIU member George DiCanio (right) picks up his first pension check at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. Seafarers LOG 9 �Great Lakes Towing Contract Approved The SIU-crewed Michigan is one of Great Lakes Towing’s newest tugs (christened in 2019). SIU members employed by Great Lakes Towing Company recently approved a new six-year contract that raises wages and maintains benefits. The agreement is retroactive to this past July and lasts through July 14, 2026. Negotiating on behalf of the SIU were Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell, Port Agent Todd Brdak and Safety Director Gerret Jarman. In a sign of the times, negotiations took place online. The contract, which covers 20 or so Seafarers, garnered unanimous approval. Members were surveyed leading up to negotiations. Contract highlights include annual wage increases; maintaining top-level benefits for both the Seafarers Pension Plan and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan; maintaining contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan; adding bereavement pay; and continuing training and upgrading opportunities for crew members at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Great Lakes Towing boasts the largest American-flag tugboat fleet on the Lakes, and provides harbor assist and towing services to ships in more than 40 U.S. Great Lakes ports. Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2019 and ending July 31, 2020 (the “2019 Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the 2019 Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities Funded Percentage 2019 Plan Year 2018 Plan Year August 1, 2019 August 1, 2018 Over 100% Over 100% $106,530,327 $105,673,021 $99,134,084 $97,021,217 2017 Plan Year August 1, 2017 Over 100% $104,556,811 $90,405,432 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31, 2020 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2019 annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2021. July 31, 2020 Fair Market Value of Assets $101,843,604 July 31, 2019 $104,172,254 July 31, 2018 $105,757,360 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2019 Plan Year. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 2,150. Of this number, 847 were current employees, 962 were retired and receiving benefits, and 341 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan, and may agree through collective bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the 2019 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 10 Seafarers LOG Percentage 3.4% 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): 5. Real estate (other than employer real property): 6. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 7. Other 0.0% 0.0% 21.8% 8.8% 62.1% 3.9% Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2018 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available now. The annual report for the 2019 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration in May 2021. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993 or the address above if you want information about your accrued benefits. Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC 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 notice of its status 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, including loss of a lump sum option. This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. 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 $600, 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 ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 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). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee 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. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-7644993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number or “EIN” is 94-6061923. January 2021 �Voting in 2020 SIU Election Concludes Voting concluded at the end of last month (December), and results of the election of officials for the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters will be announced, in accordance with the SIU Constitution, upon completion of the tallying committee’s work. Special membership meetings took place last month at union halls listed in the SIU Constitution to elect delegates for a rankand-file tallying committee. That committee, including two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will tabulate results of the election, which started Nov. 1 in all SIU halls (and aboard many ships) and was scheduled to end Dec. 31. The February issue of the Seafarers LOG will carry the election results. The ballot included a list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 25 positions). Individuals elected in this round of balloting will serve a four-year term lasting from 2021 through 2024. Seafarers who were eligible to vote in the election were full book members in good standing, according to the union’s constitution. Members had the opportunity to pick up a ballot either in person at one of the 20 union halls around the country and overseas or via mail (absentee ballot). Additionally, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, voting took place on numerous SIU-crewed vessels, following executive board actions that were approved by the membership last year. Those actions included other steps aimed at promoting participation in the election while protecting everyone’s safety. Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample SA Graeme Dy (right) is sworn in by Port of Jacksonville Safety Director Joseph Koncul prior to casting his ballot. Bosun John Telles is ready to drop his ballot in the box in Puerto Rico. ballot, a list of voting locations and other related information appears on pages 6-10 of the October 2020 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known addresses, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. Editor’s note: The photos below, as well as those appearing on Pages 12-14 show rank-and-file members casting their ballots in union halls around the country as well as aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Peter Bondarenko completes necessary forms before voting in Jacksonville. Bondarenko is employed by Crowley as a dock worker at the Tallyrand Terminal. Posing for a photo just prior to submitting their ballots in Puerto Rico (from left) are: Steward Jesus Pacheco, Steward Luis Santiago, OMU Richard “Red” Vega, Steward Fernando Marquez and Bosun Charles Ortiz. Aboard the Gem State in Oakland: (from left to right): Bosun John Young, QEE Douglas Maravelias, QEE Milan Dzurek, GVA Ahmed Hussain, GUDE Greg Tojong, GVA Rodolfo Ludivice, SB Charlito Aseberos, GVA Ali Naser, GUDE Sari Alkarnoon, SB Abdullah Falah. January 2021 Seafarers LOG 11 �Rank-and-File Members Cast Union Election Ballots Piney Point Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) and Bosun Brian Guiry Piney Point Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) and Chief Cook Walter Lent Among those pictured aboard the Ocean Grand: Patrolman John Niday, Bosun Jovan Williams, AB Washington Williams and AB Jushua Maughon Aboard the Cape Henry in Oakland: Chief Cook Gerardo Melano prepares to vote in the union election for his first time. Patrolman John Niday and Virginia Ann SB Rose Ward 12 Seafarers LOG Aboard the Yorktown Express: Patrolman John Niday and AB Phillip Nichols Aboard the Yorktown Express: Port Agent Joe Zavala, QMED Ricky Pettaway and AB Ronnie Quess Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: Bosun Ruben Datu Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: QEE Frederick Williams Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: EU Gabriel Waiwaiole Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: OMU Stanley Golden January 2021 �Near the Horizon Pacific in Hawaii: Port Agent Hazel Galbiso and EU Larry Calixto Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: SB Maili Wang Aboard the Jean Anne in Hawaii: Bosun Noel Camacho and SREC Ismael Garayua Aboard the Jean Anne in Hawaii: QEE Joseph Letang and AB Noel Lau Rank-and-File Members Cast Union Election Ballots Aboard the Mahimahi in Hawaii: ACU Roberto Firme, Chief Cook Aurelio Esperanze, SREC Frank Mamones Aboard the Mahimahi in Hawaii: Chief Cook Aurelio Esperanza, SREC Frank Ramones, Port Agent Hazel Galbiso Aboard the R.J. Pfeiffer in Hawaii: ACU Mohamed Wasel, Chief Cook Ali Munsar, SREC Barry Alviso January 2021 Aboard the USNS Petersburg in Oakland: GVA Julian Lacausta, SB Jurally Aseberos, Bosun Roberto Flauta, Port Agent Nicholas Marrone II. Seafarers LOG 13 �Rank-and-File Members Cast Union Election Ballots Port of Baltimore: Patrolman Shane Sterry, Denebola Bosun Robert White, Port Agent John Hoskins Port of Baltimore: Patrolman Shane Sterry, Antares Bosun David James, Port Agent John Hoskins Aboard the Cape Mohican in Oakland: Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, Bosun Anthony Pace, GVA Mohamed Omar. QE4 Bevan Cottone (left) receives his full B-book at the Algonac hall prior to voting. Pictured at right is Safety Director Gerret Jarman. Port of Algonac: AB Mukhtar Ali (left) picked up his A-Seniority Book and cast his ballot. Safety Director Gerret Jarman is at right. Aboard the USNS Algol: QEE Salah Saleh, GVA Martin Jakob, SB Dante Cruz Aboard the Maersk Columbus: QEE Jing Huang, SA Teo Flores Aboard the Daniel K. Inouye in Hawaii: ACU Ahmed Omer and SREC Edvaldo Viana Aboard the MV Houston in Hawaii (photo at left): QEP Michael Banks, Bosun Pablo Borja, Chief Steward Lemuel Robinson, QEP Noel Magbitang and GUDE Hermogenes Aquino Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you 14 Seafarers LOG January 2021 �Kamikaze Attacks Wreak Havoc on Seafarers During WWII Battles in Philippines Continued from Page 24 ing along toward the Persian Gulf about 850 miles southwest of India. Gunners were at general quarters and the ship had been blacked out for the night when a torpedo hit, exploding in a hold full of smokeless powder, turning the ship instantly into a solid sheet of flame from bow to stern. Crewmen Trapped Cadet Maurice W. Price later described how many of the crew were trapped in the quarters and the passageways, with the bodies of merchant seamen and gunners laying here and there across the fire-swept deckplates. He told how two Japanese subs cruised among the wreckage while the Liberty exploded, taking the oars, masts, sails and other gear from the lifeboats, throwing rations into the sea and leaving the survivors, so they thought, to perish slowly from thirst and starvation. But in their hurry to get away from the burning ship, which served as a huge beacon as she flamed and exploded in the darkness of the night, the two Japanese U-boats overlooked another lifeboat which had floated free from the hulk. The boat enabled survivors to arrive safely after a voyage of many days, on some islands south of the Indian coast, where they were later picked up and taken to Columbo. Bad as were these sinkings, they seemed mild in comparison with the fate of the SS Jean Nicolet, a Liberty operated by the Oliver Olson Co. The personnel of this ship suffered diabolical treatment at the hands of a Japanese submarine crew which would have seemed more appropriate to the darkest days of the middle ages. Saw Long Service A lazy swell was rolling across the Indian Ocean on the evening of July 2, 1944, as the Jean Nicolet steamed her way from the Persian Gulf toward the coast of Africa, with more than 100 crewmen and passengers aboard – the latter including Army personnel and civilians returning to the States after long service in the Persian Gulf. At exactly seven minutes after seven, two torpedoes hit the ship in number-three hold just forward of the bridge. It should have been enough to blast the freighter apart but these Liberties were staunch vessels and, while she reeled under impact, the engines kept going. In fact, the black gang stayed at their posts for five minutes after the blast, receiving no orders to abandon ship. When the engine was finally secured and the propeller stopped, all hands abandoned ship without a casualty, the boats and rafts laying some distance off from the deserted hulk. They could see flashes of gunfire from the unseen raider as it shelled the Jean Nicolet. January & February 2021 Membership Meetings Piney Point...............................Monday: January 4, February 8 Algonac..................................Friday: January 8, February 12 Baltimore...........................Thursday: January 7, February 11 Guam................................Thursday: January 21, February 25 Honolulu..............................Friday: January 15, February 19 Houston....................Monday: January 11, **Tuesday: February 16 Jacksonville....................Thursday: January 7, February 11 Joliet...................................Thursday: January 14, February 18 Mobile...........................Wednesday: January 13, February 17 New Orleans.........................Tuesday: January 12, February 16 Jersey City............................Tuesday: January 5, February 9 Norfolk...............................Friday: January 8, February 12 Oakland..........................Thursday: January 14, February 18 Philadelphia................Wednesday: January 6, February 10 Port Everglades...............Thursday: January 14, February 18 San Juan........................Thursday: January 7, February 11 St. Louis................................Friday: January 15, February 19 Tacoma................Friday: January 22, February 26 Wilmington..........*Tuesday: January 19, Monday: February 22 *Wilmington change due to Martin Luther King Day Observance.**Houston change due to President’s Day Observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m January 2021 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Nov.10-Dec. 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Dec. 9. Total Registered All Groups B Total Shipped A All Groups B C 8 2 0 10 0 9 1 18 23 12 0 1 11 9 2 1 6 9 1 10 133 31 1 4 28 7 15 11 74 54 47 4 16 25 19 4 2 16 38 1 49 446 13 2 1 13 1 11 2 35 45 12 3 5 23 11 4 3 6 11 0 24 225 1 0 2 6 0 4 1 6 4 8 1 2 7 1 0 0 1 5 1 5 57 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 11 2 0 2 6 0 2 2 9 17 6 0 4 4 4 1 0 2 6 0 4 71 2 1 6 11 1 6 12 23 28 19 3 1 14 10 1 1 10 16 3 18 186 4 0 5 12 0 5 4 15 25 7 1 6 22 7 3 5 3 9 0 21 154 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 4 0 0 1 0 4 3 0 0 0 3 0 3 23 Steward Department 2 0 0 0 5 4 4 5 0 0 4 1 2 1 9 2 14 10 7 1 0 0 0 0 12 5 9 3 4 1 4 0 3 2 4 1 0 0 21 6 104 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 8 1 5 1 4 13 4 0 0 6 3 3 1 6 3 0 8 69 8 1 1 19 3 5 15 26 34 11 1 6 16 25 0 3 4 23 5 33 239 2 0 1 7 0 0 3 7 15 3 0 6 24 9 0 6 9 3 0 14 109 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 3 0 1 16 Entry Department 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 2 0 0 1 3 6 0 11 2 7 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 0 0 0 12 12 60 5 3 2 3 1 1 1 4 20 4 3 0 9 0 0 13 0 9 0 4 82 2 1 2 2 0 1 0 1 6 0 1 0 4 2 0 1 0 1 0 5 29 1 1 0 1 0 4 0 7 3 4 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 5 0 4 35 19 1 1 11 4 4 4 17 41 16 2 1 24 24 2 0 2 17 0 29 219 6 3 1 4 1 1 3 17 51 15 5 3 35 6 2 3 4 10 2 14 186 129 302 906 707 282 C C Trip Reliefs 1 1 2 4 0 4 0 4 2 2 2 1 3 0 0 1 1 3 1 1 33 Engine Department 2 0 0 0 3 2 5 6 0 0 0 4 5 2 7 6 13 12 7 1 1 0 2 4 4 11 6 3 3 0 0 0 1 4 8 7 0 1 5 5 72 68 A All Groups B Registered on Beach Port A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 24 0 1 18 5 11 10 46 31 23 6 6 11 15 5 1 6 21 1 24 265 8 2 3 15 1 7 1 30 34 5 0 3 17 9 4 2 4 9 2 6 162 Deck Department 2 13 5 1 2 1 2 2 2 5 10 9 0 1 0 3 8 3 0 6 3 6 31 14 3 29 15 5 14 9 1 3 0 3 4 1 2 13 9 1 13 3 0 5 1 0 0 2 0 4 4 3 16 4 3 1 2 1 14 5 41 189 92 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 1 2 7 1 3 7 17 22 10 1 3 9 8 1 0 4 12 1 10 121 4 0 3 7 0 2 6 13 18 3 0 5 19 7 2 3 5 11 0 11 119 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 17 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 1 2 8 2 1 7 15 19 12 0 4 13 18 4 3 3 12 1 20 149 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 5 12 3 0 3 13 5 1 4 4 4 0 7 69 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 3 5 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 20 8 0 2 6 0 3 3 13 25 5 0 1 12 11 0 0 0 10 0 10 109 5 1 1 4 1 3 1 11 33 10 4 0 21 3 1 12 2 7 0 8 128 GRAND TOTAL: 555 459 191 377 262 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer 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 This month’s question was answered by students in the AB-to-Mate class at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What was one of your favorite voyages, and what made it so? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Chenequa Rodriguez AB My favorite voyage was in 2012. I was on the Bobo. The most memorable part is, that’s when I traveled the most – we visited Spain, Estonia, Greece. I got to experience different cultures overseas on that trip. We were in port for two weeks at a time, and were visiting different places. Carlo Gentile AB Going to Saint Petersburg, Russia, because I got to experience the culture more than any other place I’ve been to. We went to the Hermitage Museum, and also saw the Nutcracker ballet on Christmas. This was on the Ocean Crescent, back in 2015. We were carrying gantry cranes back to Norfolk. We were in Russia for three weeks, and I’d never heard of the Hermitage until I was there. (Editor’s note: It’s the world’s second-largest art museum. We had to look it up.) David Brusco AB Probably aboard the Green Lake, a RO/RO. Not only was the crew great, I ran into an old shipmate who I went to school with. We went from California to Hawaii to the Far East and just had a blast. The officers were amazing, too. We spent two weeks in Honolulu, two weeks in Busan, Korea. We had port time everywhere. Ahmed Mohamed Eissa AB One of my favorites was on the heavy-lift ship Ocean Charger, in 2013 or 2014. We left Norfolk and went around the world, visited a lot of places. We had a lot of good shipmates from the union. We also went through a hurricane in the Indian Ocean. When you see something like that, you think there’s no way you can keep floating, but we had a good crew and we worked to get through it. Diego Barbosa Bosun One of my favorites was on board the Ocean Glory. Heavy-lift cargo is always versatile – one day you could be loading helicopters, the next day you could be fixing up the ship to carry grain. The run itself was Japan and Korea. We brought back the last explosives and bombs that were left from the Korean War to the U.S. Then we went to Portland and all the way back out. We carried grain to Oman and had to retrofit the ship entirely. Jorge Santos AB I’ve been to so many places, but one voyage was two years ago, on the Green Cove. We went all around the world in 120 days. I got on in Texas and we did some coastwise, then started overseas from Newark. We left Newark in September and came back to Jacksonville in January. That’s a very fast ship. We had at least a couple of days in each port, especially in the Middle East and Far East. We experienced new cultures. 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 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 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 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 Pic From The Past This photo first ran in the May 1, 1953 LOG. The original caption: Seafarer Anthony Skillman recuperates at his Brooklyn home under the watchful eye of his wife, Catherine, after rescuing a shipmate at sea. Skillman saved Conrad Nilsen, chief mate of the Beatrice, when Nilsen was knocked cold by a swell that threatened to sweep him overboard. Skillman injured his back and right side in the rescue. 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 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG January 2021 �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 SALVADOR BACLAYON Brother Salvador Baclayon, 61, signed on with the Seafarers in 1986. A member of the engine department, he first sailed on the Independence. Brother Baclayon upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed on the USNS Petersburg and resides in Covina, California. ROBERT BESS Brother Robert Bess, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1973, initially sailing on the Sea-Land McLean. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bess last shipped aboard the Gulf Banker. He makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. LUDIVICO CASTILLO Brother Ludivico Castillo, 65, began his career with the union in 1991 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in all three departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Castillo’s final vessel was the Maunawili. He lives in Waipahu, Hawaii. JAMES CORPREW Brother James Corprew, 68, signed on with the SIU in 2001. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Corprew’s first vessel was the USNS Indomitable; his last, the Cape Edmont. He calls Norfolk, Virginia, home. RAY DANIELS Brother Ray Daniels, 65, started sailing with the union in 1978 when he shipped on the Maine. A member of the engine department, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Daniels last sailed on the Franklin J. Phillips and settled in Suffolk, Virginia. GEORGE DICANIO Brother George DiCanio, 55, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990. He spent his entire tenure as part of the shore gang in Elizabeth, New January 2021 Jersey. Brother DiCanio upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2004. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. LARRY DOCKWILLER Brother Larry Dockwiller, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1977 when he shipped on the Aquarius. He was a steward department member and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Dockwiller’s final vessel was the Mobile. He makes his home in Ruidoso, New Mexico. JOHN LEWIS Brother John Lewis, 76, joined the SIU in 1972. Sailing in both the deck and steward departments, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Lewis’ first vessel was the Missouri; his last, the Endurance. He settled in New Orleans. GREGORY LYNCH Brother Gregory Lynch, 64, began his career with the SIU in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Santa Mariana. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Lynch most recently shipped on the Pelican State. He makes his home in Ocean Park, Washington. CONRADO MARTINEZ Brother Conrado Martinez, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1991. He first sailed on the Ultrasea, and shipped in the engine department. Brother Martinez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last worked aboard the Charleston Express. He lives in Palm Bay, Florida. CHRISTOPHER MAYE Brother Christopher Maye, 60, signed on with the Seafarers in 1988 when he sailed on the USNS Antares. Brother Maye was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1989. He most recently sailed on the USNS John Glenn and resides in Haworth, Oklahoma. MICHAEL OSTROWSKI Brother Michael Ostrowski, 67, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ostrowski’s first vessel was the Seabulk Pride; his most recent, the Horizon Anchorage. He makes his home in Seattle. and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Williams last shipped aboard the Liberty Passion and is a resident of Lake City, South Carolina. ERIC DOBSON ERROL PINKHAM Brother Errol Pinkham, 64, signed on with the Seafarers in 1980 when he sailed on the Santa Mercedes. Brother Pinkham was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Yorktown Express and resides in Colonie, New York. RAMEND PRASAD Brother Ramend Prasad, 73, began shipping with the SIU in 1990, initially sailing on the Independence. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Prasad last shipped aboard the Patriot. He settled in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. VICTOR SAPP Brother Victor Sapp, 60, joined the union in 1979. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the El Paso Sonatrach. Brother Sapp upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently shipped aboard the Isla Bella and makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. GREAT LAKES JAMES STANLEY Brother James Stanley, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1973, first working aboard the Paul H. Townsend. He sailed in the deck department, most recently on the Charles E. Wilson. Brother Stanley calls Alpena, Michigan, home. THOMAS STROPICH Brother Thomas Stropich, 62, embarked on his career with the union in 1982. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Stropich worked for Upper Lakes Towing for the majority of his career. He settled in Tucson, Arizona. KENNETH SVEDEK Brother Kenneth Svedek, 67, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1977. He sailed in the deck department, initially aboard the Schoellkoff. Brother Svedek last worked on the Saturn. He lives in Pellston, Michigan. REGINALD WATKINS Brother Reginald Watkins, 63, joined the SIU in 1981. He shipped in the deck department, sailing first aboard the American Eagle. Brother Watkins upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He last sailed on the Santorini and lives in Mobile, Alabama. JAMES WHITE Brother James White, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1974. He was a member of the engine department and first shipped on the St. Louis. Brother White concluded his career on the Patriot. He resides Chula Vista, California. SHAWN WILLIAMS Brother Shawn Williams, 53, signed on with the union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Producer. He was a deck department member Butler upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1980. He last worked with Moran Towing of Maryland and resides in Baltimore. INLAND DAVID BENSON Brother David Benson, 62, became a member of the SIU in 1991. He sailed in the deck department and was employed by Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Benson makes his home in New Orleans. JEFF BRUTON Brother Jeff Bruton, 67, started his career with the Seafarers in 1996. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Bruton worked for OSG Ship Management throughout his entire career. He lives in New Castle, Delaware. LAWRENCE BUTLER Brother Eric Dobson, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1994. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Dobson sailed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He makes his home in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. DANIEL HANBURY Brother Daniel Hanbury, 60, signed on with the union in 1979. He sailed in the deck department and worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. Brother Hanbury lives in Satsuma, Alabama. DAVID LING Brother David Ling, 63, began shipping with the SIU in 1978 when he worked for Quality Quarries. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Ling concluded his career aboard the Liberty Island. He is a resident of Fort Gratiot, Michigan. STEVEN PETROSKI Brother Steven Petroski, 63, became a member of the SIU in 1976. He sailed in the deck department and was first employed by Interstate Oil. Brother Petroski upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 1982. He concluded his career with American Marine Corporation and makes his home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. VINCENT SCOTT Brother Vincent Scott, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1988. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Scott worked for OSG Ship Management for most of his career. He lives in Onancock, Virginia. Brother Lawrence Butler, 65, joined the union in 1972. Sailing in the deck department, he was initially employed by OSG Ship Management. Brother Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA KENNETH BIDDLE Pensioner Kenneth Biddle, 76, died November 7. He signed on with the union in 1968 and was an engine department member. Brother Biddle first shipped aboard the Del Norte. He last sailed on the El Morro before going on pension in 2014. Brother Biddle was a resident of Cookeville, Tennessee. WILLIAM BRATTON Pensioner William Bratton, 74, passed away November 3. He began his career with the SIU in 1987 when he shipped with Dixie Carriers. Brother Bratton was a member of the deck department and last sailed on the Jack Lummus. He became a pensioner in 2013 and made his home in Monroe, North Carolina. JACK CALLAWAY Pensioner Jack Callaway, 89, died November 17. He started shipping with the SIU in 1952 when he sailed on the Joyce Kilmer. A deck department member, Brother Callaway last sailed aboard the Del Mar. He lived in Boaz, Alabama. LAWRENCE CONTICELLO Pensioner Lawrence Conticello, 96, passed away December 1. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1947 and initially sailed aboard the Oremar. Brother Conticello was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Santa Lucia. He became a pensioner in 1983 and settled in Towson, Maryland. EDMOND FRANCOIS Pensioner Edmond Francois, 81, died November 29. Signing on with the union in 2001, he first shipped on the St. Louis Express. Brother Francois sailed in the deck department and last worked on the Charleston Express. He went on pension in 2016 and resided in Houston. SUHERMADHY GHANI Pensioner Suhermadhy Ghani, 73, passed away November 19. He began sailing with the SIU in 1981 when he shipped out aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Ghani was a steward department member and most recently 18 Seafarers LOG shipped on the APL China. He retired in 2015 and lived in San Francisco. DAVID MARTZ Pensioner David Martz, 64, died November 29. He donned the SIU colors in 1975, initially sailing aboard the Van Defender. Brother Martz sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Denebola. He went on pension in 2019 and was a resident of Laurel, Delaware. PATRICK MCCARTHY Pensioner Patrick McCarthy, 71, passed away October 7. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990, initially shipping on the USNS Indomitable. A deck department member, Brother McCarthy last sailed aboard the Taurus. He began collecting his pension in 2015 and settled in Blaine, Washington. BOGUSLAW MIKULA Pensioner Boguslaw Mikula, 66, died November 9. He began his career with the SIU in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Energy Enterprise. Brother Mikula was a member of the deck department and concluded his career on the Maersk Idaho. He became a pensioner in 2019 and resided in Phoenix. DOMINGO MIRELES Pensioner Domingo Mireles, 90, passed away October 28. He signed on with the union in 1990, first sailing aboard the USNS Algol. Brother Mireles sailed in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the Cape Vincent. He began collecting his pension in 2001 and made his home in Beaumont, Texas. HASKELL MOORE Pensioner Haskell Moore, 91, passed away October 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1961 and first sailed with Isco Inc. Brother Moore was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Cape Avinof and retired in 1994. Brother Moore lived in Sequim, Washington. ALEJANDRO MURILLO Pensioner Alejandro Murillo, 88, died November 17. He signed on with the union in 1978 and was a steward department member. Brother Murillo first sailed aboard the Santa Mercedes. He last shipped on the Consumer and retired in 1998. Brother Murillo settled in Paramount, California. SIU in 1960 and was first employed by American Steamship. Sailing in the engine department, Brother Elder concluded his career aboard the St. Clair. He went on pension in 1991 and lived in Spartanburg, South Carolina. BILLY NUCKOLS Pensioner Billy Nuckols, 95, passed away October 9. He began sailing with the union in 1952 when he sailed with Sprogue Steamship. A deck department member, Brother Nuckols last sailed aboard the Capricorn. He became a pensioner in 1991 and made his home in Anstead, West Virginia. EDWARD KESTER Pensioner Edward Kester, 76, passed away May 2. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1964, initially working for American Steamship. A deck department member, Brother Kester last worked for Great Lakes Associates. He retired in 2009 and called Parma Heights, Ohio, home. JOSE RIVERA Pensioner Jose Rivera, 80, died November 19. He became a member of the SIU in 1965 when he worked with United States Shipping. Brother Rivera was a steward department member. He last sailed on the Sirius and retired in 2007. Brother Rivera resided in Houston. DAVID SWITZER Pensioner David Switzer, 76, passed away November 19. He signed on with the SIU in 1990. Brother Switzer was an engine department member and first shipped on the Sealift Mediterranean. He concluded his career aboard the Honor and became a pensioner in 2010. Brother Switzer lived in Excello, Missouri. MICHAEL TANNEHILL Brother Michael Tannehill, 60, passed away October 2. Born in Pasadena, Texas, he joined the union in 1989. Brother Tannehill first shipped aboard the Courier. A member of the deck department, he last sailed on the Commitment. He was a Houston resident. GREAT LAKES CLARENCE ELDER Pensioner Clarence Elder, 92, died October 25. He joined the GLENN WATTERS Pensioner Glenn Watters, 90, died November 15. He donned the SIU colors in 1969 when he sailed on the Reiss Brothers. Brother Watters was a member of the deck department and last shipped aboard the Paul H. Townsend. He began collecting his pension in 1996 and resided in Wichita, Kansas. INLAND GEORGE A. BODDEN Pensioner George A. Bodden, 82, passed away November 16. He joined the Seafarers in 1971 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Bodden worked with Red Circle Transport for his entire career. He retired in 2001 and lived in Tampa, Florida. passed away November 11. He joined the union in 1971 when he worked on the Vantage Endeavor. Brother Hunter sailed in the deck department and concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He went on pension in 1999 and settled in Gulfport, Mississippi. JAMES KABAKOVICH Pensioner James Kabakovich, 93, died November 21. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1962. Brother Kabakovich was a deck department member and worked for McAllister Towing of Baltimore for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 1985 and was a Baltimore resident. RAYMOND MCKNIGHT Pensioner Raymond McKnight, 62, passed away November 1. Born in Philadelphia, he joined the Seafarers in 1978. Brother McKnight first worked with National Marine Service and sailed in the deck department. He last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation and went on pension in 2004. Brother McKnight called Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, home. PAUL STARVISH Brother Paul Starvish, 37, died August 24. He signed on with the union in 2007. Brother Starvish was a deck department member and was employed by Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He was a resident of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. NMU MARVIN CATES Pensioner Marvin Cates, 83, died November 4. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1968. Brother Cates was first employed by Hvide Marine. He last worked for Allied Transportation and went on pension in 1999. Brother Cates was a resident of Hernando, Mississippi. VERNAL MARSHALL Pensioner Vernal Marshall, 88, died October 31. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/ SIU merger. Brother Marshall sailed in the engine department and last shipped aboard the Maersk Iowa. He retired in 2009 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. WALTER EVANS Pensioner Walter Evans, 75, passed away November 12. He signed on with the union in 1992. A deck department member, Brother Evans was employed by Higman Barge Lines for the duration of his career. He began collecting his pension in 2007 and lived in Bryan, Texas. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. WILLIAM HUNTER Pensioner William Hunter, 89, NAME AGE Barrick, David Castro, Juan Lugo, Jose Martin, Edward Reed, Allen Reyes, Jose Robinson, George Sharif, Abdo Triplett, Norman 83 96 87 86 79 98 80 83 83 DOD 09/23/2020 09/12/2020 10/28/2020 11/12/2020 11/06/2020 11/20/2020 11/19/2020 09/20/2020 09/27/2020 January 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings OREGON (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning.), June 23 – Chairman Gerald Alford, Secretary Donald Williams, Educational Director Frank Harris. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for better Wi-Fi on ship. DEWAYNE T. WILLIAMS (Crowley), August 31 – Chairman Volodymyr Bendus, Secretary Elizabeth Ibanez, Educational Director Fredrick Wright, Deck Delegate Sean Wilson, Engine Delegate Michael Maldonado, Steward Delegate Philip Zulueta. Vessel now receiving Core Plus insurance. Exceptional performance by members by successfully completing ABS and COI inspections. Secretary reported dramatic improvement in onboard sanitation and housekeeping as a result of the joint effort among crew. Educational director announced the reopening of the Paul Hall Center and encouraged members to upgrade as often as possible. Deck delegate echoed secretary’s report and commended all crewmembers for doing an amazing job improving the ship. Members requested standard Wi-Fi availability aboard ship and motioned to raise vacation pay to 15 for 30. Next port: Diego Garcia. ISLA BELLA (TOTE), August 31 – Chairman Paulin Augustin, Secretary Melvin Cooper, 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. Educational Director Enrique Velez, Deck Delegate Michael Smith, Engine Delegate Kirk Chambers. Crew went over August LOG and protocols for COVID-19 safety. Chairman informed members that mariners can now use their TWIC cards to go through the pre-check line at all airports. Secretary advised crew to remain six feet apart while in the galley. Educational director reminded members of the August reopening of the Piney Point school and encouraged them to sign up for upgrading courses. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed the purchase of American Steamship Company by Rand Logistics. Seafarers’ jobs are secure. Members requested lift of ship restriction and would like more vacation days. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. USNS MONTFORD POINT (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), August 31 – Chairman William Johnson, Secretary Jean Favreaux, Educational Director Jose Encarnacion, Deck Delegate Allan Coloyan, Engine Delegate Richard Digman, Steward Delegate Christopher Kluth. Crew went over email system installation for unlicensed crew. Chairman discussed updates to COVID-19 testing for members returning to next port. He reviewed procedures and dates of certificates/ expiring dates for COVID extensions. Steward department prepared two pier-side BBQs while gangway was down. Port stay was enjoyed by all. Educational director stressed the importance of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. Crew reviewed ship’s fund and discussed MMC renewals. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate thanked everyone for helping with stores and BBQ. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines, LLC.), September 28 – Chairman Shawn Strand, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director Gary Dahl, Engine Delegate Mikel Tittsworth, Steward Delegate Paul Diesner. Payoff at sea scheduled to take place in Tacoma, Washington. Chairman encouraged members to sign up for text alerts from the union. Secretary reminded crew to stay on top of documents. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and advised them to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed policies pertaining to restriction to ship. Crew requested company-provided cold-weather gear while in ports of Alaska and that overtime be counted towards pension benefits. Members asked that vacation days be counted 20 for 30 and physicals to only be required annually. MARJORIE C (Pasha), September 13 – Chairman Daniel Davenport, Secretary Jatniel Aguilera Santiago, Educational Director Jared Cabasug, Engine Delegate Oscar Cesena, Steward Delegate Reno Duque. Some old business items already addressed in shipyard. Wi-Fi in port now working. Chairman thanked members for their cooperation with large riding crew while construction continues at sea with exhaust scrubber unit. He also thanked everyone for following COVID-19 protocols on board, both at sea and in port. Secretary gave thanks to both GVAs who assisted with passageway cleaning and waxing after shipyard period. Educational director advised crew to follow updates for reopening classes at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship is coming around after China shipyard period. Much more to tidy up after riding crew leaves the end of October/November. Members would appreciate more work to be done to correct issue with house air conditioning. Next port: San Diego. GOLDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), October 13 – Chairman Philip McGeoghegan, Secretary Michael Carello, Educational Director Juan Castillo, Engine Delegate David Garrett, Steward Delegate Michael McDermott. Safety mats still need to be ordered. Wi-Fi not available yet and flooring needs to be replaced. Ventilation system needs to be cleaned. Some items have been obtained by officers but not obtained by crew (mattresses/TVs). Chairman discussed pandemic-related issues, reiterated the importance of the Jones Act and also reviewed written resolutions. Secretary reminded crew of risks when using CBD oils, including the chances of triggering positive drug test results. Educational director stressed various considerations regarding both attending upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center and renewing documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New linens ordered. Vote of thanks given to steward department. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), October 17 – Chairman Gregory Hamilton, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Louie Smith, Steward Delegate Sajid Foster. Chairman encouraged crew to read OSG’s travel memo. Secretary thanked members for keeping mess area tidy and thanked steward assistant for maintaining it. Crew was reminded to follow meal hours and to return utensils and dishes to galley. Educational director urged members to keep up with documents. Most upgrading courses at the Piney Point school are still closed due to COVID-19 pandemic. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members motioned for same pay scale for all entry level positions across deck, steward and engine departments. Crew requested new blankets and Wi-Fi. Members requested launch service and union patrolman to board ship in Long Beach, California. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Long Beach. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt January 2021 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Classes The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training Revalidation February 5 April 16 February 5 April 16 Government Vessels February 8 February 15 March 8 March 22 February 12 February 19 March 12 March 26 Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic March 22 April 9 MSC Supply Configuration Management April 12 May 7 Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck (online lecture) January 18 April 5 January 29 April 16 Able Seafarer-Deck (at Piney Point) February 1 April 19 February 5 April 23 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT March 15 April 9 Junior Engineer March 29 May 21 Marine Electrician March 8 April 9 Marine Refer Tech January 25 March 5 Machinist February 15 March 5 Pumpman March 8 March 12 Welding January 25 April 12 February 12 April 30 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations February 8 May 3 March 5 May 28 Certified Chief Cook January 25 March 1 April 5 February 26 April 2 May 7 Advanced Galley Operations March 8 April 2 Chief Steward May 3 May 28 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training January 25 March 8 January 29 March 12 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ 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 #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes  No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 206740075; 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, or 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. 1/21 January 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #863A - Graduated November 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Lucas Anderson, Ramona Cabrera Appleby, Erik Arnold, Christian Branch, Kobe Cisero, Christoher Dhanoolal, Joseph Golden II, Jamel Hollomond, Seth Schrader, Bradley Tucker, Tyler Vitulli and Kevin Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Apprentice Water Survival Class #863B – Graduated November 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Braxton Clay, Kimoni Dickens Jr., Joy Eady, Jordan Griffin, Mikel Hatcher, Kumasi Johnson, Neil Johnson, Martin Morales and Luke Vandegrift. January 2021 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes UA to FOWT (Basic Motor Plant) – Graduated October 30 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Joshua Glancy, Albert Granville III, D’mitri Hill, Carleton Jenkins II, Damon Johnson, Frederick Jones Jr., Zion Lyons, David Palumbo, Corey Reseburg, Benjamin Scott, Nicholas Sweeney, Paul Valiente and Scott Waterman. WATCHKEEPING – Graduated November 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Brian Guiry, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Cheneque Rodriguez and Jorge A. Salas Santos. Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated October 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Eduardo Arroyo, Charles Collins III, Francois Emmanuel Doucet III, Thedford Jones Jr., Joshua Kraynak, Daniel Jaim Leon-Burges and Ethan Love. Class instructor Roy Graham is at the far left. UA to FOWT (Steam) – Graduated November 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Glancy, Albert Granville III, Carleton Jenkins II, Damon Johnson, Zion Lyons, David Palumbo, Corey Reseburg, Benjamin Scott, Nicholas Sweeney, Paul Valiente and Scott Waterman. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Junior Engineer (Plant Maintenance II) – Graduated November 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Adewale Adiat, Daveyon Kymyondro Burton, Tianna Evans, Merville Lariosa Gallema, Tony Hamaguchi, Jeffrey Hamer, Lawrence Numfor-Suh, Lorenza Session and Nadiyah Taylor. 22 Seafarers LOG UA to FOWT – Akim DavisGriffin (above) completed his requirements in this course and graduated November 13. Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated November 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Nino Bonita, Nicolas Brailsford, Ashley Burke, Carlos Louis Guzman, Daryl Hicks, Christopher Hinton and Wordell Prescott. William Dodd, their instructor, is at the far left. January 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated November 20 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Carl Anderson, Matthew Austin, Elizebeth Chavez, Terronce Debarros Freeman, Blake Fisher, Cody Fox, Michael Fregolle, Ali Ganjour, Colin Ihlefeld, Khalid Mohamed, Michael Page, Blake Randle, Sarah Ryan, Victor Sambula, Murray Stahler and Dewayne Thomas. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated November 13 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Jasmine Donahue, Quandell Freeman, Barton Hatch, Jolanta Czeslawa Jankowski, Jose Outeiral-Rodriguez, Jessica Williams and Al Siquete Yandoc. Chief Cook Assessment – Graduated November 6 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Carl Anderson, Elizebeth Chavez, Terronce Debarros Freeman, Ali Ganjour, Khalid Mohamed, Michael Page, Murray Stahler and Dewayne Thomas. Chief Cook Assessment – Graduated November 20 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Marcus Dalton, Edward Gassman, Rosalinda Lorenzo, James Mikell, Mitchell Morrell, Cesar Augusto Pena Amaro, Bertrand Pluviose and Costadeano Tsantilas. January 2021 Seafarers LOG 23 �VOLUME 83, NO. 1 JANUARY 2021 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Steadfast Seafarers Serve in War’s Final Stages Editor’s note: This is the ninth installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier segments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. (We are tentatively planning to post a PDF of the entire booklet on the SIU website once all of the text has been published here. There are probably two installments remaining after this month.) This one picks up right after hundreds of soldiers and mariners aboard the Liberty ship SS Marcus Daly died because of a kamikaze attack. Many a merchant ship was subjected to prolonged battle action during the fighting in the Philippines. The SS Alcoa Pioneer, for instance, experienced 103 alerts and 50 direct attacks during her 23-day sojourn in Leyte Gulf. At 7 a.m. in the morning of November 19, 1944, three Japanese suicide planes broke out of protective cloud cover and dived onto the Alcoa Pioneer, whose guns were instantly in action, joining those of nearby ships to hurl a gauntlet of fire that would have discouraged ordinary airmen. But these kamikaze pilots were eager to die for their fatherland, and enter that land of infinite bliss, promised to them in exchange for blowing an American ship to bits. Two of them swerved off to dive on the nearby freighters General Fleischer and Cape Romano but the third kept at the Alcoa Pioneer through a hail of fire, crashing onto the bridge deck in an explosion that destroyed all the navigating equipment, demolished the stack, ripped up the decks and started fires all over the ship. Blanket of Fire Even as the plane smashed into the ship, every man was at his post, the Navy armed guard at the 20 millimeters and the merchant seamen standing shoulder to shoulder with them as ammunition tenders and replacements. Captain Andrew Gavin and the other officers were on the bridge as the kamikaze hit, pinning First Mate Daniel Noonan and armed guard Lieutenant Howard Jersild under wreckage. Pieces of the burning plane and showering shrapnel from the guns started a fire in a gasoline-laden forward hold, but Bosun Clark Smith and AB John Peterson put out the flames, and turned the fire hose on the burning midships section till the flames there were also extinguished. All guns were kept manned, despite 20 casualties among armed guard and merchant crew. Navy gunners stayed at the forward 20 millimeters though they were badly burned and the gun tubs were punctured with shrapnel holes. Sharing the battle honors was Captain Gavin’s little dog “Skipper.” Although hit with shrapnel, Skipper stayed on the bridge beside his master, licking the captain’s face as he lay unconscious in the wreckage. The ship’s crew kept discharging cargo as though the vessel were safely at dock back in Frisco, working 18 hours at a stretch and turning to at the guns during the recurrent air raids. Home for More Cargo After discharging was finished, the merchant crew made temporary repairs to the midships house and the Alcoa Pioneer returned home under her own power, ready to fill up with another load for the fighting fronts! SIU ships were among the huge fleet that landed Marines and supplies on the volcanic, bloody isle of Iwo Jima. And they were in the midst of the fighting at Okinawa where, on Easter Day in 1945, began the last great invasion of the war, a battle that lasted for 82 days and ended only after 90,000 Japanese were killed in a maniacal defense of the “last stop before Japan.” In the 1,400-ship armada that launched this invasion was every type of craft built during World War II, a vast array of freighters, tankers, combat transports, invasion barges and warships. A measure of the fury with which Japanese airmen sought to throw back the Americans at Okinawa is the staggering total of planes shot down during the fighting there – no less than 4,000 of them! Kamikaze pilots made no differentiation between merchant ships or men o’war, the one being as good a key to eternal paradise as the other as far as these suicidal people were concerned. Many were the fighting freighters at Okinawa that battled nobly, but still were not spared from the onslaught of the “divine wind.” One of these was the SS Logan Victory, which arrived at Okinawa with a load of “hot stuff” for Buckner’s battling doughboys. Kamikaze’s Target Only a few slingloads of cargo had come out of her holds before there was an air raid alert, followed by the appearance of three kamikazes swooping over the nearby hills. Gunfire from the nearby Hobbs Victory blew one of the attackers to bits, sending its pilot riding the divine wind to the warriors’ Valhalla. The second suicide plane headed for an LST, while the third bore straight at the Logan Victory. Every gun that could bear was instantly pouring a hurricane of lead and steel, but it had no effect. Less than a minute later he crashed into the boat deck, exploding and searing the ship in sheets of flame. Fire soon roared out of the Logan Victory as though it were being fanned by a giant bellows in the hold. The midships house was a solid mass of flame as the crew abandoned ship. The Logan Victory blew up at 11 p.m. that night, followed by a veritable rain of steel fragments from the sky around her. She was in commission only two months to the very day that she ended her career before the kamikaze onslaught by the embattled shores of Okinawa. She was another SIU-SUP ship that, in taking supplies to the beachheads, fought at the very front lines of World War II. Before concluding this story of SIU ships in the war it would be greatly amiss to overlook the great job done by the many freighters, mostly Liberties, that carried supplies to the Russians by way of the Persian Gulf. Riding often well below their Plimsoll marks and carrying huge deck loads, they freighted everything from locomotives and bombers to flour, shoes and black powder. For the most part these ships sailed alone – without convoy on the long road to Iraq and Iran. To minimize losses from subs and raiders, some were dispatched across the South Atlantic to Vape Town, and some down the west coast of South America ’round Cape Horn; while still others crossed the South Pacific by way of the Tasman Sea, stopping in Australia briefly for bunkers before continuing through Japanese-held waters of the Indies. Some of the “Persian Gulf ships” were sunk. The SS La Salle, an old Waterman ship, disappeared sometime after passing through the Panama Canal bound for Cape Horn, probably the victim of a German raider. Not a word of her fate has ever been reported. Mighty Delivery Job Reaching the Persian Gulf, these freighters unloaded their cargoes at small ports, whose facilities were created by American engineers at American expense. Unloading was done mostly by Army longshoreman and, during the summer Victory ships are pictured on the U.S. West Coast during the war. Merchant vessels were indispensable to the Allied victory. According to a War Shipping Administration announcement from 1945, “American merchant shipyards have built four ships for every prewar ship we had. Our fleet of Liberty, Victory, C-type and other vessels reached an all-time high of more than 3,500 dry cargo vessels, and more than 900 high-speed tankers. months, in temperatures so hot the work could only be done at night. Not a few merchant seamen succumbed from the heat of the Gulf. On the voyage home, which was also undertaken without convoy for the most part, the ships faced additional peril from raiders and subs. A few, like the Jean Nicolet, were sent to the bottom by shells and torpedoes. These ships on the Persian Gulf run contributed vitally to one of the biggest transport jobs the world has ever seen. They sailed their hazardous route to supply the Russian front, carrying a stupendous amount of war cargoes, the full extent of which has never been told. Way of the Japanese Voyaging in the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters was especially hazardous during the war, for Japanese subs roamed these seas and, while a German raider would torpedo a ship without warning, the Japanese added a touch of unnecessary cruelty to the sinking of merchant vessels. They exercised their own queer brand of fun on torpedoed ships and crews – fun that was inhuman and bestial. SIU crewmen of the SS Bienville, an unarmed Waterman freighter outward bound from Calcutta for Columbo, experienced this uncalled-for cruelty when their ship was caught by a Japanese task force in the Bay of Bengal on April 6, 1942. Without even a rifle with which to defend themselves, the Bienville’s men could do nothing when two Japanese planes came over and planted a brace of bombs squarely on the foredeck, setting the ship afire. The planes were followed by a cruiser, three destroyers and an aircraft carrier. While the crew huddled helplessly behind whatever slim shelter they could find, the cruiser and a destroyer used the Bienville for target practice, throwing shell after shell into the gun-less ship until she finally sank beneath the placid waters of the Bay. Lifeboat Shelled One shell hit a lifeboat that was being lowered away, killing all the occupants, and, with the ship in flames fore and aft, one after another of the crew were killed or wounded by flying shrapnel. Salvo after salvo smashed into the freighter without mercy, slashing the deck plates, smashing the booms, cutting the hull to ribbons and sending rivets and bits of steel bulleting through the air in a deadly hail. Only half of the Bienville’s crew was still alive when the freighter went down, and they were sucked under the water by the suction of the cargo-laden hulk. While the Japanese sailors laughed at the crewmen struggling in the water, the task force steamed off on the quest for other prey. One lifeboat had floated free and the men climbed into it, while several of the survivors who were terribly wounded begged their mates to throw them over the side. Of the Bienville’s crew of 43, only 19 lived to tell the story of this one-sided battle after the lifeboat reached the shore of India some 20 miles away. About a year after this incident, the SS Henry Knox, a Matson Liberty, was push- Continued on Page 15 � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource Headlines: AOTOS GOES VIRTUAL, HONORS ENTIRE INDUSTRY LABOR DEPARTMENT HONORS CROWLEY AS VETERAN-FRIENDLY EMPLOYER SIU-BACKED CANDIDATES FARE WELL ON ELECTION DAY NEW DEFENSE BILL CONSTITUTES A HUGE VICTORY FOR MARITIME SIU MEMBERS TRANSPORT 420 MRAPS FOR MSC HORIZON RELIANCE CREW RESCUES TWO INDUSTRY PIONEER IMPERATORE DIES AT 95 SIU'S YEAR IN REVIEW: PANDEMIC DOMINATES 2020 BUT BRIGHT SPOTS STILL EXIST MAERSK SENDS HOLIDAY GIFTS SHOWING GRATITUDE TOWARDS UNION CREWS STEWARD: MARITIME CAREERS WORTH EXPLORING CHRONIC CONDITIONS POSE ASSORTED CHALLENGED TO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM SIU'S HEINDEL TACKLES CREW-CHANGE CRISIS LABOR MOVEMENT MOURNS PASSING OF TTD PRESIDENT GREAT LAKES TOWING CONTRACT APPROVED VOTING IN 2020 SIU ELECTION CONCLUDES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-2002 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 1/1/2021 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. 83, No. 1 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ffc40fda3d82af8af580ed099978ba81.pdf ee0e6f1e89ca675cc2c90f4be750b0ed PDF Text Text FEBRUARY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 2 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Tanker Security Program Enacted Maritime Industry Bolstered by New Legislation Page 2 SLNC Severn Reflags U.S. SIU members are sailing aboard the newly reflagged bulk carrier SLNC Severn (photo above), an outright addition to the union-contracted fleet. Built in 2017, the vessel initially will provide regular service between the U.S. East Coast and the South Atlantic. The SLNC Severn is crewed by Argent Marine Operations for Schuyler Line Navigation Company. Some of the first crew members to sail aboard the ship are pictured in the group photo below. Pictured from left to right in the snapshot at the immediate left are Oilers Phillippe Leger, Keilah Freeman and Hycienth Asagwara and AB Richard Palacios. Page 4. Great Lakes Towing Unveils Pair of Tugs SIU-contracted Great Lakes Towing Company recently welcomed the new tugboats Pennsylvania and Wisconsin during a ceremony in Cleveland that was shown live online. In photo at immediate right, vessel sponsor Sally Stevens (foreground) christens the Wisconsin. The other photo includes both of the new boats. Page 4. (Photos by Paul C. LaMarre III) SIU Election Results Page 3 Tax Tips for 2021 Filing Season Pages 12-14, 23 �President’s Report Great Opportunities Ahead Even though the early parts of 2021 feel suspiciously like 2020 in some ways, I am extremely optimistic about what the new year holds for our industry. One reason for that outlook: The pro-maritime legislation enacted late last year gives us plenty of momentum and great opportunities for the future. One of the most significant components of the Defense bill establishes a Tanker Security Program, along the lines of the Maritime Security Program (which was voted into law in 1996). While these are not the best days for the tanker industry, the longer-term picture with this new plan is favorable and important. U.S. military leaders have said they want dozens of tankers available in times of crisis. The Tanker Security Program starts building the foundation. As reported elsewhere in this edition and at last month’s membership meetings, other legislative wins include solidifying the Jones Act’s application to wind farms, strictly enforcing cargo preference laws, Michael Sacco and bolstering the Maritime Security Program. The pro-maritime, pro-labor Biden administration and continued bipartisan support in Congress will also help ensure that we’re able to keep the U.S. Merchant Marine on everyone’s radar. And on that note, we had already begun meeting (virtually, in most cases) with new legislators and longtime supporters even before Inauguration Day, in order to either educate people about maritime or simply to solidify goals for the industry. We take nothing for granted and will continue working hard to help ensure your job security. But I’ve never felt better about the prospects for the U.S. Merchant Marine than I do now. Pandemic Continues As of this writing in mid-January, we as a nation are still working on implementing comprehensive strategies for administering vaccines for COVID-19. However, the SIU has teamed up with other maritime unions to push for prioritizing our respective rank-and-file members, in light of their proper classification as essential workers. Logistically, I think there are more questions than answers at this point, but the vaccines themselves have been deemed safe (by the time you read this, I hope to have had my first shot). However it plays out, I am asking all SIU members to have faith that your union will handle it the right way. We will continue doing what we’ve done since the start of the pandemic, and that is putting your safety of you, and that of your families and shipmates at the top of the list. Nothing is more important, and we’ll behave accordingly. Meanwhile, please keep your guard up and remain safe. There is finally daylight on the horizon, but there also have been spikes around the world, and that includes an uptick in positive cases among our membership. We’ve come too far to slack off. Follow the safety protocols, and keep the faith that we’ll get through it together. Many Thanks I would be remiss in not extending another heartfelt “thank you” to outgoing U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao and outgoing Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, two of our industry’s all-time greatest champions who also happened to be true friends of the SIU. They left the prior administration as our nation was gripped by rioting, impeachment and the understandable emotions associated with those developments. There’s not enough space to do justice to what Secretary Chao and Admiral Buzby have meant to the U.S. Merchant Marine, so I’ll simply thank them and wish them well in whatever comes next. Last but not least, I also thank our membership for giving me another term as your president. Our continuity of leadership has been vital to the SIU’s success, and I want you to know that we don’t have any passengers on our executive board or elsewhere in our ranks. Our union weathers every storm and emerges stronger because we pour everything we’ve got into the job. That will never change, and that’s why I again look forward to even more progress. New Defense Authorization Act Has Major Maritime Components While 2020 served up more than its share of challenges, the year ended with a flurry of good news for the American maritime industry. Late last year, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a number of critical maritime provisions. The president vetoed the bill for reasons completely unrelated to the maritime components, but Congress overrode the veto. One highlight of the NDAA for the maritime industry is the creation of a 10-ship Tanker Security Fleet, modeled after the successful Maritime Security Program (MSP), to provide a stipend to shipowners who make their militarily useful tankers available in times of war or national emergency. This provision, like many others in the overall legislation, has been supported by the SIU for years. Also of great significance, the NDAA included a section that confirms the Jones Act applies to all offshore wind farms inside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States, including those on the Outer Continental Shelf. It also included provisions clarifying that Jones Act defense-related waivers may only be issued for legitimate national defense needs; non-defense waivers are time-limited; and foreign vessels that take advantage of any Jones Act waiver will be subject to significant public reporting requirements. The bill also requires the comptroller general of the United States to undertake a review of all federal agencies’ compliance with cargo preference laws, and highlight those agencies who are not following the law properly. “It is hard to overstate how big a win this was for maritime labor,” said SIU Legislative and Political Director Brian Schoeneman. “Not only did we see the creation of the new Tanker Security Fleet, we saw an increased authorization amount for MSP, clarification that the Jones Act applies to offshore wind farms and we are finally taking a big step towards getting some real enforcement of the cargo preference laws. It was one of the biggest wins for maritime we’ve seen in years.” The NDAA also included two maritime-related “Sense of the Congress” statements that put the government on record as to what official policy is. Those read: “It is the Sense of Congress that United States coastwise trade laws promote a strong domestic maritime industry, which supports the national security and economic vitality of the United States and the efficient operation of the United States transportation system; and a strong commercial maritime industry makes the United States more secure.” (Sec. 3522) “It is the Sense of Congress that the maritime industry of the United States contributes to the Nation’s economic prosperity and national security.” (Sec. 8403) Finally, the NDAA established a new Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief program designed to ensure that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and other agencies within the federal government have the authority to provide relief to parts of the industry that have been severely impacted by an emergency, such as our continuing efforts to combat COVID-19. These provisions represent a major win for the SIU, and will be important to helping protect and expand our U.S. Merchant Marine in the future. Congress Passes Major Funding Bill In addition to the NDAA, Congress also passed an omnibus appropriations bill that included significant funding for maritime priorities. The appropriations act provides full funding for the Maritime Security Program fleet – $314 million for fiscal year 2021. The full funding level allows for a stipend of approximately $5.23 million for each of the MSP’s 60 militarily useful U.S.-flagged ships, which are crewed by U.S. merchant mariners and operate in international commercial trades. In addition to the MSP funding, the bill provided $376 million for the National Defense Reserve Fleet, nearly $2 billion for cargo preference programs including the PL-480 Food for Peace Program, $390 million for the final National Security Multi-Mission Vessel “school ship,” and $10 million to fully fund the Cable Security Fleet program. NASSCO Launches USNS John Lewis New jobs are on the horizon for members of the SIU Government Services Division following the Jan. 12 launch of the future USNS John Lewis in San Diego. The launch took place at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, a union shipyard. The Lewis is the first of six vessels in a new fleet oiler program designed to support the U.S. Navy. Vessel construction began in the fall of 2018 and utilized more than 18,575 tons of steel to complete. The 742-foot-long vessel is designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea. Each of the oilers in this class will have a capacity of 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and up to a speed of 20 knots. “NASSCO is immensely honored to be a part of this historic day launching the future John Lewis,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “This ship reaffirms our nation’s stability and represents the same strength, values and honor that her namesake, the Honorable John Lewis, stood for. The shipbuilders of NASSCO are proud to ensure his legacy will live on in this majestic vessel.” Additionally, NASSCO started construction on the future USNS Earl Warren, the third vessel in the program, late last year. In 2016, General Dynamics NASSCO was awarded the contract by the U.S. Navy for the detailed design and construction of the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis-class (T-AO 205), previously known as the TAO(X). According to the shipyard, the christening of the future USNS John Lewis “will be celebrated later in 2021 with the ship’s sponsor following tradition of breaking a champagne bottle on the ship’s hull.” O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 2 February 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Union shipyard General Dynamics NASSCO launches the USNS John Lewis in San Diego. (Photo courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO) February 2021 �Committee members tackle the initial workload in the main conference room at headquarters. Tallying Committee Announces Election Results Michael Sacco is Reelected President of Seafarers International Union A committee of rank-and-file members recently released its official report on the voting for national officers of the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. Voting took place Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020. The union’s tallying committee consisted of 20 Seafarers (two members elected from each of the SIU’s 10 constitutional halls). The group certified the reelections of Michael Sacco as president of the SIU; Augie Tellez as the union’s executive vice president; David Heindel as secretary treasurer; and George Tricker as vice president of contracts and contract enforcement, among other results. The tallying committee’s report will be submitted for approval by the membership at union meetings in March. According to the report, the two contested races for office were decided by large margins. The committee disclosed the election of the following officers, who will serve four-year terms: n Michael Sacco, president; n Augie Tellez, executive vice president; n David Heindel, secretary-treasurer; n George Tricker, contracts and contract enforcement vice president; n Joseph Soresi, Atlantic Coast vice president; n Dean Corgey, Gulf Coast vice president; n Nick Marrone, West Coast vice president; n Tom Orzechowski, Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters vice president; n Kate Hunt, Government Services and fishing industries vice president; n Pat Vandegrift, contracts and contract enforcement assistant vice president; n Nick Celona, Atlantic Coast assistant vice president; n Kris Hopkins, Gulf Coast assistant vice president; n Bryan Powell, West Coast assistant vice president; n Mike Russo, Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters assistant vice president; n Joe Vincenzo, Government Services and fishing industries assistant vice president; n Mark von Siegel, Piney Point port agent; n Ray Henderson, New York/New Jersey port agent; n Joe Baselice, Philadelphia port agent; n John Hoskins, Baltimore port agent; n Jimmy White, Mobile port agent; n Chris Westbrook, New Orleans port agent; Joe Zavala, Houston port agent; Nick Marrone II, Oakland port agent; Chad Partridge, St. Louis port agent; Todd Brdak, Detroit-Algonac port agent. The committee met with the union’s secretary-treasurer to receive instructions following the Piney Point, Maryland, membership meeting on Jan. 4 and concluded both their tallying and report by the evening of January 7. They met during that week at the union’s headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland, and at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. Serving as co-chairmen of the tallying committee were Jack McElveen and Timothy Pillsworth, both of whom credited their fellow Seafarers for being thorough and efficient. Joining them on the committee were Seafarers Ritche Acuman, Mark Butler, Patrick Coppola, James Crate, Fontanos Ellison, Anthony Jacobson, Trevor Manion, Mohamed Mosed, Foaad Saleh, Joe Bowen, Cleofe Castro, Gerard Costello, Riley Donahue, Rene Guity, Kelvin Johnson, Kyle Miller, Exxl n n n n Ronquillo and Tyrell Thabit. Unanimously approved by the committee, the report consists of more than 5,800 words. It reflects a strong rank-and-file turnout for balloting. The committee members concluded that they “wish to express [our] deep appreciation for the cooperation and assistance given to us by the union’s legal department and its technical and clerical staff. Finally, the members of the union tallying committee wish to congratulate the elected officers and jobholders. We extend our best wishes for the next four years. We hope that you will carry on the tradition of our union and advance the strength of the maritime industry.” In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, extra precautions were taken not only before and during the election itself, but also throughout the committee’s work. All committee members were required to test negative for the novel coronavirus, and they also had to isolate before travelling to Piney Point. Additionally, two alternates from each constitutional port also were chosen by fellow members during special meetings Dec. 28 (none ultimately were needed to fill in). Members of the union’s election tallying committee are pictured Jan. 7 at headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland. Joining them for the snapshot are SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (middle row, center) and SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift (middle row, far right). February 2021 Seafarers LOG 3 �SLNC Severn Reflags Under Stars & Stripes The new year brings new jobs for SIU members following the recent reflagging of the bulk carrier SLNC Severn, an outright addition to the union-contracted fleet. Built in 2017, the vessel initially will provide regular service between the U.S. East Coast and the South Atlantic. The ship is 623 feet long, is equipped with four cranes and has the ability to carry a combination of containerized, breakbulk and bulk cargo. It has a sailing speed of 14.5 knots and reflagged under the Stars and Stripes in early December in Florida. The SLNC Severn is crewed by Argent Marine Operations for Schuyler Line Navigation Company. The original SIU crew included Bosun Mario Loria, ABs Benjamin Carroll, Kenneth Zuniga, Willie Myrick and Richard Palacios, Oilers Hycienth Asagwara, Keilah Freeman and Phillippe Leger, Steward/Baker Tyrone Hall, ACU Mercedes Jasmin and GVA Johanns Rivera-Rivera. From aboard the vessel, Loria on Jan. 6 said, “It’s hard work reflagging a vessel, but everything is good. For the first few weeks, you work with whatever you’ve got. You have to order everything: tools, parts, miscellaneous. It’s a learning experience for a lot of us, and everyone is in good spirits.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker stated, “The company’s commitment to American-flag shipping, both in the Jones Act trade and internationally, is underscored by this reflagging, as is their faith in SIU crews. We welcome these new employment opportunities and, as always, I am 100 percent confident that SIU members will come through with their typically outstanding professionalism aboard the vessel.” Russell Paret, CEO of Schuyler Line Navigation Company, stated, “We are proud to add the SLNC Severn to our U.S.-flag fleet. The SLNC Severn’s crew, our shoreside team and all the regulatory agencies worked together seamlessly to efficiently reflag the vessel, even in the midst of a pandemic. We offer a warm welcome to our newest crew members and are grateful to all of our mariners around the world for their commitment during this uncertain time.” Schuyler Line’s other SIU-crewed vessels include the SLNC Corsica, SLNC Goodwill, SLNC Magothy and SLNC Pax. Formerly named the Frederike Oldendorff, the SLNC Severn was constructed in China. Crew members (photo at immediate left) celebrate the reflagging in early December in Florida. The SLNC Severn (remaining photos) is an outright addition to the SIU fleet. (Vessel photos courtesy of Schuyler Line Navigation Co.) Boat sponsor Louise Kandzer does the honors aboard the Pennsylvania. Christening the Wisconsin is the vessel’s sponsor, Sally Stevens. Great Lakes Towing Christens 2 Tugs Frigid weather didn’t chill the mood during a dual christening Dec. 16 in Cleveland. Seafarers-contracted Great Lakes Towing Company welcomed the new tugboats Pennsylvania and Wisconsin during a brief but spirited ceremony that was shown live online. Employees from Great Lakes Towing and from Great Lakes Shipyard (builder of both boats) attended. SIU members recently approved a new six-year contract with Great Lakes Towing that raises wages and maintains benefits. The company provides harbor assist and towing services to ships in more than 40 U.S. Great Lakes ports. During the christening, Great Lakes Towing Company President Joe Starck said, “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is remarkable that the [company] has 4 Seafarers LOG persevered with the successful completion of these two new tugs, despite the adversity the pandemic brought to bear, not only on us, but the industry, not to mention the country, and the entire world. The Towing Company, as always, showed its resilience and its resolve to muscle through these difficult conditions.” The tug Pennsylvania was christened by vessel sponsor Louise Kandzer, girlfriend of Gregg Thauvette, the company’s senior vice presidentoperations; and the tug Wisconsin was christened by vessel sponsor Sally Stevens, wife of Robert Zadkovich, vice president-business Development. The new boats are the fourth and fifth tugs, respectively, in a series of 10 64-foot Damen 1907 ICE design harbor tugs that Great Lakes Shipyard is building for Great Lakes Towing. In a news release, Great Lakes Towing noted, “The tugs are 64’x24’x11’, powered by two 1,000-hp MTU 8V4000 Tier III diesel engines, and generate over 30-tons of bollard pull. Their propulsion systems include the Canal Marine designed Logan FlexaDrive Hybrid power system, allowing the tugs to operate on electric power while at idle, underway at low speeds, or when under low loads, without the need to utilize the main engines, thereby reducing emissions and the cost of engine maintenance. The tugs’ compact size and high maneuverability make them ideal for the narrow waterways and low bridges that characterize harbor towing on the Great Lakes.” The sixth tug, not yet named, is slated for a summer 2021 completion. Great Lakes Towing Company President Joe Starck welcomes the attendees. (Photos by Paul C. LaMarre III) February 2021 �New Con-Ro Matsonia Poised to Join SIU Fleet SIU-contracted Matson, Inc., recently took delivery of the Matsonia, the second of two new Kanaloa Class combination container/roll-on, roll-off (con-ro) ships built for the company by General Dynamics NASSCO. According to Matson, the Matsonia and sister ship Lurline are the largest vessels of their kind ever built in the U.S. They join two other new Seafarers-crewed containerships, the Daniel K Inouye and the Kaimana Hila, themselves the largest of their kind in the U.S. commercial fleet, in completing the renewal of Matson’s Hawaii fleet. All four of these ships carry SIU crews. “Putting four new ships into service in a three-year span is a significant accomplishment that culminates eight years of planning, project management and coordination for teams across many departments at Matson,” said Matt Cox, chairman and chief executive officer. “Together with the modernization and expansion of our Honolulu terminal, these investments position Matson to provide efficient, reliable service to Hawaii for decades to come.” The Matsonia and Lurline are each 870 feet long, 114 feet wide, with a deep draft of 38 feet and weighing in at over 50,000 metric tons. The sister ships have an en- closed garage with room for approximately 500 vehicles, plus ample space for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo. In a news release announcing the recent delivery, the company noted, “Matsonia and Lurline are iconic vessel names in Matson’s long history. Matsonia dates to the construction of Matson’s first ship of that name in 1912. Three more ships were given the name in subsequent years; the new vessel is the fifth. Lurline dates to the construction of Captain William Matson’s first ship of that name in 1887. Four more ships were given the name in subsequent years; the newest vessel is the sixth.” Additionally, the Daniel K. Inouye was named in honor of the late Hawaii Senator, who was a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine and a powerful advocate of the maritime industry. He held an honorary SIU book. Kaimana Hila is a Hawaiian transliteration for Diamond Head, one of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks. Built by Philly Shipyard (which, like NASSCO, is a union facility), Matson’s new Aloha Class containerships Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila entered service in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Each 850-foot-long vessel has a 3,600 twentyfoot equivalent (TEU) capacity. Notice Concerning Recent Marine Safety Info. Bulletins The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center has circulated multiple Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) that are relevant to many SIU members. Updates from those bulletins follow. The original MSIBs are also linked on the SIU website. T WIC Extension As laid out in Maritime Safety Information Bulletin number 13-20, “For mariners already holding a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC), if their Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) expires, and their credential remains valid, then no action needs to be taken and the credential remains valid.” This means that, as long as your MMC is not suspended or revoked, the Coast Guard will not pursue any suspension and revocation actions based on expired TWICs during the COVID-19 pandemic. MMC/STCW Extension Mariners whose MMC expires between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 are extended one year after the initial expiration date of the credential or until Oct. 31, 2021, whichever is earlier. According to the NMC, “Mariners must carry copy of the relevant Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) along with their expired The Matsonia is pictured last summer during its launch in San Diego. Designed and built specifically for the Hawaii trade, all four of the new ships feature state-of-the-art green technology, including fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks, MMC.” (It’s contained in a Dec. 28, 2020 news post on the SIU website, and that post includes a link to the PDF version.) Revalidation/Training Waivers Until Oct. 31, 2021, for mariners who have met the requirements for initial competency and whose MMC expires between March 01, 2020 and June 30, 2021, if you have 360 days of relevant sea time in the past five years, you do not need to take any revalidation courses. (Relevant sea time means: shipboard experience in fire, emergency, and/or abandon ship drills for demonstrating continued competence in Proficiency in Survival Craft, Proficiency in Survival Craft-Limited, Fast Rescue Boat, Basic Training and/or Advanced Firefighting. Service is determined as described in Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) 4-14, 05-14, 08-14 and 09-14.) liquid natural gas (LNG) compatible engines, and freshwater ballast systems. The four new ships are also Matson’s fastest vessels, with the ability to operate at or above 23 knots. International endorsements affected include Basic Training (VI/1), Fast Rescue Boat (VI/2), Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting (VI/3) and Personal Survival Craft (PSC) (VI/2). If you qualify for this training waiver and your MMC falls within the above dates, you should renew your MMC immediately. You should be issued a renewed MMC with a five-year expiration date and will NOT be required to attend any revalidation training. All other renewal requirements must be met (i.e., if you hold a Tanker-DL or LG endorsement you must meet the sea time or training requirement to renew that endorsement). How to Renew To renew your credentials online, visit: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_ mariner_credential/ and follow the instructions listed for renewal. Port Council Brightens Holidays for Kids For members of the Greater South Florida Maritime Trades Council (part of the MTD), the COVID pandemic didn’t deter the holiday spirit of helping others. During the week before Christmas, Council Vice President/SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins along with rank-and-file SIU members delivered hundreds of new toys and games to Lifenet4Families of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Among those helping deliver the donations were AB James Wynegar (right) and AB Donald Hutchens (left). “We have been doing this for about 10 years,” Hopkins said. “We may not have collected as much as usual because of COVID, but the people at Lifenet were very appreciative.” February 2021 Seafarers LOG 5 �USDA Approves Vaccines for COVID-19 U.S. Citizens late last year received arguably their best news to date regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic when the federal government announced the release of two vaccines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2020 issued emergency use authorizations (EUA) for the distribution of a pair of vaccines for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2). On Dec. 11, the agency issued its first EUA that allowed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. for use by individuals 16 years of age and older. Seven days later, on Dec. 18, the FDA issued its second EUA. This one cleared the way for the distribution of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for use by individuals 18 years of age and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control, both vaccines have shown to be very effective at preventing COVID-19 infection. The Pfizer vaccine has shown to be 95% effective across all age, racial and ethnic groups. The Moderna vaccine has shown to be 94.1% effective across all racial and ethnic groups, but this number did appear to be a little lower among those 65 years of age or older. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Manufactured by Pfizer Inc., the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a two-dose series, three weeks apart, into the muscle. The most commonly reported side effects, which typically lasted several days, were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever. Of note, more people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose, so it is important for vaccination providers and recipients to expect that there may be some side effects after either dose, but even more so after the second dose. Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is manufactured by ModernaTX, Inc. It is administered as a two-dose series, one month apart, into the muscle. The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may not protect everyone. The most commonly reported side effects, which typically lasted several days, were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes in the same arm as the injection, nausea and vomiting, and fever. Of note, more people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose, so it is important for vaccination providers and recipients to expect that there may be some side effects after either dose, but even more so after the second dose While the rollout of the vaccines indeed is welcome news, it has actually created more questions than federal/state health officials appear able to answer. And while these questions vary widely, those most consistently posed center around actual vaccine injections, distribution of the life-saving cocktail, number of doses available, and length of time the vaccines protect people from the virus. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a U.S. federal group within the CDC made up of medical and public health experts, has recommended that in the first phase of vaccination in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines should be given first to health care personnel (HCW) and adult resi- dents of long-term care facilities (LTC). The ACIP has also recommended that the next group to get a vaccine in the U.S. should include people age 75 and older and frontline essential workers, such as first responders, teachers and public transit and grocery store workers. The third priority group recommended to get the vaccine in the U.S. includes people ages 65 to 74, people ages 16 to 64 who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions, and all other essential workers, such as those working in food service and construction. Examples of underlying medical conditions include type 2 diabetes and severe obesity. Based on the foregoing ACIP recommendations, health officials in each state have formulated their plans for who should be vaccinated and when. Earlier CDC recommendations gave the highest priority to health care workers and nursing home residents. But the slow pace of the rollout has frustrated many Americans at a time when the coronavirus death toll has continued to rise. According to a health system tracker con- 6 Seafarers LOG ACIP’s Phase 1 framework). n More than 20 states also provide further subprioritization rankings or criteria within HCW and/or LTC resident groupings. For example, Alabama segments HCWs into “very-high,” “high” and “medium” risk. Idaho provides specific rankings within each group. Texas groups Phase 1a into “first” and “seond” tier. The SIU is working with other unions, government agencies and health care providers to help ensure that U.S. mariners are given high priority for vaccination. Among many other efforts, the SIU signed on to a letter in early January that explained an “appeal for assistance in facilitating access to vaccines for the … U.S. citizen merchant mariners who are responsible for keeping the economic and military supply lines of the United States open on the high seas. The undersigned organizations are deeply concerned that the military and economic security of our nation may be at risk if the distribution of vaccines allows seafarers to fall between the cracks of federal and state efforts to distribute vaccines under the guidelines established by the ACIP.” Remembering Capt. Jeff The crew of the Liberty Eagle (Liberty Maritime) mourns the loss of their beloved Capt. Jeff Powell, who passed away on Nov. 24 at age 61. They recently conducted a shipboard remembrance for him and gathered for this photo. Among those taking part in the memorial were Bosun Kyle Silva, ABs Luis Ruiz, Freddy David, Adam Mohamed, Abobkr Alkhaili and Raul Gomez, DEUs Mohamed Alasfoor, Edsin Abueg and Derick Dy, Steward/Baker Rene Gil, Chief Cook Dewayne Thomas, SA Joseph Chrisante, CM Jarrett Podaski, 2M Cliff Passmore, 3M Page Mentuck, CE John Brooks, 1E Scott Cukierski, 2E Mike Welch and 3E Robert Allen. SHBP Offers Scholarships for 2021 The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Scholarship Program will offer eight awards totaling $132,000 for the 2021 calendar year. Three scholarships will be designated for Seafarers while five will be targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the endowments reserved for Seafarers totals $20,000 and is intended to help defray the costs associated with attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The remaining two are in the amount of $6,000 each and are designed as two-year awards for study at a postsecondary vocational school or community college. Each of the five scholarships for spouses and dependents is for $20,000. Now is an ideal time to begin the application process. The first step is to obtain a scholarship program booklet. This package ducted by the Peterson Center on Healthcare and Kaiser Family Foundation, most states are following ACIP’s Phase 1a recommendation: n 45 states are following ACIP’s interim Phase 1a recommendation to prioritize HCWs and LTC residents. Some states will start vaccinating both of these groups together, while others will start with one of these groups first as they await more supply to start vaccinating the other. Still, even with these state criteria, decisions about how to allocate limited initial vaccines to HCWs and LTC residents will mostly be left to facilities. n Seven states depart from ACIP’s Phase 1a recommendation in some way. For example, the District of Columbia and Utah include HCWs in Phase 1a but LTC residents in Phase 1b. In addition to HCWs and LTC residents, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Wyoming also include law enforcement in Phase 1a (per ACIP’s proposed framework, they are in 1b). Massachusetts also includes people incarcerated in prisons and those living in homeless shelters in Phase 1a (neither is explicitly mentioned contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. Union members and their dependents now have three avenues through which they may obtain this booklet. Prospective applicants may request these booklets via mail by completing and mailing the form provided. Booklets may also be obtained by visiting any SIU hall. Finally, applicants may obtain the booklet online by visiting www.seafarers.org, navigating to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and selecting Scholarship Booklet (PDF). Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of the paperwork needed to submit with the full application, which must be re- ceived by April 15, 2021. A scholarship selection committee, consisting of a panel of professional educators, will examine the high school grades of all applicants as well as evaluate scores from their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by applicants who have not done so to take these tests no later than February 2021. Doing so will virtually assure that the results reach the evaluation committee in time for review. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Please send me the 2021 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name .......................................................................................................................................... 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 2/21 February 2021 �SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime is a longtime partner in the Santa’s Castle outreach. They donated three bicycles for the most recent effort. Pictured from left in the photo above are Crowley Labor Relations Manager Dan Lowry, SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, with various donated items. In photo at right, Recertified Bosun Tar Ahmed (right) and Command Sgt. Major Frank Graham of Joint Base Lewis McChord show their holiday spirit. Pandemic Doesn’t Stop SIU Philanthropy Seafarers Overcome Obstacles to Support Santa’s Castle SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo has unfailing confidence in Seafarers, but even he didn’t know what to expect late last year when it was time for the union’s annual participation in a charitable drive for U.S. military families in the Pacific Northwest. His faith proved well-founded, however, as rank-and-file members didn’t let the COVID-19 pandemic break their long streak of supporting Santa’s Castle. The project raises donations of toys and other gifts to U.S. military families (primarily E-4 and below) from Joint Base LewisMcChord (JBLM), Washington, and from other bases. Seafarers stepped up with approximately $6,400 worth of gifts, and they got an assist from SIU headquarters personnel after a wrinkle that proved particularly distasteful. Someone broke into the hall and swiped a number of higher-end electronic items. “The break-in was a kick in the teeth, but then something interesting happened,” Vincenzo said. “Donations began to pour in as a direct response, not only from members but also from our executive board and staff at headquarters. We quickly made up the difference and I even received a bit of advice on how best to handle another possible future visitation from the thief. Let’s just say it was good advice from the old school!” (In the interim, security at the hall has been significantly enhanced.) Similarly, Retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella, a longtime contributor to the yearly endeavor, expressed displeasure about the stolen items but remained focused on the bigger picture. “The break-in was disgusting,” he said. “To have them steal charitable gifts…. They were bloody well scumbags just trying to make a fast buck. “But this is a great program,” he continued, “and I’m going to contribute to it as long as possible. I support it because it’s helping our servicemen and their kids. The SIU is a family-oriented organization, and we respect other families.” Retired Recertified Steward Shawn Fujiwara also is a longtime backer of Santa’s Castle. He said the response to the break-in “just shows that even though there’s evil in the world, there’s still good. My donation arrived the same day, and Joe said that kind of softened the blow…. I’ve always believed in Santa’s Castle.” Anita Vargo, vice president of purchasing at Santa’s Castle, said her organization exhausted every donation while supporting 1,245 families (including more than 2,600 children). “We worked with 255 volunteers who logged more than 4,000 volunteer hours,” she said. As for the SIU’s participation, Vargo said she “didn’t know for sure, due to the pandemic, but Joe, our angel, said they still wanted to support it, and they did. They were a godsend. We’re always so grateful to know we can depend on the Seafarers International Union.” Longtime Support In 2007 and 2008, Tacoma-area Seafarers teamed up to support Toys for Tots during the winter holidays. Then, in 2009, they shifted to Santa’s Castle, which is a private, non-profit organization. “The move had a lot to do with my own prior service and affinity for the military, along with the close ties between the SIU and the military,” recalled Vincenzo, who served in the U.S. Navy. “It has been a perfect fit, and since then we have donated a collective total of more than $100,000.” Despite that history, he said, “With all of the hardship and heartache of 2020, we didn’t know what to expect or even if we should put out the Santa’s Castle sign and kitty. We thought it may be something of a ‘Hail Mary,’ but donations came in even though the foot traffic in the hall was down.” One thing that fell victim to the pandemic was the associated luncheon normally hosted by the SIU for military personnel, Seafarers, Santa’s Castle employees and others. Typically, that gathering is tied in with loading the donations into trucks and vans. All concerned are hopeful, however, that the gathering will take place next time. Fujiwara, for one, is counting on it for several reasons, not the least of which involves a locally renowned elf costume that he described as “my second uniform. It’ll be ready next December, and I know the SIU will step up again, like always. From front to back, QEE Lon Maduro, QMED Leodiane Torrenueva and Chief Cook Nasser Ahmed carry donations to a nearby truck. Joni Bradley, SIU administrative assistant, is in the background. In photo above, QMED Ryan Palmer (left) and ACU Marcelino Pabito pitch in to brighten the holidays for military families. Teamwork is evident (photo at left) as members and military personnel haul toys for delivery. February 2021 Seafarers LOG 7 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU AROUND THE ALGONAC HALL – In photo at right, AB Frank Pivik (left) casts the last ballot received there, on New Year’s Eve. SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak is at right. AB Doyle Ling (left in photo at center) picks up his first pension check. He’s also pictured with Brdak. AB Harriet Groenleer is in photo at left, receiving her full B-book and a ballot. FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – QMED J. Diola (left) obtains his book at the hiring hall. Presenting it is SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Aung. VOTING IN HOUSTON – GUDE Fausto Aranda (center) receives his B-seniority book and prepares to cast his vote in the union election at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (left) and SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes. AT WILMINGTON HALL – SA Anas Mihakel (photo at left) displays his newly acquired B-book, while QMED Sean Hernandez (left in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr.) receives his A-seniority book prior to voting in the SIU election. ABOARD HORIZON PACIFIC – Recertified Bosun Antjuan Webb is pictured aboard the Sunrise Operations ship on the West Coast. 8 Seafarers LOG ABOARD USNS FISHER – This camera-shy group aboard the U.S. Marine Managementoperated vessel includes Bosun Algernon Reed, AB Shermal Morris, AB Fidel Dipasupil, AB Rommel Martinez, OS Shamek Daniels, OS Cedric Armstrong, OS Marcell Santos, Cargo Mate Ed Pollard, 2M Philip Scott and 3M Steve McCombs. Thanks to vessel master Capt. Jennifer Senner for the photo. ABOARD OVERSEAS TAMPA – Pictured on the Overseas Ship Management vessel in Houston are (from left) Recertified Steward Derrick Moore, Recertified Bosun Raymond Johnson and AB Darius McCastle. B-BOOK IN JOLIET – AB Adam Petrucci gets his full B-book at the hiring hall. February 2021 �ABOARD INDIANA HARBOR – At the risk of editorializing, Chief Cook Saleh Saleh very clearly has mastered holiday meals aboard ship. Here are some snapshots from Christmas dinner aboard the American Steamship vessel (many others are available on the SIU Facebook page). The group photo includes (from left) Bosun Jeremy Shenett, Saleh and QMED Ameen Yahya. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Chief Engineer Rusty LeFrage (photo at far right) recently called it a career after 41 years at G&H Towing. SA Marco Guity (photo at immediate right) did the same after 31 years with the union, while Chief Cook Wilfred Lambey (left in photo above, with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo) also retired, following 27 years with the SIU. ABOARD PACIFIC RELIANCE – In photo at left, Chief Cook Sharon Hoffman (left) and AB Freddy Hamilton are pictured on the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel in Houston. The photo at right includes Hamilton (right) and an old shipmate: SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala. FULL BOOK IN OAKLAND – AB Paul Clow (right) picks up his full B-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli. UNION BOOKS IN NEW ORLEANS – Receiving their full books at the membership meeting Dec. 15 are (from left) GVA Benito Figueroa, AB Ronaldo Fajardo, AB Dean Diaz and OMU Brandon Hickman. SIU Safety Director James Brown is at right. February 2021 Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD SBX – Displaying their sealed, completed ballots for the SIU election aboard the TOTE Services vessel in Honolulu are (group photo, from left) Chief Steward Marcus Rowe, Bosun James Reynolds, OS Ayesh Ahmed and ACK Anthony Jackson. MDR Duane Akers is in the snapshot at left. A-BOOK IN PUERTO RICO – Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz receives her A-seniority book late last year. She’s pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. ABOARD CAPE MOHICAN – The galley gang put out a delicious meal (and desserts) for Christmas aboard the Ocean Duchess-operated ship on the West Coast. (Visit the SIU Facebook page for a dozen or so additional photos.) UNION BOOKS IN JERSEY – QMED Samuel Sanders (left in photo above) and AB Andrew Porpora (left in photo below) recently received their respective full B-books at the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right in both photos. BOATMEN CAST BALLOTS – Crew members from the Great Lakes Towing boat Nebraska complete their ballots for the union election last year in Detroit. From left are AB Scott Rosseel, AB Adil Hussein and Deckhand Jeffery Davis. 10 Seafarers LOG February 2021 �ABOARD OCEAN JAZZ – Pictured on the Crowley-operated vessel in Jacksonville, Florida, are (from left) QMED Alberto Semedo, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson and Bosun Yamira Colon. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – AB Michael Ostrowski (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS MAURY – Pictured near the holiday buffet that was put out for their fellow mariners on Christmas are (from left) Chief Steward Rhonda Jenkins, GVA Fradarius Smith, GVA Keeno Rock and SA Alize Lassiter. The vessel, operated by Ocean Shipholdings, was in Charleston, South Carolina. APPRENTICE EARNS GED – Apprentice Luke Vandegrift (right) recently earned his General Educational Diploma (GED) at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland. The 20-year-old Charles County, Maryland-native is a member of PHC Apprentice Class #863 and has been attending maritime training classes at the school for the past 15 weeks. Congratulating the future steward department member and presenting him with his GED transcripts is Peggy Densford, PHC Academic instructor. The Freedom Star, the school’s training vessel, is pictured in the background. MEETING WITH MARINES – SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (center) confers with members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment, in San Bruno, California. They discussed teamwork and the vital role of the U.S. Merchant Marine as America’s fourth arm of defense. February 2021 SAFETY AWARD EARNED – STOS Fernando Martinez (left) recently received a safety award from vessel operator Crowley aboard the National Glory in Houston. Also pictured, starting second from left, are Bosun James Morris, STOS Enrique Ampil, Cap. Langford, Crowley Port Engineer Fritz Jean (who presented the award) and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday. “Fernando’s knowledge of the shipboard safety system and quick actions during a Coast Guard inspection impressed the crew, the Coast Guard and Crowley, as well as making the SIU proud,” Niday said. Seafarers LOG 11 �What’s New for the 2021 Tax Filing Season Following are some of the changes that took effect in 2020, along with provisions that remain in effect from prior years. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your return. Tax Legislation Updates & Considerations The following is a list of tax legislation and considerations affecting the current and future tax years as noted. Provided in parenthesis are the abbreviations that will be used throughout this document in reference to the respective legislation. n The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA): The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22, 2017. Described as the largest major tax reform in over three decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax provisions that impact individuals and businesses. n The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act): The SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20, 2019 significantly modifying many requirements for employer-provided retirement plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and other tax-favored savings accounts. While some of the modifications went into effect retroactively or upon enactment (December 20, 2019), many of them carry future effective dates. n The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act): The CARES Act is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that was signed into law on March 27, 2020 in response to economic fallout of the COVID19 pandemic. Provisions in the Act were enhanced and expanded by the recent signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. n The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (Tax Extenders Act): The Relief Act, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed on December 27, 2020, extending several tax provisions that were set to expire. n Considerations – Change in White House Administration: As with any transition in the White House Administration, it will be prudent to monitor tax legislation updates after the new administration takes office. As this transition has not yet taken place, any prospective tax legislation changes from the incoming administration’s proposals have been omitted from this document. All information provided below is currently in effect until otherwise altered by future legislation. Due Date of Return File Form 1040 by April 15, 2021. An automatic 6-month extension can be made by filing Form 4868 by April 15, 2021, along with all tax monies due. An extended Form 1040 is due October 15, 2021. Net Investment Income Tax: In 2020, a tax equal to 3.8% of the lesser of the individual’s net investment income for the year or the amount the individual’s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the threshold amount. The MAGI threshold amounts for the additional tax are as follows: n $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse) n $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) n $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) Investment income reduced by deductions properly allocable to that income is net investment income. Investment income includes income interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rents and net gain from disposition of property, other than such income derived in the ordinary course of a trade or business. However, income from a trade or business that is a passive activity and from a trade or business of trading in financial instruments or commodities is included in investment income. Modified adjusted gross income for the purpose of calculating the additional Medicare tax is a person’s adjusted gross income with the foreign earned income exclusion or foreign housing exclusion added back in. Social Security Tax: Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and employer are each subject to a 6.2% tax on wages for Social Security. The maximum amount of wages subject to the Social Security are as follows: $137,700 (2020) $142,800 (2021) n Medicare Tax: Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and employer are each subject to a 1.45% tax on wages for Medicare. There is no limit on the amount of wages subject to the Medicare tax. In 2020, in addition to the standard Medicare tax, there will be an additional 0.9% tax on wages that exceed the following threshold amounts: n $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse) n $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) n $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) n Self-Employment Tax Rate and Deduction: The Social Security portion of the selfemployment tax is 12.4% in 2020. The Medicare portion of the SE tax is 2.9% not including the 0.9% additional tax on the amounts above the applicable thresholds as noted above. The selfemployment tax deduction is equal to one-half of self-employment tax. n Kiddie Tax: The kiddie tax changes introduced by the TCJA were repealed by the SECURE Act. For tax years 2020-2021, the first $1,100 of the net unearned income of a child meeting certain requirements is not taxed, the next $1,100 is taxed at the child’s marginal tax rate and amounts over $2,200 are taxed at the parent’s marginal tax rate. For purposes of the Kiddie Tax, a child is (1) under age 18 at the end of the tax year, (2) age 18 at the end of the tax year and does not provide more than half of his/ her own support with unearned income, or (3) is age 19-23 at the end of the tax year, a full-time student, and does not provide more than half of his/her own support with unearned income. Itemized Deductions If more advantageous than the standard deduction, an individual may elect to claim certain itemized deductions of personal expenses in determining taxable income. The most common itemized deductions are listed below. n Medical and Dental Expenses: Unreimbursed medical expenses may be claimed as an itemized deduction to the extent they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income. The Tax Extenders Act of 2020 extended this threshold, eliminating the initial increase to 10% of AGI. n State & Local Tax Deduction: For tax years 2018-2025, the itemized deduction for state and local taxes paid or accrued in the tax year is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS) of the aggregate of (1) state and local property taxes, (2) state and local income taxes, and (3) state and local general sales taxes deducted in lieu of state and local income taxes. n Mortgage Interest Deduction: The deduction for mortgage interest is limited to underlying indebtedness of up to $750,000 ($375,000 for MFS) for tax years 2018-2025. The deduction for interest on home equity indebtedness is eliminated. The lower limit doesn’t apply to any acquisition indebtedness incurred on or before December 15, 2017, which is limited to $1 million ($500,000 for MFS). n Mortgage Insurance Premiums: The deduction for mortgage insurance premiums (PMI) was extended by the Tax Extenders Act through 2020. This allows a taxpayer whose income is below certain thresholds to deduct the cost of premiums on mortgage insurance purchased in connection with acquisition indebtedness on a taxpayer’s principal residence. The deduction is reduced by 10% for every $1,000 by which the taxpayer’s AGI exceeds $100,000. Starting in 2021 the deduction will not be available unless extended by Congress. n Charitable Contribution Deduction: The limitation under IRC Sec. 170(b) for cash contributions to public charities and certain private foundations is 60% of an individual’s contribution base for tax years 2021-2025. Under the CARES Act, the 60% limitation has been increased to allow for contributions up to 100% of the taxpayer’s contribution base for tax year 2020 only. The contribution base is an individual’s adjusted gross income (AGI), not including the charitable deduction or any net operating loss (NOL) carrybacks. The percentage limit depends on the aggregate contributions of the spouses if married filing jointly. Contributions exceeding the limitation are generally allowed to be carried forward and deducted for up to five years, subject to the later year’s ceiling. For taxpayers not itemizing, the CARES Act allows up to a $300 above-the-line deduction for charitable contributions made in 2020, as discussed in the next section. n Miscellaneous Deductions: Job-related expenses, as well as other miscellaneous itemized deductions that were previously subject to the 2%-of-adjusted-gross-income floor, are no longer deductible for tax years 2018-2025. The eliminated deductions include expenses for tax preparation, union dues, and investment fees. n Gambling Losses: All deductions for expenses incurred in carrying out wagering transactions, and not just gambling losses, are deductible only to the extent of gambling winnings. n Phaseout: Before 2018, an individual’s itemized deductions were reduced by 3% of adjusted gross income (AGI) when AGI exceeded certain threshold amounts. This phaseout of itemized deductions is temporarily eliminated by the TCJA, and therefore does not apply to tax years 2018-2025. n State Itemized Deductions: The TCJA modified or eliminated several popular itemized deductions. It is important to note that although the federal deductions have been adjusted, you may still qualify for deductions at the state level. Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Other Deductions n Exemptions: Under the TCJA, for tax years 2018-2025, the deduction for the personal exemption is reduced to zero. n Child and Dependent Tax Credits: Below are tax credits related to child and dependent care expenses. n Definition of a Qualifying Child: To be claimed as a qualifying child, the person must meet certain criteria: n Relationship: The person must be your child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild or nephew). n Residence: For more than half the year, the person must have the same residence as you do. n Age: the person must be under age 19 at the end of the year, or age 19-23 and be a fulltime student for at least five months out of the year, or any age if totally and permanently disabled. n Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. n Dependent 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. n Definition of a Qualifying Relative: To be a qualifying relative, the person must meet certain criteria: n Relationship: the person must be your parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, inlaw, or an individual who has the same place of abode as the taxpayer for the entire year. n Gross Income: The individual’s gross income for the year must be less than $4,200. n Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. n Not a Qualifying Child: The individual must not be the qualifying child of the taxpayer/ other taxpayer. n Child Tax Credit: The maximum child tax credit for tax year 2020 is $2,000 per child under the age of 17 and $500 for any other dependent. The child tax credit starts to be reduced when MAGI income reaches the following levels: n $400,000 (Married Filing Joint) n $200,000 (Married Filing Separately) n $200,000 (Single or Head of Household) In the phase-out range, the child tax credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of income above these thresholds. The child tax credit is generally a nonrefundable credit that is limited to regular tax liability plus alternative minimum tax liability. However, a portion of the credit is refundable for certain taxpayers (see Form 8812 and IRS Pub. 972). In certain circumstances, families may receive up to a $1,400 refund per child. Additional (Refundable) Child Tax Credit: This credit is for certain individuals who get less than the full amount of the child tax credit. The additional child tax credit may be refundable even if you owe no tax. Taxpayers cannot claim the Child Tax Credit for any tax year if the individual or a qualifying child did not have an individual SSN issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. The TCJA eliminated the exemption deduction for dependents for tax years 2018-2025. Therefore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent does not entitle that parent to an exemption deduction; however, it does make the noncustodial parent eligible for the child tax credit with respect to the child. n Child and Dependent Care Credit: For 2020, there is a credit equal to the amount of qualified expenses multiplied by an applicable percentage determined by the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. The maximum amount of qualified expenses to which the credit may be applied is $3,000 for cost to care for one child Continued on Page 14 Tax Rates & Thresholds 2020 Tax Brackets: Below are the tax brackets for tax year 2020, including the taxable income range for each bracket 10% 12% 22% 24% 32% 35% 37% Married Filing Joint $0 - $19,750 $19,751 - $80,250 $80,251 - $171,050 $171,051 – $326,600 $326,601 – $414,700 $414,701 - $622,050 $622,050+ Head of Household $0 - $14,100 $14,101 – $53,700 $53,701 - $85,500 $85,501 - $163,300 $163,301 - $207,350 $207,351 - $518,400 $518,400+ Single $0 - $9,875 $9,876 - $40,125 $40,126 - $85,525 $85,526 - $163,300 $163,301 - $207,350 $207,351 - $518,400 $518,400+ Married Filing Separately $0 - $9,875 $9,876 - $40,125 $40,126 - $85,525 $85,526 - $163,300 $163,301 - $207,350 $207,351 - $311,025 $311,025+ Estates & Trusts $0 - $2,600 N/A N/A $2,601 - $9,450 N/A $9,451 - $12,950 $12,950+ 2020 Net Capital Gains & Qualified Dividend Rates: Below are the 2020 net capital gains and qualified dividend rates per taxable income range for each type of filing status. 0% 15% 20% Married Filing Joint $0 - $80,000 $80,000 - $496,600 $496,000+ Head of Household $0 - $53,600 $53,600 – $469,050 $469,050+ Single $0 - $40,000 $40,000 - $441,450 $441,450+ Married Filing Separately $0 - $40,000 $40,000 - $248,300 $248,300+ Estates & Trusts $0 - $2,650 $2,650 - $13,150 $13,150+ Capital gains and losses are reported on Form 8949 and then totaled on Schedule D. If you sold a covered security in 2020, your broker will report the cost basis on your Form 1099-B. Refer to the IRS website at www.irs.gov/form8949 for additional information and other new developments affecting this form and Schedule D. 12 Seafarers LOG February 2021 �Tax Tips for Members How to Prepare A Tax Return Step 1. Gather all records for the current tax return filing year. Income Records These include Forms W-2/W-2G, Forms 1099 (Interest, Dividends Brokerage Statements, Misc.) and Schedules K-1 (Investment in Partnerships/S-Corporations) Itemized deductions and tax credits n Medical and dental payment records n Real estate and personal property tax receipts n State and local tax payments n Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan n Charitable contributions n Records of payments for childcare so an individual could work n Educational expenses Step 2. Gather any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. 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 website at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Cents may be rounded to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50-99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. Step 4. Review the return for accuracy. 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. File Return. Filing Electronically (E-file) n Due to staffing issues, processing paper returns can take several weeks longer. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically. n Information regarding available e-filing options can be found at www.irs gov/e-file-options Filing Paper Return n Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R to the front of the Form 1040. n Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. n If paying any balance due by check, do not staple or attach the payment or Form 1040-V (payment voucher) to the return. Instead, just put them loose in the envelope. Write your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and form number on your check or money order. n Private Delivery Services - Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as DHL Express, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service. Electronic Payment Options n Visit www.irs.gov/payments for full listing of electronic payment options. n Direct Pay – Payment can be directly withdrawn from a bank account through the IRS website or through the software/ website the taxpayer or paid preparer used to electronically file the tax return. n Debit/Credit Cards – The IRS website listed above provides links to pay by debit or credit card. All major cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are accepted, fees apply. n Payments by Phone – The IRS website also lists toll-free numbers available to make payments by phone. Refunds n Taxpayers can request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out the refund section on Form 1040, which includes the taxpayer’s bank account number and the bank’s routing number. n For electronically filed returns, a refund will typically be received in about 2 weeks if deposited directly into a checking or savings account. n Paper checks will be mailed to the address listed on the tax return if direct deposit is not requested. Paper check refunds February 2021 may take several weeks to arrive by mail. n Where’s My Refund - If taxpayers have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the website at www.irs.gov/refunds. Filing an extension n Taxpayers can get an automatic 6-month extension if, no later than April 15, 2021, 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. 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 2020, 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 oversees the taxpayer’s property. Your Online Account: To access your online account, you must authenticate your identity. To securely log in to your federal tax account, go to IRS.gov/Account. View the amount you owe, review 24 months of payment history, access online payment options, and create or modify an online payment agreement. You can also access your tax records online. 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: n Jones Act settlements for lost wages n Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy n Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid n Canceled debts n State income tax refunds n Rents n Repayments n Royalties n Unemployment benefits n Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts n Endowments n Original Issue Discount n Distributions from self-employed plans n Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services) n Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act n Lump-sum distributions n Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains) n Accumulation distributions from trusts n Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings) n Earned income from sources outside the United States n Director’s fees n Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate n Embezzled or other illegal income n Social Security benefits Which Income Need Not Be Reported The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: n Benefits from government welfare programs n Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, and medical costs n Maintenance and Cure n Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness n Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans Administration n Child support n Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed n Dividends on veterans’ life insurance n Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death n 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 n Certain amounts received as a scholarship What Items Are Considered Deductions and Credits The following are common deductions and credits, which are discussed in more detail in above sections: n Standard Deduction n Itemized Deductions n Medical and Dental Expenses n State and Local Taxes n Home Mortgage Interest n Mortgage Insurance Premiums n Charitable Contributions n Gambling Losses n Qualified Business Income Deduction n Student Loan Interest n Education Credits & Deductions n Earned Income Credit (EIC) n Child & Dependent Care Credit n Energy Credits Which Records to Keep Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (such as 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. 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 Away 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. or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercostal, 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 Californiabased bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which nonresidents 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 between 7am-7pm your local time. Online: Access the IRS website at www.irs.gov to download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications online by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator; check the status of your refund; send the IRS comments or requests for help via email; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by email. 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. 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. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. Seafarers LOG 13 �What’s New for the 2021 Tax Filing Season Continued from Page 12 under the age of 13 or up to $6,000 for two or more children, so that the parents can either go to work or be in the process of looking for work. There must be earned income in order to take the credit. The maximum credit is $1,050 for one qualifying individual and $2,100 for two or more qualifying individuals. n Adoption credit: The maximum adoption credit has increased to $14,300 per child with adjusted gross income phase out starting at $214,520. The credit is nonrefundable. Any unused credit can be carried forward for five years. In general, the adoption credit is based on the reasonable and necessary expenses related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs, attorney’s fees and travel expenses. Income limits and other special rules apply. In addition to filling out Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, eligible taxpayers must include with their 2020 tax returns one or more adoption-related documents. Earned Income Credit (EIC): The EIC is a refundable tax credit available to low-income individuals meeting certain requirements including income amount, income source, and filing status. n The maximum amount of income you can earn and credit available increased for 2020: n 3+ Qualifying Children: Credit up to $6,660 if you earn less than $50,954 ($56,844 if married filing joint) n 2 Qualifying Children: Credit up to $5,920 if you earn less than $47,440 ($53,330 if married filing joint) n 1 Qualifying Child: Credit up to $3,584 if you earn less than $41,756 ($47,646 if married filing joint) n No Qualifying Children: Credit up to $538 if you earn less than $15,820 ($21,710 if married filing joint) n IRS Refund Claim: The IRS has additional time to review refund claims based on the Earned Income Credit or the refundable portion of the additional Child Tax Credit in order to reduce fraud and improper payments. No credit or refund for an overpayment shall be made to a taxpayer before February 15 following the close of the tax year, if the taxpayer claimed the Earned Income Credit or additional Child Tax Credit. n A SSN is not valid for EIC purposes unless it was issued on or before the due date of the return. For tax years beginning after 2017, you may be able to qualify for the EIC under the rules for taxpayers without a qualifying child if you have a qualifying child for the EIC who is claimed as a qualifying child by another taxpayer. n Deduction for Qualified Business Income: An individual generally may deduct 20% of qualified business income from a partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship, as well as 20% of aggregate qualified REIT dividends and qualified publicly traded partnership income. The 20% deduction is not allowed in computing AGI, but rather is allowed as a deduction reducing taxable income. A limitation based on W-2 wages paid or capital investment is phased in for MFJ taxpayers with taxable income of $326,600 or more ($163,300 for other individuals). A disallowance of the deduction with respect to specified service trades or businesses also is phased in above these threshold amounts of taxable income. n Charitable Contributions (Above-theLine Deduction): Under the CARES Act, for tax year 2020 only, an individual who does not elect to itemize deductions may claim an abovethe-line deduction of up to $300 for qualified charitable contributions. n Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks): Eligible individuals are entitled to a Recovery Rebate Credit up to $1,200 for their first tax year beginning in 2020. The IRS made advanced refunds of the credit via Economic Impact Payments (EIP) during 2020, with eligibility and credit amounts based on information from 2019 or 2018. EIPs are not income and they are not taxable. Although the advance credit is based on earlier tax years, the Recovery Rebate credit applies to the taxpayer’s first tax year beginning in 2020. The EIP reduces the amount of the taxpayer’s credit for 2020, but not below zero. Taxpayers do not have to repay any of the EIP if they would be entitled to a lesser credit based on their 2020 circumstances. Taxpayers whose 2020 tax information entitles them to a larger credit than their EIP may claim the additional credit on their 2020 tax returns. Taxpayers may check their EIP status by visiting the website https://www.irs. gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment and entering requested information to validate identity. n Education Credits & Deductions: 14 Seafarers LOG Below are tax credits and deductions related to educational expenses incurred during the tax year, including definitions of qualifying expenses. n The American Opportunity Tax Credit: For tax year 2020, the maximum credit amount can be up to $2,500 and up to 40% of that credit amount may be refundable. The credit applies to the first 4 years of post-secondary education in a degree or certificate program. The credit is calculated by taking 100% of the first $2,000 of qualified tuition and related educational expenses and 25% of the next $2,000 of such expenses. The credit is gradually phased out if your Modified AGI is between $80,000$90,000 ($160,000-$180,000). Taxpayers cannot claim the American Opportunity Credit for any tax year if the individual or a student did not have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. Taxpayers must report the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the educational institution to which payments were made. n Lifetime Learning Credit: For tax year 2020, the maximum credit amount per tax return can be up to $2,000. The credit is calculated by taking 20% of the educational expenses on the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses. The credit is gradually reduced if your Modified AGI exceeds $59,000 ($118,000 if married filing joint return) and is completely eliminated if your Modified AGI exceeds $69,000 ($138,000 if married filing joint return). The credit cannot be claimed if your filing status is “married filing separately”. There is no limit on the number of years for which the credit can be claimed for each student. n Tuition and Fees Deductions: The Tax Extenders Act of 2019 extended this deduction through 2020. The maximum deduction is $4,000 for a taxpayer with AGI of $65,000 or less ($130,000 if married filing joint), and $2,000 if AGI is between $65,000-$80,000 ($130,000-$160,000). The deduction is not allowed for Married Filing Separately filers or for any taxpayer who qualifies as a dependent (whether or not claimed) on another taxpayer’s tax return. The tuition and fees deduction may not be claimed if an education credit is claimed for the same student in the same year. The Tax Extenders Act of 2020 has eliminated this deduction to transition to an increased income limitation on the Lifetime Learning Credit. n Expanded Definition of Qualified Expenses for Qualified Tuition Programs: Qualified higher education expenses generally include tuition, fees, and related expenses such as books and supplies. The expenses must be for the student pursuing a degree, certificate, or similar program, at an eligible educational institution. An eligible educational institution includes most colleges, universities, and certain vocational schools. n 529 Plan Qualified Education Expenses: The TCJA changed the definition of qualified higher education expense. For purposes of the 529 plan rules, qualified higher education expenses now include expenses for tuition for attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious school. Cash distributions from all 529 plans are limited to $10,000 for elementary and secondary school tuition per tax year, per student. Under the SECURE Act, qualified higher education expenses now also include student loan repayments as well as the expenses of registered apprenticeships. n Form 1098-T Required to Claim Certain Education Incentives: Taxpayers must receive a form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from educational institutions to claim the American opportunity credit, the Lifetime Learning tax credit or the above-the- line deduction for qualified tuition and fees. n Educator Expenses: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended the above-the-line deduction for eligible grade K-12 school teachers of up to $250 per year ($500 if you and your spouse were both eligible educators) for expenses paid or incurred for books, certain supplies, computer and other equipment, and supplementary materials used in the classroom. For tax years beginning after 2015, eligible expenses also include expenses for professional development courses the educator takes related to the curriculum he/she teaches or to the student he/she teaches. n Education IRAs (Coverdell Education Savings Account): Taxpayers can contribute a maximum of $2,000 cash each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The dollar limit is phased out for married individuals filing jointly with modified adjusted gross income between $190,000 and $220,000, and between $95,000 and $110,000 for single filers. The con- Standard Deduction The standard deduction adjusts annually for inflation. The standard deduction for taxpayers who are at least 65 years old and/or blind at the close of the year can be increased with an additional deduction added for each taxpayer for each qualifying condition. See the current amounts below. Filing Status 2021 2020 Married filing Joint $25,100 $24,800 Head of Household $18,800 $18,650 Single/Married Filing Separately $12,550 $12, 400 Additional Standard Deductions Age 65+ and/or Blind (MFJ) Age 65+ and/or Blind (Single/HOH) tribution is not deductible. Retirement Accounts Below is information regarding current tax year contribution limits, required distributions, and various legislation updates to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 401(k) plans. n Traditional IRAs: For 2020, the contribution limit to a traditional IRA is the lesser of $6,000 or your compensation. For taxpayers age 50+ at year end, an additional catch-up contribution of up to $1,000 is allowed, increasing the 2020 limit for these taxpayers to the lesser of $7,000 or compensation. For the deduction, when a taxpayer is covered by an employer’s retirement plan at any time during the year, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phaseout range in 2020 is $65,000-$75,000 ($104,000$124,000 for married filing joint). n Roth IRAs: The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is the lesser of $6,000 (increased to $7,000 for taxpayers age 50+ at year end) or your compensation. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is gradually phased out for taxpayers with Modified AGI between $124,000-$139,000 ($196,000-$206,000 for married filing joint). Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on the timing and reasoning of the distribution. n IRA Updates: Under the SECURE Act, the following legislation updates are in effect beginning tax year 2020. Additional provisions enacted by the CARES Act are also noted. The starting age for individuals to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) has been increased to 72 years old from 70½ years old, effective for taxpayers turning 72 years old January 1, 2020 or later. Under the CARES Act, the Required Minimum Distribution for tax year 2020 is not required. The 70½ age limit for contributions to an IRA has been eliminated. Non-spouse individuals who inherit an IRA after December 31, 2019 must withdraw the balance within 10 years, subject to certain exceptions. Early Withdrawal 10% Penalty: The CARES Act waives the penalty on early withdrawals up to $100,000 from qualified retirement plans for COVID-19 related distributions. Any income from an early withdrawal is subject to tax over a 3-year period. Taxpayers may recontribute the withdrawn amounts to the plan without regard to annual contribution limits if made within 3 years. n Rollovers to SIMPLE IRAs: For rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015, distributions to employer sponsored retirement plans and traditional IRAs may be rolled over from a SIMPLE IRA, if the SIMPLE IRA has been open for at least two years. n Special Charitable Contributions: An IRA owner age 70½ or older can directly transfer, tax-free, up to $100,000 per year to eligible charities. Known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), this option is available for distributions from IRAs, regardless of whether the owners itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible to be treated as a qualified charitable distribution. To qualify, the funds must be contributed directly by the IRA trustee to an eligible charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the transfer. Not all charities are eligible. For example, donoradvised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible recipients. Remember to check eligibility of the charity before requesting a QCD. All QCDs from an IRA to eligible charities are counted in determining whether the owner has met the IRA’s required minimum distribution. Where individuals have made nondeductible contributions to their traditional IRAs, a special $1,350 $1,700 $1,300 $1,695 rule treats QCD amounts as coming first from taxable funds, instead of proportionately from taxable and nontaxable funds, as would be the case with regular distributions. n 401(k) Updates: Under the SECURE Act, the following provisions are in effect for the noted tax years. Long-term, part-time employees may now qualify to participate in elective deferral plans in plan years beginning after December 31, 2020. Early withdrawal penalty exemption of $5,000 for qualified birth or adoption distributions in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019. Included in compensation for purposes of determining retirement plan contributions are taxable non-tuition fellowships/stipends and nontaxable “difficulty of care payments” earned by home healthcare workers in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019. Increased cap to encourage higher auto-enrollments in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019. n Health Care Coverage Credits: Below is health care coverage reporting information and current year requirements for related tax credits. n Health Care Coverage: Beginning with tax year 2019, you no longer need to either make a shared responsibility payment or file Form 8965 if you don’t have essential health care coverage for part or all of the tax year. Premium Tax Credit Individuals with low to moderate income who get health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace may be eligible for this refundable credit. Individuals who are eligible for PTC need to meet the following requirements: n Purchased coverage in the Marketplace for someone in their tax family (taxpayer, spouse, if married filing jointly and dependents for which a personal exemption is claimed) for a month that person was not eligible for minimum essential coverage (other than coverage in the individual market). n Have household income at least 100%, but no more than 400% of the federal poverty line for taxpayer’s family size. An exception, a resident alien who is ineligible for Medicaid and has household income less than 100% of the federal poverty line can take the credit. n If married, individuals must file a joint return. Exceptions apply to victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment and to individuals who are considered unmarried. n Cannot be claimed as a dependent by another person. n Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC): The HCTC is a tax credit that pays a percentage of health insurance premiums for certain eligible taxpayers and their qualifying family members. The HCTC is a separate tax credit with different eligibility rules than the PTC and has been extended by the Tax Extender Act through 2021. n Affordable Care Act: Several very important provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that affect individuals and businesses first became effective in 2015. The Employer Shared Responsibility provision of the Affordable Care Act requires employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees to either offer minimum essential coverage that is “affordable” and that provides “minimum value” to their full-time employees and their dependents, or potentially make an employer shared responsibility payment to the IRS. Energy Credits The Tax Extenders Act of 2020 extended many energy-related provisions that were set to expire at the end of 2020. Below are common energy credits. n Nonbusiness Energy Property: A credit is allowed for 10% of the amounts paid/incurred by the taxpayer for qualified energy improve- Continued on Page 23 February 2021 �Historian Recalls Heroism Of Merchant Mariners During World War II Continued from Page 24 breath but quickly revived him. Flames already covered the water all around the blazing tanker but, by swimming underwater intermittently, and splashing away the flames from in front of his face when he came up for air, he was able to clear the ship without getting seriously burned. Roaring Inferno Finally finding a clear spot, he kept to windward and watched the flames roaring high above the masts of the Jacksonville in a terrifying spectacle that seemed too destructive to be real. After a while, he saw some of his shipmates floating in the sea, but they were too badly burned to be recognizable. One man was alive and Hodges tried to hold him up, but his strength was not equal to the task. Perhaps it was just as well, for the man was badly burned. There were many lifejackets floating around – the crew had no time to put them on before they jumped. Other ships in the convoy estimated that the Jacksonville was enveloped by flames no more than 15 seconds after the torpedo hit – a solid mass of fire from stern to counter. Hodges was picked up about 1 ½ hours later by an escorting destroyer, along with Navy gunner Marcellus Wags. Captain Edgar Winter and 48 merchant crewmen and all but one of the Navy gun crew perished in the blast. Boats Away The story of SIU ships in World War II includes many incidents of long voyages in small boats after seamen left their sinking ships. There was the 1,200-mile trip of the Star of Scotland’s men after their big schooner was shelled by a sub in the South Atlantic, and the long, cold voyage in the boats after the Liberty ship Jonathan Sturges was torpedoed in the North Atlantic, a voyage that ended in the capture of the survivors by a German submarine and their internment for the duration of the war. Some of these lifeboat voyages were strenuous ordeals in which only a few of the men were eventually rescued. In other cases, like that of one lifeboat from the SS Maiden Creek, the survivors were never found. More fortunate was the SIU crew of the SS James W. Denver, a brand-new Liberty which was bound for North Africa on April 11, 1943. Captain Everett Staley reckoned their position as 400 miles west of the Canary Islands, as the Denver hurried along at 11 ½ knots trying to rejoin the convoy, which it had lost sometime previously during a prolonged and heavy fog. All lookouts were scanning the horizon for wisps of smoke that might indicate the “missing” fleet. They never even saw the track of the torpedo that hit them. It smashed into number-two hold and all hands abandoned ship soon after. No casualties occurred, for the boats were well handled, and they stood some distance off from the big Liberty as she settled slowly beneath the waves. February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point..................................Monday: February 8, March 8 Algonac..................................Friday: February 12, March 12 Baltimore...........................Thursday: February 11 March 11 Guam................................Thursday: February 25 March 25 Honolulu..............................Friday: February 19 March19 Houston....................*Tuesday: February 16, Monday: March 15 Jacksonville...............................Thursday: February 11, March 11 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Dec.10-Jan.14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Jan. 14. Total Registered All Groups B Total Shipped A All Groups B C 4 0 4 8 1 5 2 21 20 15 1 2 12 4 0 2 2 8 0 6 117 28 2 4 41 6 14 20 79 52 43 2 17 32 15 7 2 15 45 3 50 477 12 4 0 18 1 7 3 34 44 18 4 9 20 9 3 6 9 9 1 21 232 2 0 1 3 0 2 0 13 8 3 0 7 10 2 0 0 1 9 1 7 69 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 12 0 0 2 4 0 3 0 13 13 2 1 1 8 1 0 0 0 7 0 5 60 3 1 2 13 1 5 11 27 35 22 2 4 22 8 2 2 9 20 4 20 213 4 1 3 10 0 6 7 14 24 7 2 6 25 7 4 3 4 8 4 15 154 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 4 2 1 2 0 3 3 0 0 1 1 0 3 25 Steward Department 2 1 0 0 2 1 7 4 1 0 1 0 9 2 9 3 17 5 4 3 2 0 5 3 11 9 9 6 0 0 2 1 0 2 10 2 1 0 10 4 102 46 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 7 1 0 0 5 0 1 1 7 10 2 0 4 7 5 0 1 3 3 0 5 55 5 1 0 24 2 5 13 30 35 14 2 4 20 22 1 2 8 21 1 29 239 2 0 0 7 0 2 4 9 15 3 0 6 20 10 0 5 8 7 1 16 115 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 16 Entry Department 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 2 0 2 0 7 0 13 2 8 0 1 0 0 0 16 1 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 1 1 11 7 83 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 5 21 6 0 1 11 3 1 13 3 5 0 4 77 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 5 9 1 0 0 4 1 0 4 1 5 0 2 37 2 1 0 0 0 4 0 9 8 3 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 8 0 4 44 21 2 1 8 2 2 5 19 41 16 1 0 25 17 0 2 0 16 0 29 207 8 4 3 7 2 0 2 16 78 10 4 1 41 2 1 6 1 14 4 17 221 123 269 973 708 331 C A Port A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 16 1 5 31 3 10 14 48 33 29 0 9 21 12 6 2 7 28 2 25 302 3 2 2 12 0 2 2 24 25 15 6 6 14 5 2 4 5 8 2 13 152 Deck Department 1 14 6 1 0 0 1 3 3 2 16 5 0 3 1 3 6 5 0 4 0 12 28 20 11 22 21 2 25 8 0 2 3 5 5 2 9 11 12 2 14 5 0 2 3 1 2 1 1 3 4 7 13 7 1 0 0 3 18 5 62 191 111 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 1 3 7 0 2 7 15 25 11 1 3 16 8 2 2 5 16 2 13 141 1 1 2 5 1 4 4 9 14 4 2 5 24 3 2 1 1 8 4 2 97 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 2 1 2 1 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 17 Engine Department 1 1 1 0 4 3 4 5 0 1 3 2 7 1 11 8 11 12 4 4 1 0 0 1 5 15 6 3 0 0 1 0 6 0 10 8 1 0 6 7 82 71 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 2 15 1 3 7 19 21 11 4 4 18 8 1 1 5 13 0 17 153 1 0 0 6 0 2 3 7 9 4 0 4 8 9 0 2 3 6 1 9 74 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 12 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 7 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 3 25 10 1 1 2 2 2 3 9 22 14 0 0 22 4 0 2 0 11 1 15 121 6 2 3 5 1 1 0 10 51 5 2 2 30 1 0 17 2 11 4 6 159 GRAND TOTAL: 621 444 250 Joliet...................................Thursday: February 18, March18 Mobile............................Wednesday: February 17, March 17 New Orleans................................Tuesday: February 16, March 16 Jersey City...................................Tuesday: February 9, March 9 Norfolk......................................Friday: February 12, March 12 Oakland...................................Thursday: February 18, March 18 Philadelphia..........................Wednesday: February 10, March 10 Port Everglades...........................Thursday: February 18, March 18 San Juan.....................................Thursday: February 11, March 11 St. Louis.........................................Friday: February 19, March 19 Tacoma..........................................Friday: February 26, March 26 Wilmington.......................................Monday: February 22, March 22 *Houston change due to President’s Day Observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m February 2021 All Groups B Registered on Beach 382 311 C Trip Reliefs 0 1 3 2 0 1 0 3 6 5 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 27 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer This month’s question was answered by SIU members in Camp Springs, Maryland. George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Question: Why did you join the union and why have you stuck with it? Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 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 Cleofe Castro Recertified Bosun I joined the union to travel, and it’s been very good for me. It has helped me take care of my kids and have assets. It helped me change to a better life. The best parts are the travel and performing the job to the best of your ability. James Crate Bosun I went through the gates in Piney Point in 1990. Prior to that, I was an underground miner, for gold, in Canada. In 1990, I was in Paris and had traveled all over Europe. I had a choice either to go back to mining or try something completely different…. My dad sailed SIU back in the 1950s. He got me the SIU’s information and the next thing you know, I was on a plane coming over here. The SIU has provided me the freedom and the financial stability to pursue my interests. Ritche Acuman Recertified Bosun I had already been a merchant mariner (overseas, since the early 1990s). I joined the union in 2002 and stuck with it because I can support my family. The SIU is great. I also enjoy interacting with people from different cultures. Jack McElveen Recertified Steward I joined the union to travel the world as well as benefit from the lucrative side – being able to provide for my family and myself. It has been very fulfilling to see the world as well as to embrace the SIU community and what it represents and stands for. Rene Guity Recertified Steward I worked many places before I got to the SIU, and there’s not another place like this place. I travel the world and I meet different people. I love what I do for a living and I don’t think I’ll do anything else. Exxl Ronquillo Recertified Steward It’s a good opportunity for me to support my family. I’ll always support them, especially for their education. The SIU is really good for me. That’s why I’m still here after almost 30 years and why I’ll retire here. 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 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 During the 2008 SIU Thanksgiving gathering at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, then-San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris (center) is greeted by SIU officials Nick Marrone (left) and Nick Celona. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG February 2021 �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 ABDULHAMEED AL OMARI Brother Abdulhameed Al Omari, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Stuyvesant. A deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 2014. Brother Al Omari last shipped on the USNS Capella. He resides in Garden Grove, California. DOUGLAS BARNES Brother Douglas Barnes, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1976 when he sailed with National Marine Service. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Barnes last shipped aboard the Gem State. He makes his home in Curlew, Washington. JOHNY BOLTON Brother Johny Bolton, 65, joined the SIU in 1979, initially sailing on the Santa Mercedes. A member of the steward department, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Bolton most recently shipped on the Maersk Georgia. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. TYRONNE BURRELL Brother Tyronne Burrell, 68, began his career with the Seafarers in 1988 when he sailed on the Samuel L. Cobb. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 1993. Brother Burrell last shipped on the Overseas Santorini. He makes his home in Terrytown, Louisiana. MARCOS CLOTTER Brother Marcos Clotter, 70, started shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1988, first sailing aboard the Performance. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2010. Brother Clotter’s final vessel was the Bay State. He calls Baytown, Texas, home. DOUGLAS CRAFT Brother Douglas Craft, 64, joined the SIU in 1979. He was a deck department member and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Craft’s first vessel was the Virgo; his last, the Burns Harbor. He is a resident of Palm Harbor, Florida. MARSHALL DAGUIO Brother Marshall Daguio, 66, signed on with the union in 2003, initially sailing on the Global February 2021 Link. The steward department member upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Daguio most recently shipped on the Horizon Tacoma. He lives in Federal Way, Washington. FRED DOMINGO Brother Fred Domingo, 67, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1976 when he shipped with Dixie Carriers. He was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Liberty Sea. Brother Domingo is a resident of Zachary, Louisiana. MANUEL ENRICO Brother Manuel Enrico, 69, donned the SIU colors in 2001, first sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Enrico most recently shipped on the Alaskan Navigator. He makes his home in Carson, California. DARRYL GOGGINS Brother Darryl Goggins, 60, signed on with the union in 1980 when he sailed aboard the Pisces. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Goggins’ final vessel was the Maersk Pittsburgh. He is a resident of St Johns, Florida. WILLIAM HENDERSON Brother William Henderson, 63, began his career with the SIU in 1990, initially shipping on the USNS Altair. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Henderson last shipped on the USNS Bob Hope. He resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. MICHAEL JACKSON Brother Michael Jackson, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1976. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001 and was a member of the deck department. Brother Jackson’s first vessel was the Afoundria; his last, the Overseas Cascade. He makes his home in Mobile, Alabama. WORCESTER JOHNSON Brother Worcester Johnson, 65, started shipping with the SIU in 1975, initially sailing aboard the USNS Potomac. An engine department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Johnson’s final vessel was the Overseas Washington. He lives in Harvey, Louisiana. CIRILO JUMAMIL Brother Cirilo Jumamil, 72, joined the union in 2005 when he sailed aboard the Green Point. He shipped in the deck department, most recently aboard the Maersk Pittsburgh. Brother Jumamil is a Houston resident. ROBERT LEAKE union in 1973. He primarily sailed in the deck department and first shipped on a Seatrain Lines vessel. Brother Viola upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the Green Dale and calls Sayre, Oklahoma, home. ALBERT WASHINGTON Brother Robert Leake, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1978. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Leake’s first vessel was the Capricorn; his last, the Charles L. Brown. He is a resident of Carrollton, Virginia. Brother Albert Washington, 69, began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1992 when he sailed on the USNS Denebola. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Washington most recently sailed aboard the Independence. He lives in Prosper, Texas. CLARENCE MOSLEY MARIANO YLAYA Brother Clarence Mosley, 66, began shipping with the union in 1978, initially sailing on the Delta Columbia. An engine department member, he upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school in 1979. Brother Mosley last shipped aboard the USNS Able. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia. MOSED MUSA SALEH Brother Mosed Musa Saleh, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1994 when he shipped aboard the Independence. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Musa Saleh’s final vessel was the Presque Isle. He calls Melvindale, Michigan, home. STANLEY ORLANDO Brother Stanley Orlando, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1973. He sailed in all three departments and first shipped on the William T. Steel. Brother Orlando upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the American Kestrel and resides in Joppa, Maryland. VIDELIO ROMAN Brother Videlio Roman, 69, signed on with the Seafarers in 2007. Sailing in the deck department, he first shipped on the Pride of Hawaii. Brother Roman upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Seletar and resides in Roselle Park, New Jersey. LARRY VIOLA Brother Larry Viola, 65, joined the Brother Mariano Ylaya, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2000, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and was a member of the engine department. Brother Ylaya’s final vessel was the USNS Seay. He is a Honolulu resident. INLAND KEITHLEY ANDREW Brother Keithley Andrew, 67, signed on with the Seafarers in 1999. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Andrew’s first vessel was the Flickertail State; his last, the Vision. He lives in Coconut Creek, Florida. MICHAEL BANNISTER Brother Michael Bannister, 64, started shipping with the union in 2007 when he was employed by Penn Maritime. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2008 and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Bannister makes his home in Mooresville, North Carolina. THOMAS BETZ Brother Thomas Betz, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1975, initially sailing aboard the Cove Navigator. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Betz was last employed by Mariner Towing and calls Selbyville, Delaware, home. CARROLL CUDWORTH Brother Carrol Cudworth, 71, became a member of the SIU in 1969, first working for Baltimore Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Cudworth last sailed with McAllister Towing of Baltimore. He lives in Bel Air, Maryland. JOSEPH ENDRES Brother Joseph Endres, 55, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996, initially working with Crowley Liner Services. He was a shore gang member and currently resides in Baltimore. KEVIN FOSS Brother Kevin Foss, 64, began his career with the SIU in 1993 when he worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Foss last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He is a resident of Hamburg, New York. STEVEN HUTTMAN Brother Steven Huttman, 62, first shipped with the Seafarers International Union in 1997. He sailed in the deck department and worked for G&H Towing for his entire career. Brother Huttman calls Katy, Texas, home. LEE ROGERS Brother Lee Rogers, 59, signed on with the union in 1980. He was first employed with ST Towing and worked in the deck department. Brother Rogers upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation and makes his home in Zephyrhills, Florida. WESLEY ROSS Brother Wesley Ross, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1988, initially sailing with Mariner Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Ross was last employed by Penn Maritime. He lives in Bayboro, North Carolina. MARTIN TIMNEY Brother Martin Timney, 64, joined the SIU in 1989. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Timney worked for OSG Ship Management for the majority of his career. He resides in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania.. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA DAVID ABLE Pensioner David Able, 92, died December 11. He signed on with the union in 1966 and was an engine department member. Brother Able first shipped on the Long Lines. He last sailed on the Carolina before going on pension in 1996. Brother Able was a resident of Hudson, Florida. SANDRA BAKER Sister Sandra Baker, 59, passed away July 27. Born in Lorain, Ohio, she began her career with the SIU in 2003. Sister Baker’s first vessel was the Cape Edmont. She primarily sailed in the engine department and most recently shipped on the USNS Watson. Sister Baker resided in Yulee, Florida. EMIL BROOKS Pensioner Emil Brooks, 68, died December 7. He started shipping with the SIU in 2003 when he sailed on the Chelsea. A steward department member, Brother Brooks concluded his career on the Cape May. He retired in 2014 and lived in Dorchester, Massachusetts. EARL CHAPPEL Pensioner Earl Chappel, 78, passed away September 29. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1968, initially sailing aboard the Chatham. Brother Chappel was a member of the engine department and last shipped on the American Eagle. He became a pensioner in 2005 and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. HENRY COLAR Pensioner Henry Colar, 79, died January 1. Signing on with the union in 1963, he first sailed on the Cathy. Brother Colar was a deck department member and last worked aboard the Carolina. He went on pension in 2006 and resided in Marrero, Louisiana. MATTHEW DUNLAVY Pensioner Matthew Dunlavy, 85, passed away December 2. He began shipping with the SIU in 1958 when he sailed aboard the Waldo. Brother Dunlavy was an engine department member. His final vessel was the Houston and he 18 Seafarers LOG retired in 2006. Brother Dunlavy lived in Baytown, Texas. ANDRZEJ FURMANOWSKI Pensioner Andrzej Furmanowski, 68, died December 15. He donned the SIU colors in 1999, initially sailing aboard the Sumner. Brother Furmanowski sailed in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the North Star. He went on pension in 2019 and was a resident of Tacoma, Washington. OSCAR JOHNSON Pensioner Oscar Johnson, 79, passed away December 12. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1968, initially shipping on the Overseas Jason. A steward department member, Brother Johnson last sailed aboard the Mayaguez. He began collecting his pension in 1996 and settled in New Orleans. MARIANO MARCELINO Pensioner Mariano Marcelino, 97, died December 21. He began his career with the SIU in 1951 and initially sailed with Emerson Steamship. Brother Marcelino was a member of the steward department and concluded his career on the Sam Houston. He became a pensioner in 1986 and resided in Sugarland, Texas. ALFREDO PANICO Pensioner Alfredo Panico, 90, passed away December 22. He signed on with the union in 1963 and first worked for Interocean American Shipping. Brother Panico sailed in the steward department and concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He began collecting his pension in 1995 and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. STEVEN SMITH Pensioner Steven Smith, 68, died December 30. He joined the Seafarers in 1998 and first sailed with Penn Maritime. Brother Smith was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Stephen W. Pless and retired in 2018. Brother Smith lived in Tampa, Florida. JAMES STILLER Pensioner James Stiller, 74, passed away December 31. He signed on with the union in 1978, initially sailing on the Point Susan. Brother Stiller worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Stonewall Jackson. He became a pensioner in 2013 and settled in Bogalusa, Louisiana. ERIC YOUNG Pensioner Eric Young, 66, died November 29. He started sailing with the SIU in 1970 when he worked for Michigan Tankers. Brother Young was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the New York and retired in 2020. Brother Young called Mobile, Alabama, home. GREAT LAKES ARNOLD HEATHERLY Pensioner Arnold Heatherly, 93, passed away January 9. He started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1963 when he worked for American Steamship Company. Brother Heatherly was a deck department member and last shipped aboard the Sam Laud. He went on pension in 1992 and settled in Lafollette, Tennessee. MOHAMED MADHIGI Pensioner Mohamed Madhigi, 84, died November 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1989 and was a member of the steward department. Brother Madhigi’s first vessel was the Paul H Townsend; his last, the Sam Laud. He became a pensioner in 2001 and lived in Dearborn, Michigan. CHARLES RICHARDSON Pensioner Charles Richardson, 66, passed away December 13. He signed on with the SIU in 1974, initially sailing on the Adam E. Cornelius. Brother Richardson was a deck department member. He most recently shipped on the American Spirit, and retired in 2018. Brother Richardson made his home in Naples, Florida. HAMID SHOHATEE Pensioner Hamid Shohatee, 83, died November 26. He donned the SIU colors in 1966 when he shipped on the Reiss Brothers. Brother Shohatee sailed in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the William Roesch. He began collecting his pension in 2002 and lived in Detroit. JEROME ZAWADSKI Pensioner Jerome Zawadski, 91, passed away January 7. He joined the SIU in 1959. Brother Zawadski sailed in the deck department. His first vessel was the Redland; his last, the American Mariner. Brother Zawadski became a pensioner in 1991 and settled in Exeter, Pennsylvania. INLAND HARRY BRYAN Pensioner Harry Bryan, 82, died October 9. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1996. Brother Bryan was employed by Crowley for his entire career and retired in 2003. He was a resident of Edgewater, Florida. KIM GILL Pensioner Kim Gill, 75, passed away December 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1974 when he worked for H&M Lake Transport. A member of the deck department, Brother Gill last worked with OLS Transport. He retired in 2010 and called Wyandotte, Michigan, home. RICHARD LORD Pensioner Richard Lord, 62, died October 6. Signing on with the SIU in 1977, he was first employed by G&H Towing. Brother Lord was a deck department member and last worked for OSG Ship Management. He retired in 2020 and resided in Turnersville, New Jersey. ERNEST PARKS Pensioner Ernest Parks, 76, passed away December 28. He began sailing with the union in 1969, initially working with Southern Carriers. A deck department member, Brother Parks last shipped with Express Marine. He went on pen- sion in 2006 and lived in Tangier, Virginia. NORMAN PETERS Pensioner Norman Peters, 65, died December 4. He joined the union in 1973 and sailed in the engine department. Brother Peters was employed by Allied Transportation for the duration of his career. He retired in 2017 and settled in Jarvisburg, North Carolina. NMU DAVID WRIGHT Pensioner David Wright, 77, passed away December 15. He joined the SIU during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Wright was a deck department member. His first vessel was the Fredericksburg; his last, the Energy Enterprise. Brother Wright became a pensioner in 2005 and resided in Concord, New Hampshire. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Aguayo, Miguel 92 Andrews, Theodore 95 Cleveland, James 87 Dixon, Garnet 93 Gonzales, Roy 92 Hendricks, Lawrence 95 Jones, Sidney 95 Lewis, Robert 87 McChristian, Jennie 85 McConnell, Richard 94 Moore, James 92 Pagan, Alejandro 90 Rosello, Carlos 89 Steer, Jesse 78 Sweeney, Richard 96 Toledo, Ernest 87 Waiters, Douglas 93 Zirkle, Arnold 97 DOD 11/25/2020 12/29/2020 10/05/2020 12/20/2020 12/04/2020 11/24/2020 09/02/2020 01/05/2021 11/04/2020 11/20/2020 11/29/2020 12/14/2020 11/29/2020 09/24/2020 12/11/2020 12/14/2020 12/06/2020 12/08/2020 Missed an issue of the LOG? PDF copies of almost every edition are available on the SIU website. Look in the “News” section, then select “Complete Seafarers LOG Archive.” You can also go directly to the archive at seafarerslog.org February 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line, Limited) August 2 – Chairman James Bishop, Secretary Rocky Dupraw, Educational Director Paul Pagano, Deck Delegate Mark Butler, Engine Delegate Ralph Thomas, Steward Delegate Isaac Newsome. Bosun discussed new monetary agreement for ship restriction and thanked crew for a safe voyage. Secretary went over crew change plan and instructed members to leave turnover notes for oncoming crew. Rooms must be sanitized before payoff. Educational director reminded members to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members request QMED/Electrician on billet to be changed to just Electrician. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals and BBQs. Crew would like more 1,000-watt transformers. Next port: Kingston, Jamaica. ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), September 28 – Chairman Shawn Strand, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director Gary Dahl, Engine Delegate Mikel Tittsworth, Steward Delegate Paul Diesner. Payoff at sea in Tacoma, Washington. Chairman reminded crew to sign up for union text alerts. Secretary urged members to stay current on all documents. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (located in Piney Point, Maryland) and to con- 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. tribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read over communications. Members request company to pay for cold-weather gear in ports in Alaska. Crew requests 20 for 30 for vacation pay and for OT pay to be a part of pension. Members would like physicals to be required once per year and two job calls a day. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Overseas Ship Management), October 25 – Ship to be in port October 26 and inspection to occur same day. Ship low on stores and waiting to get more in Tampa, Florida. Educational director encouraged members to renew documents and reminded them of possible delays due to COVID-19 pandemic. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested TVs, fans and Wi-Fi availability aboard ship. HONOR (TOTE) November 8 – Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Sulay Martinez. Chairman advised members to continue upgrading at the Piney Point school. He reminded them to practice social distancing and continue wearing masks in order to promote safety. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. No beefs or disputed OT reported. ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company) November 22 – Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Educational Director Winfred Opare, Engine Delegate Tristan Brand, Steward Delegate Jada Gay. Chairman reviewed crew change memo. Manpower office reported an increase in reliefs and reminded crew that reliefs must board ship before members depart. Educational director recommended members attend upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members are asking for increased pension benefits as contract negotiations are approaching. Company is not issuing COVID tests but performing temperature screens and asking members to fill out questionnaires before crew changes. Members noted tremendous improvements in steward department and are very appreciative for the quality of food. Crew also pleased with TV service improvements. WASHINGTON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel and Provisioning), November 26 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Delia Peters, Educational Director Samir Elbaguer, Deck Delegate Kenney Gaston, Engine Delegate Fidel Pascua, Steward Delegate Gregory McNiel. Chairman reiterated the importance of wearing masks, especially when going ashore. He advised crew to wait for reliefs, despite difficulty to find one during pandemic. Members were reminded to clean filter when doing laundry to avoid any fire hazards. Secretary thanked deck department for assisting steward department with painting their passageway. She thanked members for their upbeat attitudes and for being easy to please with food accommodations. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated school in southern Maryland to help ensure better pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members expressed appreciation for vacation day increase and seek more information about pension benefits. Crew thankful for healthy variety of foods, clean areas and DVD in gym. Next port: Houston. HORIZON PACIFIC (Sunrise Operations), November 28 – Chairman Richard Grubbs, Secretary Clifton Medley. Chairman thanked crew for being understanding during policy changes due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Replacement electrician to be picked up in Oakland. Secretary reminded crew of contractual steward department obligations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Oakland, California. CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), November 29 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Lloyd Ingram, Educational Director Charles Walker, Deck Delegate Barry Briggs, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Steward Delegate Ian Schluder. Chairman informed crew that flu vaccines are needed with medical clearances. Company is emailing copies of pay vouchers to personal email. Some crew cabins in need of stripping and waxing this winter. Secretary and educational director advised members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done with Thanksgiving feast. Vacation days have been increased. New refrigerator is on its way. Crew requested moveable brackets for TV. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. SUNSHINE STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), November 30 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Kenneth McHellen, Educational Director Michael Williams, Deck Delegate Daniel Harris. Members are all doing well, and practicing social distancing. Chairman wished ongoing health and safety for SIU members as well as their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Steward department was thanked for providing good service. Members would like to see more vacation days added to the contract. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt February 2021 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic March 22 April 9 MSC Supply Configuration Management April 12 May 7 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck (online lecture) April 5 April 16 Able Seafarer-Deck (at Piney Point) April 19 April 23 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT March 15 April 9 Junior Engineer March 29 May 21 Marine Electrician March 8 April 9 Machinist February 15 March 5 Pumpman March 8 March 12 Welding April 19 May 7 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations May 3 May 28 Certified Chief Cook March 1 April 5 April 2 May 7 Advanced Galley Operations March 8 April 2 Chief Steward May 3 May 28 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training March 8 March 12 Basic Training Revalidation April 16 April 16 Government Vessels February 15 March 8 March 22 February 19 March 12 March 26 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ 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 #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes  No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 206740075; 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, or 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. 2/21 February 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #864 – Graduated Dec. 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Calcaterra, Manuel De Jesus Cienfuegos-Sanchez, Dylan Green, Jaquaz Jenkins, Mary Moelk, Munassar Fadel Nagi Saleh, Jonathan Slattery, Mindy Tyler and Sergio Warnick. BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated Dec. 11 (above, in alphabetical order): David Argo, Cody Carroll, Nicholas Chiappini, Charles Fischer Jr., Anson Johny, Julian Misla-Mendez, Julianne Perez-Borroto-Sanchez, Isaac Pili, Seth Schrader, Anthony Solovyov and Roberto Wadsworth. Each plans to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels upon the completion of their training. Class instructor John Wiegman III is at the far left. February 2021 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Deck Operations (Phase III) – Graduated Dec. 11 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): John Alicaway, Jacob Garatti, David May, Mica Sexton and Dalvin Storey. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of union-contracted vessels. Government Vessels – Graduated Dec. 10 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Kobe Cisero, Braxton Clay, Christopher Dhanoolal, Kimoni Dickens Jr., Jordan Griffin, Mikel Hatcher, Jamel Hollomond, Mary Moelk, Mindy Tyler and Luke Vandegrift. Galley Operations – Graduated Dec. 11 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Cathleen Dell, Eliezer Estremera, Ashley Fabor, Ahmed Haridy, Rosetta Jackson, Kevin Santiago De Jesus and Melaethon Deshenda Silas. Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. 22 Seafarers LOG February 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Galley Operations (Phase III) – Graduated Dec. 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Juan Andres Vallejo and Matthew Waiwaiole. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the steward departments aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Chief Steward – Graduated Dec. 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Dorothea Fabrizius, Kim Smith and Richard Toth. What’s New for the 2021 Tax Filing Season Continued from Page 14 ments of principal residences (windows, doors, skylights, and roofs). Taxpayers can take $50$300 fixed dollar amount credits allowed for energy-efficient property including furnaces, boilers, biomass stoves, heat pumps, water heaters, central air conditioners, and circulating fans, which are subject to a lifetime cap of $500. This credit has been extended through 2021. n Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit: For property placed in service after December 31, 2016 and before January 1, 2024, the credit is available only for eligible solar electric property and solar water heating property. The credit is equal to 30% of the cost of eligible property placed in service in 2018 or 2019; 26% of the cost of the property placed in service 2020-2022; and 22% of the cost of property placed in service in 2023. n Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit: An individual taxpayer may claim a 30% credit for the cost of installing non-hydrogen alternative vehicle refueling property at the taxpayer’s principal residence. This credit has been extended to include property placed in service before January 1, 2022. n Energy Efficient Homes Credit: An eligible contractor may claim a tax credit of $1,000 or $2,000 for the construction or manufacture of a new energy efficient home that meets qualifying criteria. The credit is available on homes acquired before January 1, 2022. n Qualified Fuel Cell Motor Vehicles: Extended through 2021, a credit of between $4,000 and $40,000, depending on the weight of the vehicle, is available for the purchase of qualified fuel cell motor vehicles. Depending on fuel efficiency, other vehicles may qualify for an additional $1,000 to $4,000 credit. n 2-Wheeled Plug-In Electric Vehicle Credit: Capped at $2,500, the 10% credit for highway-capable, two-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles has been extended for vehicles acquired prior to January 1, 2022. To qualify, battery capacity within the vehicle must be greater than or equal to 2.5 kilowatts/hour. Disaster-Related Tax Relief The Disaster Act, officially part of the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act, provides relief for taxpayers affected by Federally declared disasters in 2020 through 60 days following the enactment of the Act. A disaster zone does not include any areas that have been so declared only by reason of COVID-19. n Use of Retirement Funds: To allow for the re-contribution of retirement plan withdrawals for home purchases canceled due to eligible disasters and provide flexibility for February 2021 loans from retirement plans for qualified disaster relief, there is now an exception to the 10% early retirement plan withdrawal penalty for qualified disaster relief distributions. n Employee Retention Credit: The Employee Retention Credit allows for a tax credit equal to 40% of wages (up to $6,000/ employee) paid by disaster-affected employers to employees from a core disaster area. This credit applies to wages paid regardless of where the services associated with those wages were performed. The credit should be taken as a current year business credit under Code Sec. 38(b). Other Disaster-Related Tax Relief n Per the Disaster Act Sec. 304, other disaster-related tax relief items include the following, applied after any related provisions under the CARES Act. n Temporary suspension of limitations on charitable contributions associated with qualified disaster relief. n For personal casualty losses, The Disaster Act eliminates the current requirements that personal uncompensated casualty losses must exceed 10% of AGI to qualify for deduction. Also, the taxpayer is not required to itemize deductions to qualify for this relief. n Taxpayers in designated disaster areas may use the immediately preceding year to determine the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. n Automatic Extension of Filing Deadline: The IRS gives affected taxpayers until the last day of the extension period to file tax returns and make tax payments, including estimated tax payments, that either have an original or extended due date falling in the declared disaster period. Other Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions Below are additional miscellaneous exemptions, credits, and deductions that may be beneficial to reducing taxable income. n Exclusion of Cancellation of Indebtedness on Principal Residence: Cancellation of indebtedness income is generally includible in taxable income. However, extended by the Tax Extenders Act of 2019, income from cancellation of debt on a qualified principal residence of up to $2 million may be excludable for 2020. For discharges of indebtedness during tax years 2021-2025, the Tax Extenders Act of 2020 reduces the maximum exclusion to $1 million. n Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer Credit: The first-time homebuyer credit is not available for homes purchased in 2020. However, taxpayers who previously claimed the credit, which was available for homes purchased during 2008-2011, may have to repay (recapture) their credits. n Moving Expenses: For tax years 20182025, moving expenses are no longer deductible unless you are a member of the Armed Forces on active duty (and their spouse and dependents) who moved pursuant to a military order and incident to a permanent change of station. Moving expenses are claimed on Form 3903. n Transit Benefits: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended transit benefits. These include commuter highway vehicle benefits, transit passes, and qualified parking. For taxable years beginning in 2020, the monthly exclusion amount has increased to $270. n Standard Mileage Rates: The standard mileage rate for 2020 is 57.5 cents per mile for business miles driven, 17 cents per mile for medical and moving expense, and 14 cents per mile for charitable services. For tax year 2021, the business mileage rate is decreased to 56 cents per mile, medical and moving expense rate is decreased to 16 cents per mile, and the charitable rate remains the same at 14 cents per mile. n The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption: In 2020, the AMT exemption amounts increased to $113,400 for married filing jointly, $56,700 for married filing separately, and $72,900 for single or head of household filers. The AMT exemption begins to phase out at $1,036,800 (MFJ) and $518,400 for other filers. Foreign Income n Foreign Financial Assets: If you had foreign financial assets in 2020, you may have to file Form 8938 with your return. In addition, a separate FBAR document must be e-filed by April 15, 2021 if the aggregate value of the foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 any time during the calendar year. An automatic extension to October 15, 2021 is allowed. n Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: For tax year 2020, the maximum foreign earned income exclusion amount is $107,600. This exclusion amount is increased to $108,700 for tax year 2021. Consumer Alert The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the alert for emails and phone calls they may receive which claim to come from the IRS or other federal agencies and which mention their tax refund. These are scams whose purpose is to obtain personal and financial information (such as name, Social Security number, bank account and credit card numbers, or even PIN numbers) from taxpayers which can be used by the scammers to commit identity theft. The emails and calls usually state that the IRS needs the infor- mation to process a refund or deposit it into the taxpayer’s bank account. The emails often contain links or attachments to what appears to be the IRS website or an IRS “refund application form.” However genuine in appearance, these phonies are designed to elicit the information the scammers are looking for. The IRS does not send taxpayers emails about their tax accounts. Also, the IRS does not request detailed personal information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward the message to phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration toll-free at 1-800-3664484 or TTY/TDD 1-800-877-8339. If you lost money to a scam that started with an email, you can report the incident with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). Visit IRS. gov and enter “identity theft” in the search box to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk. If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, etc., contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039. For more information, see Publication 4535, Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance. Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the National Taxpayer Advocate helpline at 1-877-777-4778. Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) Program: An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your SSN. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS and helps verify your identity when you file your tax return. Starting in 2021, you may voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program as a proactive way to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft. Visit https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraudscams/get-an-identity-protection-pin for additional information and to access the online application. Seafarers LOG 23 �VOLUME 83, NO. 2 FEBRUARY 2021 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Mariners Fight Back During WWII Editor’s note: This is the tenth installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier segments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. (We are planning to post a PDF of the entire booklet on the SIU website once all of the text has been published here. There are probably one or two installments remaining after this month.) This one picks up right after the Liberty ship Jean Nicolet was struck by two torpedoes in the Indian Ocean in July 1944. All hands abandoned ship. Savagery Starts After 15 minutes of shelling the sub decided it wasn’t getting anywhere towards sending this stout Liberty to the bottom, so it maneuvered among the lifeboats, ordering the men aboard the deck of the U-boat, one boatload at a time, all except a tiny doughnut raft with the armed guard lieutenant, several gunners and a soldier. The first boatload of 25 were forced to kneel on the deck and have their hands tied behind them. William Musser, a Messboy, was shot and thrown overboard for no reason at all. More of the survivors were then ordered onto the sub, and those who didn’t move fast enough were clubbed on the head with rifle butts. Others were beaten with lengths of pipe, or pricked and cut with bayonets. This cruelty was kept up for nearly three hours, while the Japanese systematically took off the shoes of their captives and beat them with bayonets across the ankles and feet. Finally, the Japanese lined up on the deck of the U-boat and the captives, their hands still tied behind them, were forced to run the gauntlet. Third Assistant Charles Pyle was the first to start through, hesitating from the dreaded ordeal just long enough to be hit over the head with the butt of a gun. Blows rained down on him till he was clubbed into unconsciousness and tumbled over the side into the sea. Miraculous Survival The water revived him and after a while he managed to free his hands enough that he could keep himself afloat. Perhaps an hour later – or it might have been more – Able Seaman Stuart Vanderhurst, who had jumped clear of the U-boat before the final torture, found Mr. Pyle and cut his bonds after painstaking labor with his lifebelt knife. Together, they clung to a piece of wreckage. Sometime later, they heard the drone of a plane, a big Catalina that had responded to the Nicolet’s SOS. But as soon as the plane approached, the U-boat hastily submerged, then the air was filled with shouts and cries of the tortured, beaten men who were left on her deck. Victims Drown Some of them floundered in the water for a while, then sank. Seven others were saved by a Navy gunner who had secreted a knife in his trousers and cut their bonds in time. The Catalina returned some hours later to drop life preservers and food, then directed the SS Huxac of the Indian Navy to the spot. The survivors were picked up at 11 a.m., July 4. Of the more than 100 men on the Nicolet when she was torpedoed, only 23 survived, of which 10 were Navy gunners and three were Army passengers. Such was the way of the Japanese! Tankermen Man-made volcanoes! Tankers crammed with oil and gasoline were certainly that, and the men who rode them did so knowing full well that a torpedo, a stick of bombs from a Stuka, or a collision in convoy might set off that cargo of “lightning” in a holocaust that would take not only the ship but many – perhaps all – of her crew as well. Despite the hazard, there was no scarcity of men in the SIU-SUP to ride the “volcano fleets” on their dangerous missions ’round the world. This country furnished nearly 80 percent of all the oil and gasoline that powered the bombers, the tanks and the jeeps of World War II. It was the tankermen – the merchant sailors of the oil ships and their armed guard comrades at the guns –who delivered this “lifeblood of the battle fray.” Covered the Globe To Salerno and Murmansk they went; across the Pacific to Freemantle with fuel for our submarines; and through the buzzbomb barrage to fill the tanks at Antwerp. On all the oceans of the world plied the vital petroleum carriers; from the English Channel to the Bering Sea; from the Gulf of Maine to the Straits of Magellan off “old cape stiff.” From December 7, 1941, till V-J Day, 1945, nearly 65,000,000 tons of oil and gasoline were carried to Allied and friendly nations, to the beachheads and the fighting fronts! A special tribute is due to those men who manned the tankers on the “Abadan run,” freighting oil from the huge refineries in the Persian Gulf to Australia and, later, to MacArthur’s forces in the South Pacific. The War Shipping Administration assigned between 60 to 70 of the T-2, war-built tankers to a shuttle service between Abadan A U.S.-flag cargo ship explodes after being hit by enemy aircraft in Sicily in 1943. and the Pacific, and for the men who manned them it was an arduous run indeed. Many of the ships stayed on the service for more than a year, with the crews remaining aboard for the duration of the vessels’ assignment. It took no more than 48 hours to load in Abadan and seldom did they get ashore at the other end of the line which, likely as not, was merely a Navy fueling station at some islet of atoll in the South Pacific. Fought Back As the war years went by and the ships became more adequately armed, the submarine attacking a tanker frequently got much more then he was looking for. Tankermen paid back, in some measure, for the fearful losses suffered by their comrades of 1942. The battle put up by the Yamhill of Los Angeles Tankers (SUP) is one such instance. During a voyage to the South Pacific in 1944, a lookout on the early morning watch was amazed to spy a torpedo streaking toward them on the port side. As soon as he yelled the alarm, the man at the wheel swung the helm hard over and the “tin fish” missed the stern by less than six feet. The alarm was still ringing as 80 merchant seamen and Navy gunners ran to battle stations. While the guns were being manned, a second torpedo sped at the Yamhill, only to miss when the vessel was again maneuvered out of the way by a deft turn of the helm. Three more torpedoes were fired by the unseen sub and they all missed. Determined that such a fat prize should not get away after this lavish waste of costly torpedoes, the submarine broke the surface close by on the starboard side, its crew pouring out of the conning tower to man the big gun on the forward deck. Hair-Line Misses Survivors of the SS Alcoa Guide sinking are pictured by a fellow mariner aboard a lifeboat in 1942. Even as the Yamhill turned sharply about to present her stern to the raider, two shells missed by a short distance, splashing into the sea. The tanker’s gunners then answered the fire, and saw their shells skip over the raider’s deck so close that the Japanese must have shivered from the breeze. Their next shot was just short of the target. They had bracketed her now and another shot would do it! But the Japanese didn’t give them time. Knowing the attacked was now the attacker, they deserted their gun and hurried below decks as fast as they could scramble. Before the Yamhill’s gun crew could get in another shot, water was foaming around the U-boat’s nose as it made a hurried plunge toward the bottom. Less than an hour later, however, the sub was up again several miles away and the Japanese fired some 60 shells, and a long-range gun duel developed in which the tankermen scored another near miss. For miles the two vessels kept company, the Japanese changing course every time that Captain Phillip Shinn turned the Yamhill on a different heading. The Japanese were determined to sink their oil-laden prey. Aid From The Skies Just when darkness was approaching, and the sub would have the necessary cover for a close-up torpedo attack, there was the drone of an approaching plane, responding to the Yamhill’s SOS. This time the Japanese submerged and stayed down for good and, with a PBY for escort, the Yamhill delivered her cargo of oil safely to Navy bases in the Far East. A dangerous assignment it was, riding the tankers that carried high octane aviation gasoline, for along with dynamite, this was the tenderest cargo on the seas. Torpedoes that hit such vessels could – and often did – destroy them with an amazing completeness. High octane gasoline caused the end of the SS Jacksonville, a Deconhil tanker. She was torpedoed when almost at the end of a trans-Atlantic voyage on August 30, 1944, blowing up with but two survivors out of the entire crew of merchant seamen and Navy gunners. Fireman Frank Hodges was sitting in the crew’s messroom at 4 p.m. on the fatal day, as the Jacksonville approached the coast of Ireland in convoy. He was just about to go down into the engineroom on watch when there was a terrific explosion that shook the vessel from bow to stern. Running out on the deck, Hodges saw that the Jacksonville had become almost completely enveloped in flames within a matter of seconds. He ran toward a lifeboat, but a wall of fire leaped up in front of him as though by magic, dazing him with it searing heat. Realizing that the boats would never be launched, he ran to the rail and jumped over the stern into cold water that sucked away his Continued on Page 15 � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource Headlines: NEW DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT HAS MAJOR MARITIME COMPONENTS NASSCO LAUNCHES USNS JOHN LEWIS TALLYING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES ELECTION RESULTS SLNC SEVERN REFLAGS UNDER STARS & STRIPES GREAT LAKES TOWING CHRISTENS 2 TUGS NEW CON-RO MATSONIA POISED TO JOIN SIU FLEET NOTICE CONCERNING RECENT MARINE SAFETY INFO. BULLETINS USDA APPROVES VACCINES FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC DOESN'T STOP SIU PHILANTHROPY MARINERS FIGHT BACK DURING WWII 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 02/01/2021 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 83, No. 2 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5d630accf228c98e35f85160b723e778.pdf 1143b9dbe0f8384968e41d980fe2aa44 PDF Text Text MARCH 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 3 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O ‘The President Will Continue to be A Strong Advocate for the Jones Act’ Executive Order Reaffirms Support Page 3 President Joe Biden (right) on Jan. 25 signed an action titled, “Executive Order on Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers,” commonly referred to as Buy American. Significantly, the order specifies support for the Jones Act, a crucial maritime law that helps maintain approximately 650,000 American jobs. A screen capture of the online version of the order is directly below. Page 3 President Joe Biden Remembering John Sweeney The labor movement mourns the passing of AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney, who died Feb. 1 at age 86. Sweeney (right) is pictured at a Maritime Trades Department convention in 2009. “John Sweeney was a legend, plain and simple,” said AFLCIO President Richard Trumka. “He was guided into unionism by his Catholic faith, and not a single day passed by when he didn’t put the needs of working people first. John viewed his leadership as a spiritual calling, a divine act of solidarity in a world plagued by distance and division. He used work as a way to apply his values, consistently exhibiting grit over flash and pursuing progress instead of posturing.” Page 5. Final Installment: The Seafarers in World War II Last May, the LOG began reprinting full segments of John Bunker’s “The Seafarers in World War II,” recapping the heroic service of SIU members. Turn to the back page for the last section of Bunker’s historic piece. Pictured directly below is the ill-fated, SIU-crewed Henry Bacon. Seafarers Volunteer In Puerto Rico A coalition including the SIU, AFT, SIU-contracted companies and other groups has joined together to deliver tens of thousands of free books to students in Puerto Rico, Guam and Alaska. Last month, SIU volunteers (including those pictured above) unloaded more than 6,000 books from Crowley at the hiring hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. See Page 6 for additional photos. ‘Workers First Agenda’ Page 4 COVID-19 Vaccine News Page 6 �President’s Report Union is Strength The government’s annual report on union membership in the United States didn’t necessarily include any big surprises. Published each year by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the most recent document showed a decline in overall union membership (undoubtedly caused at least in part by the pandemic) and an increase in the percentage of workers belonging to unions. That’s because more unrepresented workers were laid off when the pandemic hit (naturally, since there are more non-union workers). We report on the specific numbers elsewhere in this edition, but a couple of items jump out at me. One, union members continue to earn more money on average and enjoy better benefits than their unrepresented counterparts. This has been the case with every report for as long as I can remember. Michael Sacco But, secondly, the overall number of union members would be a lot higher if there weren’t so much illegal interference in many organizing campaigns. Reliable polling from the last few years has shown historically high, favorable views of organized labor. Most people would join a union if given a chance. Yet the membership numbers basically fluctuate only a little from year to year, sometimes increasing, sometimes declining. The remedy is contained in legislation recently reintroduced in both the House and Senate. The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act aims to level the playing field in representation elections. The reason our country needs this bill is because our labor laws have slowly but steadily eroded over many decades. It has become the norm for employers to get away with bending or breaking the rules during organizing campaigns, to the point where it’s blatantly unfair to the employees. This isn’t about forcing people to join a union, because no one wants that. But workers should have a fair chance to decide for themselves, free from threats by the company, free from captive-audience meetings, and free from retribution by the employer. We have a real opportunity to get this legislation passed, and the AFL-CIO has identified it as a top priority. President Biden, a selfproclaimed “union guy” whom we’ve worked with for many years, supports the bill. As a topic, labor-law reform probably sounds boring. What’s important, though, is the results it will generate: better wages, safer workplaces, and a stronger voice for all workers. This is long overdue, and the SIU will do our part to help make it happen. More on Vaccines As we all continue learning about COVID-19 vaccines, I’m repeating a message from last month, for anyone who missed it. There is no doubt the vaccines are effective, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of questions about them. Will we be advised to take them every year? Will they protect against all the different strains of the virus? Like I said, there’s no shortage of questions. But the vaccines approved by our government work, and that’s why I’ve been signed up and ready to get my shots for a while. I have no personal hesitation whatsoever. The SIU will take a sensible, fair approach as vaccines become more readily available. We will respect individual rights while also taking the most prudent steps to protect you, your shipmates and your families. Meanwhile, keep your guard up and follow the safety protocols that probably are becoming second nature by now. I’ve been saying for almost a year, we’ll get through this pandemic together. We’re getting closer and we’ve got to stay vigilant. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 3 March 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Strong Maritime Support Evident in House Hearing Panelists: Prioritize Mariners for Vaccination While the subject matter is complicated, the upshot from a recent House hearing is crystal clear: America relies on a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, and with that in mind, the industry deserves prioritization during the pandemic. Many other pro-maritime comments were voiced Feb. 9 during a hearing titled, “State of the U.S. Maritime Industry: Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The hearing was conducted by the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. Several House members were present in the hearing room in the nation’s capital, while others participated remotely, as did the panelists. Testifying were Crowley Maritime Senior Vice President Mike Roberts, on behalf of the American Maritime Partnership (AMP, to which the SIU is affiliated); Jim Patti, president of Maritime Institute for Research And Industrial Development, on behalf of USA Maritime (also an SIU affiliate); Mario Cordero, chairman of the board of directors, American Association of Port Authorities; Ben Bordelon, chairman of the Shipbuilders Council of America; Lauren K. Brand, president of the National Association of Waterfront Employers; and Del Wilkins, president, Illinois Marine Towing. In respective opening statements, U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), chair of the full committee, and U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California), subcommittee chairman, expressed unwavering support for the industry. DeFazio stated, “In the year since the virus was first detected in the United States, the maritime industry has endured significant hardships and has experienced substantial impacts to business. It is vitally important that this committee understand how the pandemic has affected the reliability and efficiency of our maritime industry and its workers, the gaps that still exist in protecting the workforce from the virus, the lessons that have been learned from the federal government’s response to the pandemic so far, and potential next steps to better protect the maritime industry and workforce from COVID-19 and any future public health crisis we may confront…. “The situation is complicated by the fact that certain portions of the industry were not faring well before the pandemic,” he continued. “The internationally trading fleet for instance, has shrunk to a paltry 85 vessels and carries less than 1.5% of the goods entering and exiting our ports. Without a robust U.S.-flag maritime industry, we would not have the mariners needed go to war or supply our internationally deployed members of the military…. The economy cannot recover without a working maritime supply chain.” Carbajal briefly reviewed the key components of American-flag shipping and then added his support for the nation’s freight cabotage law. “The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 or Jones Act safeguards our country and economy and provides guaranteed work to American mer- U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California) chant mariners; ensuring government and civilian goods, people and equipment are carried by U.S.flagged ships and U.S. citizens,” he said. “In my district, which encompasses Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, and portions of Ventura County, maritime and seafaring is an essential way of life.” He also noted that throughout the pandemic, vessel operators “have had to shoulder the burden of the increased costs of new safety measures, acquiring protective gear and complying with public health measures while other industries have received federal assistance. Requests for assistance have gone unanswered while demand on our ports and cargo carrying U.S. fleet only increases as American commerce increases. I applaud President Biden for affirming support for the Jones Act; the industry needs strong federal support in order to weather this storm.” Roberts, speaking for the coalition that represents all segments of the domestic maritime industry, mentioned that the Jones Act supports around 650,000 American jobs while contributing $150 billion each year to the nation’s economy. “The reason we have a Jones Act can be encompassed in one word – security,” Roberts stated. “The coastwise laws of the U.S. are essential to the continued economic security of the U.S. transportation system and to the maintenance of a U.S.-flag fleet to support that system. The Jones Act ensures that American mariners are constantly on the watch on our inland waterways, promoting homeland security. And finally, the Jones Act is critical to ensuring that our country has both the mariners and the sealift capacity to go to war, which is essential to our national security. “The value of the Jones Act is even clearer during this pandemic,” he continued. “As can be seen by the breakdown of the supply chain for basic medical goods at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, America cannot be wholly dependent on foreign countries for our basic needs. The Jones Act ensures that America will have the ability to transport our own goods by water and a defense industrial base that is not hamstrung by unfair foreign competition. Today’s domestic U.S.-flag fleet has proven its capabilities to meet the demands of the pandemic, and our mariners have risen to the call of their essential worker status.” Roberts said that while American mariners and vessels will continue to deliver, “there is more the government can do to support America’s maritime frontline workers to help keep them safe and able to keep domestic supply chains intact.” He said the emergence of the offshore wind industry holds great promise for American-flag shipping, and then pivoted to China’s investment in maritime. “China’s shipping and shipbuilding industries have experienced dramatic growth in recent years, fueled by its export economy and extraordinary support from the Chinese government,” Roberts noted. “The result is a Chinese commercial maritime industry that puts U.S. national security interests at risk both in peacetime and in the event of conflict. Americans have learned during the pandemic that depending on China for face masks and other critical supplies is not in our country’s best interest. America must develop a thoughtful and effective policy response to China’s maritime ambitions. A growing number of experts and scholars have begun to do this, and have found, among other things, that the starting place for such a policy is to reinforce and expand support for the American domestic maritime industry and the Jones Act.” Roberts said in regard to the pandemic, the most important step requested by the industry as a whole is “to prioritize mariners for the COVID-19 vaccination and, in the interim, ensure that mariners have access to rapid testing. We were grateful that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recognized the importance of the maritime industry and ensured that maritime workers were broadly covered as part of the critical infrastructure guidance released in March. That recognition allowed the industry to continue operating but did nothing to help reduce the risk of coronavirus exposure while continuing the work. We also appreciate very much that Federal Maritime Commissioners Maffei and Bentzel recently urged the Biden Administration to priContinued on Page 9 March 2021 �President Biden Specifies Jones Act In ‘Buy American’ Executive Order Administration Commits to Investing in U.S. Workers, Companies Only in office for six days, President Joe Biden confirmed his career-long support for the Jones Act by specifically including the nation’s freight cabotage law in his “Buy American” executive order. Issued Jan. 25, the order states: “Reiterates the President’s strong support for the Jones Act. The President will continue to be a strong advocate for the Jones Act and its mandate that only U.S.-flag vessels carry cargo between U.S. ports, which supports American production and America’s workers. With the signing of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, the Jones Act has also been affirmed as an opportunity to invest in America’s workers as we build offshore renewable energy, in line with the President’s goals to build our clean energy future here in America.” SIU President Michael Sacco applauded Biden’s recognition of the importance of the Jones Act so early in his administration. “The Jones Act provides family-supporting, quality jobs to not just mariners but all kinds of American workers in the 50 states and Puerto Rico,” stated Sacco. “President Biden stood up for American mariners as a U.S. senator and as vice president. He knows we deliver the goods around the country and the world.” The executive order calls for federal dollars to be spent on goods made by American workers using domestic content. It also attempts to close loopholes that have allowed jobs and production to be shipped out of the country. The Jones Act helps maintain nearly 650,000 American jobs across all U.S. 50 states and territories, and contributes $154 billion to the nation’s economic growth annually. Long backed by broad bipartisan majorities in Congress and top U.S. national security officials – including in a “Sense of Congress” in the recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – the Jones Act promotes the maintenance of the nation’s vitally important maritime industrial base, ensuring that American jobs are not shipped overseas and that defense capabilities and readiness aren’t outsourced to foreign nations. “While it is no surprise that the Biden Administration supports critical American industries such as American maritime, this order is an extremely important and timely statement of the administration’s policy,” said American Maritime Partnership (AMP) President Mike Roberts. “With this order, American maritime will have greater confidence for the next several years to make investments in American vessels and maritime infrastructure while furthering environmental stewardship, efficiency and support of our homeland and national security objectives. We are very grateful for the administration’s support.” In an announcement the day the directive was signed, the White House said in part, “With this order, President Biden is ensuring that when the federal government spends taxpayer dollars, they are spent on Americanmade goods…. This Executive Order fulfills President Biden’s promise to make Buy American real and close loopholes that allow companies to offshore production and jobs while still qualifying for domestic preferences. BLS Data Shows Union Job Security New data on unionization from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that in 2020, 15.9 million workers in the United States were represented by a union, a decline of 444,000 from 2019. However, while unionization levels dropped in 2020, unionization rates rose because union workers have seen less job loss than non-union workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the BLS summary of the data, “The union membership rate March 2021 “President Biden’s executive action will ensure that the federal government is investing taxpayer dollars in American businesses – both small and large. These investments will help create well-paid, union jobs, and build our economy back better so that everybody has a fair shot at the middle class. They will buy from all of America – including minority entrepreneurs and businesses in every region in our country. And, they will support the manufacturing capabilities and technology needed to build a clean energy future and strengthen our national security, and give our workers and companies the tools they need to compete globally for decades to come.” Reaction throughout the U.S. maritime industry was quick and overwhelmingly positive. American Maritime Officers National President Paul Doell stated, “The Jones Act is in and of itself the ideal example of ‘Buy American’ in principle and in practice.” “We applaud President Biden and his administration for moving aggressively to grow the U.S. maritime industry. Working together, we will put America on a road to recovery and prosperity,” said Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation. “The Jones Act is one of the nation’s strongest ‘Buy American’ laws and when you support it, you support American maritime jobs, and the entire American maritime industry, which is a critical component of our national economy and security,” said Richard Balzano, CEO, Dredging Contractors of America. Capt. Don Marcus, president of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, said, “We enthusiastically applaud this decision by President Biden to reaffirm his support for the Jones Act as a component of his administration’s commitment to strong Buy America policies. His expression of support sends a clear message that the domestic maritime industry and the thousands of union men and women who build and operate these vessels are critical to the economic and military security of our nation.” “The White House has taken unprecedented action that supports the Great Lakes economy and homeland security. This executive order creates jobs and protects the pilot light of the nation’s manufacturing base, which is the Great Lakes maritime industry,” said Jim Weakley, president, Lake Carriers’ Association. “The Biden Administration’s strong support for the Jones Act recognizes the cornerstone of our American maritime policy, which has worked for over a century in strengthening our national and economic security,” said Adam Vokac, president, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association. “Speaking for the 2,000 essential workers at Matson, who have worked through uncertainty and the daily realities of a pandemic to ensure that our most remote American communities and military installations in Hawaii, Alaska and Guam receive uninterrupted delivery of the food and supplies they need to sustain everyday life, hearing this support from the White House means a lot,” said Matt Cox, chairman and CEO of for women increased by 0.8 percentage point to 10.5 percent, and the rate for men was up by 0.2 percentage point to 11.0 percent. The large declines in nonunion employment among both men and women put upward pressure on their union membership rates.” The yearly study also found, once again, that union members on average earned more money and enjoyed better benefits than their unrepresented counterparts. Nonunion workers had median weekly earnings that were 84 percent of earnings for workers who were union members ($958 versus $1,144). In the private sector, eight million workers were represented by a union SIU President Michael Sacco (right) greets then-United States Vice President Joe Biden in early 2009, at a meeting of the AFL-CIO Executive Council. Seafarers-contracted Matson, Inc. “We applaud ‘Buy American’ as it recognizes our U.S. maritime workers who are committed to serving and securing our nation’s critical supply chains,” said George W. Pasha IV of SIU-contracted Pasha Hawaii and The Pasha Group. “President Biden’s quick, decisive action in supporting the Jones Act during his first week in office demonstrates his strong commitment to the 650,000 Americans working in the domestic maritime industry,” said James L. Henry, chairman, Transportation Institute. “The swift issuance of this executive order emphasizing ‘Buy American’ is an affirmation of President Biden’s longstanding support of policies that promote the domestic maritime industry. We applaud this recognition of the important role our industry plays in supporting American jobs, contributing to the growth of our nation’s economy and meeting the needs of those we reliably serve,” said Tim Nolan, president and CEO of Seafarers-contracted in 2020, a decline of 544,000. The biggest losses were in leisure and hospitality (-177,000) and manufacturing (-134,000). In the public sector, 7.9 million workers were represented by a union in 2020, an increase of 100,000. The increase was entirely among state government workers. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka stated, “In 2020, America saw working people in a new light, as the true engines of our economy and the trusted servants who can carry us through a crisis. While last year was filled with unemployment and economic pain because of a deadly pandemic and the incompetent federal response to it, union density rose. We believe this increase TOTE, LLC. The order begins, “The dollars the federal government spends on goods and services are a powerful tool to support American workers and manufacturers. Contracting alone accounts for nearly $600 billion in federal spending. Federal law requires government agencies to give preferences to American firms, however, these preferences have not always been implemented consistently or effectively. And, some of these requirements, which shape how the government preferences domestic goods and services in what it buys, have not been substantially updated since 1954, during the Eisenhower Administration. It is long overdue that the U.S. government utilizes the full force of current domestic preferences to support America’s workers and businesses, strengthening our economy, workers, and communities across the country. The President is taking action to reset the U.S. government’s longstanding approach to domestic preferences to create an approach that will remain durable for years to come and grow quality, union jobs….” is part of a national groundswell. The popularity of unions is at 65%, one of the highest marks in a half-century, and research shows that more than 60 million workers would vote to join a union today if given the chance. The inauguration of President Joe Biden, who showed on his first day he is willing to fight for working people’s safety and to get union busters out of government, presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to finally create an environment where what workers desire truly drives union density. And that requires passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act so that our labor laws support and protect the freedom to form a union.” Seafarers LOG 3 �Trumka: Workers First Agenda Will Build Sustainable Economy, Stronger Democracy Editor’s note: AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on January 12 held a press call to introduce the Workers First Agenda to fight back against COVID-19 and build an economy that puts more power and prosperity into the hands of working people. The federation president also discussed the role the labor movement has in preserving democracy in the aftermath of the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, incited by President Trump. Following are his remarks in their entirety. “I’m excited to talk about our Workers First Agenda, but I want to start with a few words about what happened in Washington last week. And in particular, why it matters to working people. “The future of America’s labor movement is intertwined with the fate of democracy. Our democracy is not promised on a piece of paper. It’s up to us. It lives in us. It’s personal for us. “Unions both thrive on and contribute to democracy. “What happened at the Capitol was the result of many things. Economic and political systems failing to serve the majority of working people. The Electoral College being so arcane that a president and members of Congress thought they could manipulate the rules to steal an election. Fear. Hate. Disinformation. Conspiracies. And yes, white supremacy. “If striking workers stormed the Capitol, tactical teams would have been deployed in seconds. And if people of color had crossed the barricades, a massacre would have followed. “Last week was a new low for the outgoing administration. An administration that has driven America to the brink of depression and civil war. Americans are shocked, but we should not be surprised. And we cannot give a pass to a president responsible for sedition. “That is why the AFL-CIO’s general board called on President Trump to resign or to be removed from office. He incited this insurrection. He pushed judges and lawmakers to overturn democratic election results. He knew exactly what he was doing. “There was no voter fraud—we all know that. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz know that. Even Trump knows that. Trump is outraged because Black and Brown Americans voted, and their votes counted. In cities like Atlanta and Detroit and Philadelphia, Americans of all creeds and colors voted against Trump and for a Workers First Agenda. “An agenda that has newfound momentum with last week’s victories in Georgia. “A pro-worker House. A pro-worker Senate. And the most pro-worker president since Lyndon Johnson. What a great opportunity. And what a great responsibility. “Today, we are unveiling the Workers First Agenda. It is bold, comprehensive and exactly what America needs to meet this moment of pain and uncertainty. “At the center of this agenda is the PRO Act—Protecting the Right to Organize. This worker empowerment legislation would allow millions to freely and fairly form a union. So we can raise wages and expand health care. So we can make workplaces safer and retirement more secure. So we through bold, structural change. As part of that change, he suggested that the administration start with the following five priorities: Worker Empowerment Because stronger unions are essential to addressing the multiple crises facing America, we will urge the new administration to have a plan ready on Day One to enact the PRO Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act; create an interagency task force on collective bargaining; and rescind executive orders undermining collective bargaining. Richard Trumka President , AFL-CIO can expand opportunities for women, immigrants, people of color and the LGBTQ community. “The PRO Act is more than labor law reform legislation. It’s an economic stimulus bill. It’s a civil rights package. So we are going to fight like hell to pass it. An MIT study shows that more than 60 million Americans would join a union today if they could. And that number has increased during this pandemic. “No American should ever have to choose between our health and a paycheck. That is why workers’ safety is another priority of our agenda. We will never get this pandemic under control if we cannot protect working people. That starts with emergency COVID19 OSHA and MSHA standards so we can protect workers from this virus. We must also expand access to free vaccines and rapid testing, and ensure an adequate supply of PPE by executive order and through the Defense Production Act. And it is long past time to guarantee paid sick days, paid family leave and child care for all working people. None of this is controversial—just common sense. More than 325,000 Americans are dead. “Worker safety is how we begin to beat the virus. Investment in good jobs—union jobs—and infrastructure built by union workers is how we start to recover from it. Strengthening worker power and rebuilding America’s crumbling infrastructure is at the core of Joe Biden’s Build Back Better agenda. These promises resonate with our members, especially after Trump promised us the moon and gave us the shaft. It is time to invest trillions of dollars—that’s trillions with a T—to rebuild our roads, bridges, schools and energy systems with union wages and standards. “And as we start to rebuild, we must remember that any hope for recovery is impos- Bill Aims for Fairness In Organizing Drives The PRO Act is back. Viewed as the most pro-worker labor law legislation in more than 85 years, the bill formally was introduced Feb. 4 by House and Senate Democratic leaders. The House passed the same bill (Protecting the Right to Organize Act) during the prior Congress, but the Senate never conducted a hearing on it. President Biden tweeted his support for the legislation, which would overturn 4 Seafarers LOG decades of anti-worker court and National Labor Relations Board rulings, and make organizing, winning elections and bargaining first contracts easier and fairer for employees. It would also increase fines for corporate labor law-breaking, make court orders against violators easier to obtain, and void the labor law provision that approves so-called “right to work” laws. The PRO Act is organized labor’s top priority, after coronavirus economic aid, in sible without equity. That is why racial justice is a key component of this agenda. Structural racial inequity exists in nearly every facet of our country. Our workplaces, our health care system, our criminal justice system. This has always been true but never been clearer. It’s why the incoming administration should appoint a racial equity czar. We need someone dedicated to leading an interagency task force that directly addresses racial injustice in all the places it exists. “And we need to rebuild the safety net for everyone who lives and works here. That means economic security for everybody. Health care security. Retirement security. Food and housing security. This will never be a reality if we don’t strengthen Social Security or shore up multiemployer pensions. If we don’t lower prescription drug prices and lower the Medicare eligibility age to 50. If we don’t strengthen existing health care protections or rebuild the broken unemployment system. “Look, none of this will be easy, but all of it is necessary. When Americans casted their ballots in this seminal election, this is what they voted for. This is why working people poured our blood, sweat and tears into this campaign season. We did it to win a Workers First Agenda. “I started working in the mines as a teenager and have been a union member ever since. America’s labor movement has never been more united than we are today. “In one week and one day, Joe Biden will be inaugurated. We are ready to work with him every day that follows. To heal our country. To empower working people. And to build a sustainable economy and a stronger democracy for generations to come.” Trumka urged the Biden administration and Congress to seize this opportunity to transform the lives of working people the new Biden-Harris administration and the Democratic-run Congress. “Every American deserves the dignity and respect that comes with the right to union organize and collectively bargain,” Biden tweeted. “The policy of our government is to encourage union organizing, and employers should ensure their workers have a free and fair choice to join a union.” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka hailed the measure’s introduction, while warning Democrats it’s time to back up their words with deeds and pass it. He added workers would mobilize for support. “We will make our case in every state and every congressional district, to elected leaders across the political spectrum,” Trumka said. “But make no mistake, this is a test for Democrats. After decades of disappointment, it’s time for the party of FDR to finish what he started.” Worker Safety and the Pandemic The most immediate focus of 2021 will be bringing the COVID-19 pandemic under control, starting by guaranteeing access for all workers to free vaccines and rapid testing; issuing emergency COVID-19 standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration; signing an executive order under the Defense Production Act to ensure adequate supply of personal protective equipment; and ensuring paid sick days, paid family leave and child care for all workers. Good Jobs and Public Investment The first order of legislative business in 2021 will be the next COVID-19 bill, which must include $1 trillion in flexible grants for state and local governments. But we must begin now to focus on “building back better,” starting with a multitrillion-dollar infrastructure package and federal labor standards and domestic sourcing requirements for clean energy projects. Other priorities for promoting good jobs include rescinding the Trump Labor Department’s anti-worker regulations; raising labor standards for all jobs supported by federal funding; eradicating workplace discrimination; reforming Wall Street; making the global economy work for working people; building a more just immigration system; increasing public investment; and making the wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share in taxes. Racial Justice and Democracy The racial justice crisis is intimately connected to the ongoing public health and economic crises. We will urge the administration to appoint a “racial equity czar” to lead an interagency task force to survey and address the structural racial equity issues in jobs, health care, criminal justice and policing that have become more apparent during the ongoing COVID-19 crises. The Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol also underscored the pressing need for racial justice and democracy reform. Economic Security We will urge Congress and the new administration to address America’s continuing economic security crisis by providing pension funding relief; increasing Social Security benefits across the board; reducing prescription drug prices; lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 50; creating a public option; strengthening the Affordable Care Act; rebuilding the unemployment insurance system; and establishing postal banking. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-New York) and House Education and Labor Committee Chair Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) promptly jumped on board after Senate Labor Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Washington) unveiled the PRO Act. Retired Americans Executive Director Richard Fiesta noted, “Employers are now routinely denying workers their basic right to join with co-workers for fairness on the job, and the ability to negotiate for better pay and benefits has eroded. It is no surprise that more and more Americans feel squeezed financially and are afraid that a secure retirement is out of reach. We must update labor laws so everyone can safely organize and join a union.” Neither Murray nor Scott set hearing dates for the legislation. March 2021 �AFL-CIO President Emeritus Sweeney Dies AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney, who led an era of transformative change in America’s labor movement, passed away Feb. 1 at age 86. “I had the honor and privilege of working closely with John Sweeney during his leadership of the AFL-CIO,” said President Joe Biden. “Time and again over the many years of our friendship, I saw how lifting up the rights, voices, and dignity of working Americans was more than a job to him. It was a sacred mission. It was a calling. “The work he led, from the factory floors of the garment workers early in his career to the highest corridors of power as a national labor leader, embodied the vital role that unions play in delivering greater wages and benefits for working people – union and nonunion alike,” Biden added. “May God bless John Sweeney, a giant of the American labor movement, and a good man.” Sweeney was one of four children born to Irish immigrants in a working-class Bronx neighborhood shortly after the Great Depression. His parents, James and Agnes Sweeney, worked as a bus driver and a domestic worker, respectively. Sweeney always understood the struggles and the pride of working people. “John Sweeney was a legend, plain and simple,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “He was guided into unionism by his Catholic faith, and not a single day passed by when he didn’t put the needs of working people first. John viewed his leadership as a spiritual calling, a divine act of solidarity in a world plagued by distance and division. He used work as a way to apply his values, consistently exhibiting grit over flash and pursuing progress instead of posturing.” “John was very dedicated to improving the lives of working people,” said SIU President Michael Sacco, a fellow New Yorker and longtime friend. “He came from a humble background and rose to the top of the labor movement. But he never, never forgot where he came from. “John was right at home on a shop floor, in a union meeting or at the White House. His priority always was the workers and their families,” Sacco added. “We both came up through the ranks – in tough times and good. He was always the same person and a great leader. We shall miss him deeply.” Sweeney was a member of the SIUaffiliated Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board while president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) from 1984 until his election to lead the AFL-CIO in 1995. He addressed MTD conventions in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2005 and 2009. President Obama awarded Sweeney the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010. Former President Bill Clinton called Sweeney “a force for inclusion and activism.” Sweeney was interested in politics from childhood. His mother took him to see Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s funeral train. He often spoke about his father’s loyalty to his union, the Transport Workers Union (TWU), and its colorful president, Mike Quill, with a sense of what it did for his family. Sweeney met his wife, Maureen Power, while working on a political campaign. He ran for and was elected Democratic district leader and volunteered for John Kennedy’s presidential campaign. But it was in the labor movement where it all came together for him. As a young man, Sweeney held jobs as a grave-digger and building porter while studying economics at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, where he joined a union for the first time. Sweeney was exposed to Catholic social teaching from an early age, including the Xavier Labor Biden Taps Pro-Worker Nominees For Pair of Key Cabinet Positions The new administration’s cabinet is taking shape, and it includes pro-maritime, pro-worker nominees. On Jan. 8, then-President-elect Joe Biden chose Boston Mayor and former president of the Laborers Union Local 223 Marty Walsh as his U.S. Labor Secretary. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said in a statement, “Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will be an exceptional labor secretary for the same reason he was an outstanding mayor: He carried the tools. As a longtime union member, Walsh knows that collective bargaining is essential to building back better by combating inequality, beating COVID-19 and expanding opportunities for immigrants, women and people of color. He will have the ear of the White House, the cabinet and Congress as we work to increase union density and create a stronger, fairer America. From the Boston Building and Construction Trades Council to the Massachusetts State House to the mayor’s office to his own personal journey … Marty Walsh has always been a fighter who understands the power of working people standing together for a better life.” According to Biden, “Marty understands, like I do, that the middle class built this country and unions built the middle class. He sees how union workers have been holding this country together during this crisis.” During his confirmation hearing, Walsh told senators that he grew up in a union family, and the health insurance his father had through the union paid for Walsh’s medical care through a bout with childhood lymphoma and helping him beat alcoholism. The experience “informs my deep beliefs in the mission of the Labor Department” and the value of unions, he said. Walsh stated, “We can defend workers’ March 2021 rights, we can strengthen collective bargaining. We can grow union membership. We can create millions of good-paying jobs with investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and in high-tech manufacturing, along with the workforce training to help get those people into those good jobs.” If confirmed, the former mayor is the first union cardholder serving as U.S. Labor Secretary in approximately 50 years. On Dec. 13, Biden announced his nomination for U.S. Secretary of Transportation as former Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “Jobs, infrastructure, equity, and climate all come together at the DOT, the site of some of our most ambitious plans to build back better,” Biden said in the announcement. “I trust Mayor Pete to lead this work with focus, decency, and a bold vision – he will bring people together to get big things done.... We selected Pete for transportation because the department is at the intersection of some of our most ambitious plans.” Buttigieg accepted the nomination, saying, “Americans shouldn’t settle for less than our peers in the developed world when it comes to our roads and bridges, railways, and transit systems. The U.S. should lead the way, and in this administration, we will.” He was confirmed in February. Buttigieg quickly went on record with praise for the Jones Act during his confirmation hearing, saying in response to a question from Sen. Maria Cantwell (DWashington), “I share your support for the Jones Act. It is so important to a maritime industry that creates hundreds of thousands of jobs and the shipbuilding industry here in the United States.” Buttigieg was confirmed by the Senate in a bipartisan 86-13 vote on Feb. 2. At press time, Walsh’s nomination has not yet been acted upon by the Senate. While a Maritime Administrator has School, whose head was the inspiration for the priest in the film “On the Waterfront.” He worked throughout his career to forge alliances between Catholic leaders and the labor movement. Sweeney took a position as a researcher with the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union, a predecessor to UNITE HERE. During this time, Sweeney connected with the Building Service Employees International Union, known today as the Service Employees International Union or SEIU. Sweeney worked his way up the ranks of Local 32B, winning election as president in 1976. He merged 32B, the union for male janitors, with 32J, the union of female janitors, in 1977, forming the powerful Local 32BJ – which now represents hundreds of thousands of building service workers throughout the East Coast. The merger got them a unified contract. As president of 32BJ, Sweeney led several successful citywide strikes, winning better wages, benefits and other contract improvements. This led to his election as SEIU international president in 1980. Sweeney transformed the SEIU – dedicating one-third of the union’s budget to new worker organizing and doubling its membership over the next decade. He focused on winning new collective bargaining for low-wage workers and was a champion for immigrant rights. In 1995, Sweeney led an insurgent campaign to capture the presidency of America’s labor federation, the AFL-CIO. Running on a New Voice ticket with United Mine Workers of America President Trumka and AFSCME International Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson (in the newly created position of executive vice president), paving the way for the first person of color in the federation’s highest ranks, Sweeney was swept into office on a promise of bold change and a recommitment to worker or- John Sweeney AFL-CIO President Emeritus ganizing. As president, Sweeney pushed the labor movement to become more diverse and take on issues of civil rights, racial justice and gender equality. He was deliberate about recruiting and supporting strong women as senior staff members, modeling diversity for the labor movement. Sweeney also built the AFL-CIO into a political powerhouse, electing pro-worker champions and fighting for union-friendly policies at all levels of government. He retired from the AFL-CIO in 2009 after nearly 60 years in the labor movement. He is survived by his wife, Maureen; their children, John and Patricia; a granddaughter, Kennedy; and sisters, Cathy Hammill and Peggy King. He is preceded in death by his brother, James Sweeney. yet to be nominated, Lucinda Lessley has been appointed to the position of Deputy Maritime Administrator, and is the Acting Administrator. Previously, Lessley worked in the House of Representatives for approximately 16 years. Most recently, she was Senior Investigator with the House Committee on Homeland Security. As stated in a joint letter from USA Maritime, a coalition of maritime community partners including the SIU, “We are extremely pleased with the appointment of Lucinda Lessley, who has a proven track record and extensive background in support of the U.S. maritime industry as a longtime professional staff member on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation. Throughout her career, Ms. Lessley has been a champion of the U.S.flag industry, just like her mentor the late Representative Elijah Cummings, a dear friend and outspoken advocate for the American mariner during his time in the United States Congress. The Maritime Administration is charged with the promotion of the U.S.-flag merchant marine, improving maritime infrastructure, and supporting our nation’s sealift capabilities for national security. As such, we are confident Ms. Lessley’s leadership will help ensure our nation has the U.S.-flag vessels and American mariners needed to provide the commercial sealift readiness capability relied upon by the Department of Defense and to enhance the military, economic and homeland security of the United States.” As of press time, President Biden’s confirmed cabinet members include Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Mayor Marty Walsh speaks at AFSCME’s 43rd International Convention in Boston on July 18, 2018 Pete Buttigieg Secretary of Transportation Seafarers LOG 5 �CDC Dubs COVID-19 Vaccines Safe, Effective Editor’s note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted the following information. There will be no financial cost to eligible Seafarers or their dependents (anyone covered through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan) for the administration of the vaccine. The vaccine itself is covered by the U.S. government. Claims for receiving the vaccine may be filed through either the member’s medical plan or (for those eligible for both medical and pharmacy coverage through the SHBP) his or her pharmacy benefit, whichever is more convenient. If the vaccine is received in Puerto Rico, the claim must be filed under the medical benefit. You can help stop the pandemic by getting a COVID-19 vaccine. To stop this pandemic, we need to use all our prevention tools. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect your health and prevent disease. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed (also called “immunity”). In the coming months, doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics will offer COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor’s office or local pharmacy may have contacted you with information about their vaccine plans. If not, you can contact your state or local health department to find out when and where vaccines will be available in your community. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective The U.S. vaccine safety system makes sure that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Learn how the federal government is working to en- Members Approve Contract at Inland Lakes Management Seafarers recently ratified a new collective bargaining agreement that boosts wages while maintaining benefits. A four-year contract has been reached between the SIU and Inland Lakes Management, Inc. (ILM). ILM operates self-unloading bulk carriers which transport cement on the Great Lakes. The agreement provides for a substantial lump sum payment in year one, in lieu of wage increases, and significant wage increases in each of the pact’s three remaining years. The agreement maintains the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and the Seafarers Pension Plan benefits at the top respective levels. The contract also maintains the current level of Seafarers Vacation Plan benefit, and the stipulations that facilitate training and upgrading at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. The SIU negotiating committee consisted of Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell and Port Agent Todd Brdak. The SIU membership employed by ILM unanimously ratified the contract. According to SIU Vice President Bryan Powell, “It took some time, but I’m happy to report that despite the challenges to the business and ILM in the past year, the company has worked hard with the union to hammer out a fair deal, maintaining all current benefits and providing a decent wage package and some enhancements.” sure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. CDC has developed a new tool, vsafe, to help us quickly find any safety issues with COVID-19 vaccines. V-safe is a smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines. Download the v-safe app after you are vaccinated! Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Experts also think that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. These vaccines cannot give you the disease. COVID-19 vaccine will be free for you. The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to people living in the United States. However, your vaccination provider may bill your insurance company, Medicaid, or Medicare for an administration fee. After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. These are normal signs that your body is building protection. The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities. Most of these side effects should go away in a few days. You will still need to wear a mask and socially distance after getting each shot of the vaccine for now. As experts learn more about how COVID-19 vaccination may help reduce spread of the disease, CDC will continue to use the latest science to update the recommendations for protecting communities. Union-Contracted Companies Announce Venture Involving Offshore Wind Energy Two Seafarers-contracted companies recently announced a joint venture into a potentially burgeoning segment of the maritime industry. “Crowley and Watco are partnering to create a singlesource terminal and supply chain management solution to support the emerging offshore wind industry,” the companies said in a joint news release early last month. “With the growing number of wind projects planned for U.S. waters, the partnership brings together industry-leading project management and logistics experts who can provide a one-stop-shop for owners, operators, and local port authorities in support of the offshore wind industry.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker stated, “Particularly in light of recent federal verification of the Jones Act applying to offshore wind farms, this announcement bodes well for the rankand-file membership. The potential is intriguing.” “This partnership will provide turnkey services for the offshore wind industry in the area of terminal management,” said Lynda Patterson, senior vice president of logistics for Watco. “Crowley and Watco will work together to leverage our respective expertise in logistics, project management, and energy support to create inno- vative solutions to meet full lifecycle project needs. “ The companies said they will collaborate to provide customized terminal design, project management, warehousing, logistics, supply chain management and equipment maintenance “through their commercial expertise and curated supply chain networks.” Crowley will provide its offshore logistics offerings through the utilization of its Jones Act-compliant fleet of vessels, engineering services and crossover expertise in oil and gas. This includes the design and operation of service operation vessels (SOVs), crew transfer vessels (CTVs), turbine maintenance, offshore substation repair and maintenance, and additional services necessary to sustain offshore wind energy operations. “Crowley and Watco are partnering to deliver safe, reliable, comprehensive lifecycle services for the offshore wind sector,” said Jeff Andreini, vice president, new energy division, Crowley. “We understand that wind power companies entering the U.S. market have big needs, including infrastructure and supply chain. We’ve engineered high performing equipment and logistics offerings to answer their needs, anchored by decades of experience to solve the challenges of both.” Seafarers Volunteer to Deliver Free Books in Puerto Rico As previously reported, a coalition including the SIU, the American Federation of Teachers, SIU-contracted Crowley, Matson and TOTE (respectively), non-profit organizations and other groups has teamed up to deliver more than 100,000 free books to students in Puerto Rico, Guam and Alaska. On Feb. 9, SIU volunteers (some are pictured below and at right) unloaded more than 6,000 bilingual STEM, SEL and pleasure-reading books from Crowley at the hiring hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The books are slated for delivery this month. Thanks to SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo for the photos. 6 Seafarers LOG March 2021 �New Administration Releases Relief Funds for Puerto Rico The White House last month took steps to release more than $6 billion dollars in aid to Puerto Rico as part of its hurricane rebuilding and climate resilience efforts. According to multiple sources, the Biden Administration on Feb.1 announced it was moving forward with plans to disburse $1.3 billion in climate disaster-related aid to the U.S. territory from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The administration also has begun to loosen restrictions on an additional $4.9 billion approved just before former President Donald Trump left office. “Today … the administration is releasing $1.3 billion dollars in aid allocated by Congress to Puerto Rico that can be deployed to protect against future climate disasters,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said during a Feb. 2 press briefing. “In partnership with the Puerto Rico Department of Public Housing, the administration is also working to remove onerous restrictions put in place by the last administration on nearly $5 billion in additional funds,” she continued. Congress approved close to $60 billion in emergency funding for the island’s recovery and reconstruction after it was decimated by Hurricane Maria. That storm made landfall in Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, 2017, as a Category 4 storm with winds up to 155 mph. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration estimated damages in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands at $90 billion, making Maria one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. It’s estimated the storm killed about 3,000 people in Puerto Rico. Other storms and several earthquakes have compounded the damage in the years since. Close to four years later, however, less than half of the $60 billion Congressionally approved aid has actually reached Puerto Rico, with $40 billion remaining unspent. In a February interview with the Washington Post, Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi said he asked senior White House officials to quickly disburse billions in hurricane disaster aid that had for years been held up by the Trump administration. Pierluisi said that he, during a recent Zoom call, urged Biden administration officials to lift strict restrictions on federal reconstruction aid that the Trump administration enacted in 2019. Democratic lawmakers in Florida and New York also encouraged President Biden to release the remaining funds to expedite the recovery effort, which has been further complicated by the coronavirus pandemic. Former President Trump and his administration frequently touted the amount of money allocated to Puerto Rico to assist with natural disaster recovery efforts. Trump himself regularly antagonized island leaders by repeatedly going after the mayor of San Juan and deriding the island as “one of the most corrupt places on Earth.” In addition, he previously questioned the death toll from the hurricane, claiming it was inflated to make him look bad. Biden’s presidential campaign website states that he will “ensure that Puerto Rico receives the federal disaster reconstruction funding that it urgently needs.” According to the White House website, Biden will not wait to address the current untenable situation in Puerto Rico, “which has resulted in the unequal treatment of the American citizens who call the island home. As President, Biden will create a federal working group for Puerto Rico which will report directly to the President to make sure Puerto Rico has the resources and technical assistance it needs not only to recover, but also to prosper. He will respect Puerto Rico and support the Island’s recovery and renewal, including by supporting a full recovery and infrastructure reconstruction to modern standards; investing in Puerto Rico’s future through economic development initiatives and support for families; providing relief from unsustainable debt; and expanding access to education and workforce development.” Notice Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan The Board of Trustees of the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan recently took steps to reduce operational expenses and thereby increase participants’ respective bottom lines. The Trustees are legally obligated to protect Plan assets while acting in the best interests of participants. One of their duties is ensuring that fees or other expenses stemming from recordkeeping and investment management are reasonable, based on the level and quality of services provided to participants. Plan fees and expenses have been paid from investment returns, computed as a percentage referred to as the expense ratio. Empower (formerly Mass Mutual) is the Plan’s recordkeeper and Morgan Stanley is the investment advisor. Recently, the Trustees conducted what amounts to a form of due diligence (technical term: reliable and trustworthy benchmark process) comparing our fund to similar ones. After a comprehensive analysis, they determined that the Plan’s recordkeeping and management fees were higher than the benchmark. Armed with that knowledge, the Administrator (authorized by the Trustees) successfully negotiated fee reductions on behalf of both Morgan Stanley and Empower. In addition, the two vendors agreed to establish and fund an Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) Budget Account with the fee savings. This account provides the Plan another vehicle to pay Plan expenses. The account will be available to pay expenses which would otherwise be borne by participants as deductions from investment returns. These expenses include the cost of insurance, auditing fees and other administrative fees associated with maintaining the Plan. In approving the establishment of the ERISA Budget Account, the Trustees firmly believe that creating a fund to defray administrative costs is in participants’ best interest, because its funds will be available to pay costs that would otherwise be charged directly against the accounts of the participants. The Trustees approved the establishment of the ERISA Budget Account with the understanding that the account was to begin paying or reimbursing eligible expenses effective January 1, 2021. If you have questions regarding these changes or want investment advice, please contact our Morgan Stanley financial advisor team at 1-800-421-5127. Spotlight on Mariner Health Travelers Increase Risk of Catching Yellow Fever When Visiting Some Tropical Areas Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through the bite of an infected female mosquito. It affects humans, other primates, and other mosquitoes. This disease is common in the tropical areas of South America and Africa, but not in Asia. Its incubation period is about three to six days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Most cases only cause mild infections. In many cases, the symptoms include fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, some muscular pains-especially in the back, and headaches. These symptoms can improve within 5 days. In about 15% of people with the illness, those who start to improve can see the fever come back and develop abdominal pains with the start of liver damage. Yellowing of the skin and eyes will also be manifested. The risk of bleeding and kidney problems can increase. While Yellow Fever cannot be cured, treatment can help. Further, it can be prevented through the use of vaccines. A safe and effective vaccine against this disease is the Yellow Fever Shot. March 2021 This vaccine has been around since the 1930’s and is recommended for people aged nine months or older. The Yellow Fever vaccine is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of the French multinational pharmaceutical company Sanofi. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company in the world devoted entirely to vaccines and is one of four global producers of the yellow fever vaccine. It is the only company licensed in the United States that makes this vaccine for distribution. Anyone visiting the former areas should receive the Yellow Fever Injection about two to 10 weeks before traveling. The World Health Organization now states that a single dose of the vaccine is sufficient to confer lifelong immunity against the disease. Besides the vaccine, people are also encouraged to use insect repellents that contains DEET when outdoors in high-risk areas. Travelers are encouraged to wear proper clothing to reduce mosquito bites which normally takes place between dusk and dawn. Everyone is advised to plan ahead and take their vaccinations before traveling to any of the areas know to be at high risk for infections. Healthy Recipe Healthy Chicken Marsala Servings 24 Ingredients 24 whole 6 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 1/2 pounds button mushroom 4 tablespoons kosher salt 4 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning 3/4 cup smart balance 11/8 cups extra virgin olive oil 3 cups marsala wine, separated 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine Preparation Season the chicken breasts with the kosher salt and Mrs. Dash In large skillet, heat 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil. Add chicken, sauté 5-7 minutes on each side. (Cook the chicken in batches.) Melt smart balance and 4 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil together over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté. Add Marsala wine. Simmer until mushrooms are tender. Pour sauce over cooked chicken breasts and serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley Per serving (excluding unknown items): 247 Calories; 12g Fat (47.2% calories from fat); 28g Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 68mg Cholesterol; 1020 mg Sodium. Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 2 Fat. (Recipe courtesy of Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) Seafarers LOG 7 �Notice With Seafarers in Jacksonville How to Obtain IGF Endorsement SIU members are sworn in for their respective full books at the monthly meeting in Jacksonville, Florida in February. From left are SA Tracey Manuel, OS Amos Porter, AB Petronio Paragas, Chief Cook Brian Peralta and GUDE Nicholas Sampson. Another Push Made for Crew Changes A new global pledge signed by more than 300 maritime industry and human rights leaders aims to find and implement solutions for the ongoing international crew-change crisis. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF, to which the SIU is affiliated) announced the agreement (the Neptune Declaration) Jan. 26, and pointed out that signatories include major multinationals BP, Cargill, Rio Tinto and Shell. “Those who took up the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change today pledged to deliver on a shared responsibility to resolve a crisis which has seen hundreds of thousands of the world’s seafarers pushed into what amounts to forced labor,” the federation said in its announcement. ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton applauded the commitments of the 327 companies and organizations that signed the Neptune Declaration, an initiative led by the Global Maritime Forum. “The ITF welcomes the commitment from shipowners, charterers, investors, NGOs and industry groups in signing the Neptune Declaration, and now there is an expectation that words are turned into action,” said Cotton. “With the rise of new variants of COVID, we are sadly seeing governments backsliding and bringing in more restrictions. Right now is the time for every CEO, every board member, of every company that relies on global shipping, to demand that governments don’t forget the key workers driving their economies and unblock their borders to seafarers before this crisis gets worse.” He concluded, “Companies must now be held to account. This means no more charter parties with ‘no crew change’ clauses: Charterers must work with shipowners to facilitate crew changes. This means investors asking the companies they own and deal with, what the companies are doing to address the crisis. And this means asking why any company in the industry didn’t sign this declaration.” Signatories of the Neptune Declaration committed to act, including calling industry peers and governments to: recognize seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to COVID-19 vaccines; establish and implement “gold standard” health protocols based on existing best practices; increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes; ensure air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers. The entire agreement is available online on the SIU website (look in the news section). Two new merchant mariner credential (MMC) endorsements are available for Seafarers who have received training in the use of low flashpoint fuels. “Basic IGF” is for mariners with designated safety duties associated with the care, use or emergency response to the fuel on vessels subject to the IGF Code (in longhand, International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels). In general, this includes ratings and operational deck officers who may be standing watch while fueling evolutions are underway. “Advanced IGF” is for masters, engineering officers and all personnel with immediate responsibility for the care and use of fuels and fuel systems on vessels subject to the IGF Code. In general, the person who is designated as the PIC of the fuel transfer should have this training (CG-OES Policy Letter 01-15) in addition to the master, engineering officers and anyone else with the immediate responsibility. If a mariner has taken the Paul Hall Center/SHLSS course Basic Low Flash Point Fuel Ops (SHLSOS-805) (BLFPO) – or any BLFPO course – and has a course completion certificate, they can apply through the National Maritime Center website, or through a U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Center, to receive the IGF endorsement. If the International pages of a mariner’s MMC are endorsed with Basic (V/3-1) or Advanced (V/3-1) Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations, they are eligible to receive the Basic IGF Code Operations (V/31) endorsement. There is no fee or testing required. Simply navigate to https://www.dco. uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/ and follow the instructions. On the USCG application CG-719, Section II, under “requested Coast Guard credential – description of endorsement desired” request the following: BASIC IGF CODE OPERATIONS. Snug Harbor Still Assisting Retirees Charity Aids Mariners Nationwide in Home Communities Editor’s note: This article was submitted by the executive director of Sailors’ Snug Harbor. Statue of Captain Robert Richard Randall in Staten Island, New York 8 Seafarers LOG The Trustees of the Sailors’ Snug Harbor in the City of New York (SSH), one of the oldest secular charities in the United States, continues to help retired career mariners in financial need. They no longer operate a retirement home for mariners, but instead help mariners across the country in their home communities. SSH helps mariners live more comfortably by assisting them with their living expenses as well as helping them find other assistance and local services. SSH was incorporated in 1806 as the result of a bequest made by Captain Robert Richard Randall. Not much is known about Captain Randall. He spent much of his life managing the family shipping company. By far his most famous deed – and the one by which he is remembered today – occurred on June 1, 1801, when he signed his will. It is rumored that Alexander Hamilton helped Capt. Randall create his will days before his death. Captain Randall dictated that The Sailors’ Snug Harbor be created and maintained in perpetuity to support aged sailors. In 1833, SSH opened their first retirement home in Staten Island, New York. At its peak in the beginning of the twentieth century, more than 1,000 sailors were in residence together at the facility. The decades following, enrollment declined while costs to maintain the historic buildings to current codes rose. The facility was closed in 1976 and 105 mariners residing there moved to SSH’s newly built facility in Sea Level, North Carolina. SSH realized the majority of retired mariners in need of assistance did not want to move to Staten Island or Sea Level, but would rather stay in their home communities with their spouses, families and friends. In the early 1990s, SSH started to assist mariners in their home communities and gradually moved away from operating a retirement home. In 2005, the Sea Level home was sold. Today, SSH helps mariners across the country. In 2020, SSH assisted more than 350 mariners. This was the largest number of individuals assisted by SSH since the early 1950s. In 2015, SSH lowered its seatime requirement from 3,650 days at sea, to 2,555 days at sea and will now accept inland seatime to help meet this lowered requirement. The other requirements of the program are that the mariner must be 65 years of age or older. Younger mariners may apply if they are disabled. The last requirement is that an applicant must be able to show a need for financial assistance. Applicants with more than $50,000 in savings will not be eligible. The SSH website, www.thesailorssnugharbor.org, has a link to the program’s application. If you are interested in learning more about SSH, please contact the Trustees of the Sailors’ Snug Harbor in the City of New York toll-free at 1-888-257-5456 or (646) 465-8585, by fax at (212) 513-0243 or by email at info@thesailorssnugharbor.org March 2021 �Maritime Receives Strong Support During Feb. 9 Hearing in U.S. House Continued from Page 2 oritize mariners for vaccination and rapid testing, emphasizing the mariner’s critical role in moving medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and handling an unprecedented amount of consumer goods flowing into our nation’s ports. But that is not enough. It is past time that the federal and state government agencies having direct input and actual authority over mariner safety do likewise.” Patti spoke on behalf of a coalition whose members include shipping companies operating vessels in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). He said, “The development and implementation of programs and policies that support this fleet, enhance its economic viability and enable it to compete for a larger share of America’s foreign trade are extremely important to our ability to support the economic and military security of our country.” After quickly recapping the merchant marine’s role as America’s fourth arm of defense and then touching on the general state of the industry, Patti turned to the global COVID-19 crisis. “Since the onset of the pandemic, maritime labor and their U.S.-flag shipping companies have been working with each other as well as with a number of federal agencies and departments, including the Maritime Administration, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Transportation Command, the Department of State, the Federal Maritime Commission and others to put in place the measures that help protect the lives of American mariners and ensure that the essential economic and defense services provided by our industry remain available,” he stated. “The support given to our industry by these and other federal agencies is greatly appreciated. “While over the past 11 months safety practices and protocols have been developed and put in place within our industry there are still COVID-19 related issues that need to be resolved,” he continued. “Most importantly, while we clearly understand and appreciate that there are many segments of the American workforce who need expedited access to the COVID-19 vaccine, it is extremely important that American mariners and cadets working aboard Maritime Security Program vessels and other U.S.-flag vessels in the foreign trades receive such access. Otherwise, with the differences in vaccine administration procedures among the states, it may be months at the earliest before mariners receive a vaccine.” Patti then detailed why mariners should be prioritized, reiterating their status as essential workers and the nature of the work itself in supporting U.S. economic and national security. He proposed ways to attract and retain more shipboard manpower, including fully funding the newly created U.S. Tanker Security Fleet, enacted late last year. “This fleet will be comprised of 10 U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed product tankers to help reduce our military’s reliance on foreign-flag vessels by increasing the amount of fuel supplied and transported by American mariners on U.S.-flag commercial vessels, consistent with the priorities of our national defense,” he said. “The 10-vessel tanker fleet will provide an employment base for approximately 500 American merchant mariners, helping to address and alleviate the current maritime manpower shortage.” March & April Membership Meetings Piney Point........................................Monday: March 8, April 5 Algonac................................................Friday: March 12 , April 9 Baltimore........................................Thursday: March 11, April 8 Guam............................................Thursday: March 25, April 22 Honolulu.....................................Friday: March 19, April 16 Houston........................................Monday: March 15, April 12 Jacksonville......................................Thursday: March 11, April 8 Joliet.........................................Thursday: March 18, April 15 Mobile.....................................Wednesday: March 17, April 14 New Orleans.......................................Tuesday: March 16, April 13 Jersey City.............................................Tuesday: March 9, April 6 Norfolk................................................Friday: March 12, April 9 Oakland...........................................Thursday: March 18, April 15 Philadelphia....................................Wednesday: March 10, April 7 Port Everglades...........................Thursday: March 18, April 15 San Juan..............................................Thursday: March 11, April 8 St. Louis................................................Friday: March 19, April 16 Tacoma...............................................Friday: March 26, April 23 Wilmington...........................................Monday: March 22, April 19 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m March 2021 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Jan. 15 - Feb. 16. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Feb. 16. Total Registered Total Shipped Port All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 50 1 6 25 0 13 6 38 24 22 1 9 25 13 0 2 4 26 3 25 293 12 2 3 6 0 1 4 13 26 6 3 4 9 4 2 5 5 7 2 11 125 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 11 1 1 7 1 3 7 11 12 8 1 4 19 3 2 1 1 8 1 9 111 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS All Groups A B Registered on Beach 4 1 1 2 0 1 0 6 7 2 3 2 6 1 1 1 0 1 1 3 43 Deck Department 2 1 0 2 4 1 23 5 2 1 9 3 8 3 35 15 23 14 10 8 1 0 6 1 10 7 8 3 2 3 0 0 7 6 23 2 1 0 22 9 196 84 C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 9 4 1 3 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 26 0 0 2 10 1 4 5 21 20 7 2 1 9 5 2 1 4 9 0 10 113 66 2 6 40 1 17 15 72 46 48 2 16 38 20 4 2 10 44 4 39 492 19 4 2 13 2 3 5 31 42 11 6 10 19 8 5 9 9 13 3 20 234 5 1 1 1 0 0 0 4 11 4 0 7 13 2 1 0 1 7 2 5 65 1 1 5 12 0 2 3 10 13 9 2 3 11 2 0 1 5 4 0 7 91 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 16 Engine Department 2 0 1 0 3 3 4 2 1 0 1 2 3 2 13 10 11 11 9 5 0 0 0 2 10 10 3 3 1 1 1 1 4 2 6 1 1 3 8 6 82 64 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 2 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 16 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 7 13 6 1 0 8 4 1 0 1 4 1 6 56 12 1 0 14 0 6 13 22 34 17 3 8 27 8 3 2 5 22 2 21 220 4 2 3 17 0 3 7 14 22 9 4 6 20 7 1 3 6 10 1 9 148 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 3 1 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 17 13 0 1 6 0 8 6 16 18 12 1 1 10 16 2 3 2 12 1 19 147 1 2 0 5 0 2 1 3 10 5 0 3 14 6 0 0 4 1 0 8 65 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 1 0 2 10 Steward Department 0 0 1 0 1 0 13 3 0 0 0 2 7 0 15 5 13 4 5 2 2 0 3 2 6 6 8 2 0 0 1 0 2 4 13 3 0 0 9 7 99 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0 1 0 4 0 1 0 1 9 2 0 1 5 6 0 0 4 9 0 3 46 16 0 0 13 1 11 8 26 29 18 1 2 23 26 3 4 6 19 1 34 241 1 2 0 8 0 2 5 5 20 5 0 7 20 14 0 5 6 4 1 14 119 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 1 0 4 16 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 2 16 18 0 1 3 1 0 4 7 14 9 1 1 16 6 2 3 4 7 0 14 111 16 2 0 2 0 1 3 13 51 12 1 2 23 2 1 9 1 8 0 6 153 Entry Department 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 4 4 7 4 14 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 6 14 52 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 5 33 8 0 1 7 2 0 6 0 4 1 4 77 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 7 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 18 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 7 1 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 8 0 4 33 29 1 2 9 1 0 7 15 32 19 1 1 25 12 0 3 3 22 0 34 216 19 5 0 7 2 1 3 21 81 12 2 2 49 5 1 9 1 13 2 11 246 GRAND TOTAL: 567 392 222 122 233 986 717 344 391 240 Seafarers LOG 9 �ABOARD AMERICAN FREEDOM – Recertified Steward Brian Burchett submitted these snapshots from the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel in Alaska. In photo at far left, Bosun Jovan Williams supervises cargo transfer in Nikiski. As mentioned when sharing these images on the SIU Facebook page, the LOG extends genuine respect to anyone who can smile for the camera in sub-zero temperatures. That’s what is happening in photo at right, featuring Dayman Edgar Torres, AB Watch Yervin Goff and AB Dayman Osei Baffoe working mooring line pendants on the bow in Nikiski, at 10 below zero. Crew members rang in the new year by taking part in a union meeting Jan. 1. The large group photo (center) was taken immediately afterward. Burchett is third from left, in front. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU NEW TONNAGE – Matson’s new combination container/roll-on, roll-off vessel Matsonia makes its first call on Oakland, California, in mid-January. The group photo at right includes (from left) SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II, Recertified Steward Nee Tran, ACU Ruben Siclot and Chief Cook Freddie Castro. BOOKS IN PUERTO RICO – In photo above, Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo (right) receives her full Bbook at the hiring hall in San Juan. Congratulating her is her brother – SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. In the photo below, AB Chenequa Rodriguez (right) picks up her A-seniority book. She is pictured with longtime friend Maria Gomez (office assistant). CAROLINA IN WISCONSIN – Deckhand Cary Gimpel is pictured in Superior, Wisconsin, after voting in the SIU election the day after Christmas. Behind him is the Great Lakes Towing boat North Carolina. 10 Seafarers LOG March 2021 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ANOTHER NEW SHIP – As previously reported, the union recently welcomed the flagin of the bulk carrier SLNC Severn, an outright addition to the union-contracted fleet. Argent Marine Operations provides the ship’s crewing for Schuyler Line Navigation Company. These photos, taken in mid-January in Ascension Island, feature the vessel itself, the crew, and (we’re not making this up) tracks left by green sea turtles. The SLNC Severn is in the background. ABOARD BURNS HARBOR – Recertified Bosun Foaad Saleh (photo at right) is pictured aboard the American Steamship Company vessel, as are shipmates (photos at left and bottom left, respectively) enjoying a Thanksgiving gathering. B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – Storekeeper Luddy Duffey (right) receives his full B-book. He’s pictured at the Houston hall with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo. March 2021 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by SIU members who served on the union’s election tallying committee which convened recently in Camp Springs, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What are some things you like about your job? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Trevor Manion QMED I love going to new ships – new experiences, meeting new people. I really love the time on and time off, meaning the lifestyle all around. It is a bummer being away from family, but then the time I get at home, every day is a Saturday. Riley Donahue III QMED Travel. That’s why I got started. I’ve been everywhere: China, Africa, Russia, South America. It’s probably easier to tell you where I haven’t been. I’m still always interested in wherever we’re heading. Patrick Coppola QMED I actually love the job. I started in 1983 and have gotten my sea time of six to eight months every year since. I enjoy meeting new people and the adventure of travelling. I’ve traveled around the world. I enjoy the hard work and the satisfaction at the end of the day when you’ve accomplished your tasks, whether they’re big or small. Kelvin Johnson AB At times, the best thing I like about my job is getting away from home. There is peace of mind you experience when you’re out at sea. And the money. Anthony Jacobson Recertified Steward Obviously, the money, and also the flexible lifestyle. Really, that’s what it is. I’ve imagined trying to work a normal job, and I get about five minutes into it and realize there’s no way I’m going to do that. Tyrell Thabit Recertified Steward It’s very rewarding in the sense that I have such a passion for it. I enjoy it and take a lot of pride in it. I love what I do. I’ve been in this life for 39 years. You can’t stay in anything that long if you don’t like it.. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 Pensioner Trinidad Sanchez submitted this photo of fellow Seafarers Tito Chester Jr. (left) and Julio Reyes aboard the SeaLand Crusader in December 1993. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG March 2021 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA MOHAMED ABDELWAHAB Brother Mohamed Abdelwahab, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Frances Hammer. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Abdelwahab last shipped aboard the Maersk Atlanta. He makes his home in Minneapolis. MERCURION ABUAN Brother Mercurion Abuan, 66, joined the SIU in 1988 and first sailed aboard the Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Abuan last shipped on the Horizon Pacific. He resides in San Francisco. DAVID CAMPBELL Brother David Campbell, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1974 when he shipped with Steuart Transportation. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Campbell’s final vessel was the Liberty Passion. He settled in Jacksonville, Florida. MAURICIO CASTRO Brother Mauricio Castro, 65, started shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1989, first sailing aboard the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Castro’s final vessel was the Overseas Martinez. He resides in Houston. ROSALIO CORDOVA Brother Rosalio Cordova, 66, joined the union in 2003 and first sailed on the Denali. He upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 2010 and was an engine department member. Brother Cordova’s final vessel was the Jean Anne. He is a Las Vegas resident. MICHAEL DUPEE Brother Michael Dupee, 66, signed on with the union in 2001, initially sailing on the USNS Dahl. He primarily sailed as a storekeeper and also sometimes shipped in the en- March 2021 gine department. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Dupee most recently sailed on the USNS Maury. He lives in Newberry, Michigan. on with the union in 1977, initially working aboard the Ft. Hoskins. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Powers concluded his career aboard the Pacific Collector and lives in St. Louis. DAVID KNUTSON Brother Wesley Smith, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1992. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Smith’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the USNS Fisher. He calls Conroe, Texas, home. Brother David Knutson, 66, began his career with the Seafarers in 1976 when he sailed on the Saginaw Bay. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2001. Brother Knutson last shipped on the USNS Red Cloud. He makes his home in Medford, Oregon. NATHANIEL LEARY Brother Nathaniel Leary, 61, became a member of the SIU in 1980. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and was a deck department member. Brother Leary’s first vessel was the Cove Engineer; his last, the Honor. He lives in Green Cove Spring, Florida. YAHYA MOHSIN Brother Yahya Mohsin, 66, joined the SIU in 1992. He sailed in both the engine and steward departments and first shipped on the Global Sentinel. Brother Mohsin’s final vessel was the St. Clair. He is a resident of Melvindale, Michigan. MELVIN NICHOLS Brother Melvin Nichols, 58, signed on with the union in 1990, initially sailing on the Franklin J. Phillips. The deck department member upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2002. Brother Nichols most recently shipped on the Cape May. He lives in Newport News, Virginia. EARL OLSON Brother Earl Olson, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1987 when he shipped on the USNS Harkness. An engine department member, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2010. Brother Olson last sailed aboard the USNS Curtiss. He settled in Kent, Washington. KEVIN PENROSE Brother Kevin Penrose, 62, joined the SIU in 1977. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Penrose’s first vessel was the Adventurer; his last, the Alliance Fairfax. He calls Plant City, Florida, home. CHARLES POWERS Brother Charles Powers, 65, signed Point school on numerous occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Kane last shipped with Luedtke Engineering. He is a resident of Ashtabula, Ohio. WESLEY SMITH BOLESLAW SZATKOWSKI Brother Boleslaw Szatkowski, 68, began sailing with the Seafarers in 2008 when he shipped aboard the Global Patriot. He was an engine department member and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Szatkowski last sailed aboard the Cape Kennedy and resides in Worcester, Massachusetts. WILLIAM THOMAS Brother William Thomas, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1978, initially sailing on the Panama. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Thomas last shipped on the John U.D. Page. He settled in Exmore, Virginia. CHARLES WHARTON Brother Charles Wharton, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1973, first sailing aboard the Eagle Traveler. He worked in the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Wharton most recently shipped on the Savannah. He makes his home in Pasadena, Maryland. GREAT LAKES AARON ADAMS Brother Aaron Adams, 65, began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1997 when he sailed with Luedtke Engineering. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Adams remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He lives in Cadillac, Michigan. JOSEPH KANE Brother Joseph Kane, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1977, initially sailing with Great Lakes Towing. He upgraded at the Piney LARRY WINN Brother Larry Winn, 65, joined the union in 1974 when he shipped on the Adam E. Cornelius. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1980. Brother Winn’s final vessel was the American Mariner. He calls Fort Gratiot, Michigan, home. INLAND KEITH BENNETT Brother Keith Bennett, 63, began sailing with the SIU in 1978, initially working on the San Pedro. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Bennett’s final vessel was the Liberty Island. He makes his home in Sundance, Wyoming. GERALD DOMANGUE Brother Gerald Domangue, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1976. A member of the deck department, he worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. Brother Domangue lives in Diamondhead, Mississippi. DAVID DORRELL Brother David Dorrell, 66, started shipping with the union in 1979. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and was a deck department member. Brother Dorrell worked for Higman Barge Lines for the majority of his career. He makes his home in Lumberton, Texas. LESTER LEDET Brother Lester Ledet, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1974. He sailed in the deck department and worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Ledet resides in Gretna, Louisiana. CALVIN MASON Brother Calvin Mason, 64, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2001. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother Mason worked for Allied Transportation for his entire career. He lives in Mathews, Virginia. JOHN MCCRANIE Brother John McCranie, 68, donned the SIU colors in 2013, initially sailing aboard the Commitment. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McCranie’s final vessel was the Courage. He calls Lake Wales, Florida, home. JEFFREY POTTER Brother Jeffrey Potter, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1991 when he worked for OSG Ship Management. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Potter last sailed with Allied Transportation. He resides in Lowland, North Carolina. CURTIS REESE Brother Curtis Reese, 65, joined the SIU in 2003. An engine department member, he sailed with Cape Fear Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Reese lives in Wilmington, North Carolina. FRANK SESSA Brother Frank Sessa, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1982, when he sailed aboard the Overseas Vivian. He shipped in both the steward and deck departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Sessa last shipped with OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Land O’Lakes, Florida. LAWRENCE WILLIAMS Brother Lawrence Williams, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1997. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Williams worked for Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He resides in Odessa, Florida. ALAN WINSOR Brother Alan Winsor, 68, signed on with the union in 2010. He first sailed aboard the Pride and was a member of the deck department. Brother Winsor upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the Resolve and settled in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA sided in Channelview, Texas. VICTOR ACEVEDO Pensioner Victor Acevedo, 78, died December 15. He signed on with the union in 1970 and was a steward department member. Brother Acevedo first shipped on the Steel Architect. He last sailed on the Maersk Virginia before going on pension in 2009. Brother Acevedo was a resident of Puerto Rico. HARRY CHAMPAGNE Pensioner Harry Champagne, 76, passed away January 7. He began shipping with the SIU in 1989 when he sailed aboard the Lawrence Gianella. Brother Champagne was a deck department member. His final vessel was the Calvin P. Titus and he retired in 2009. Brother Champagne lived in New Iberia, Louisiana. ABDUL AZIZ Pensioner Abdul Aziz, 83, passed away November 12. He began his career with the SIU in 1964. Brother Aziz’s first vessel was the Transeastern. He sailed in the steward department and last shipped on the Leader. Brother Aziz became a pensioner in 2002 and resided in Brooklyn, New York. DANIEL CONZO Pensioner Daniel Conzo, 68, died January 16. He donned the SIU colors in 1977, initially sailing aboard the C L Austin. Brother Conzo sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Maersk Memphis. He went on pension in 2017 and was a resident of Andover, Ohio. EDWARD BRINN Pensioner Edward Brinn, 84, died January 3. He started shipping with the SIU in 1961 when he sailed on the Achilles. A deck department member, Brother Brinn concluded his career on the Cornhusker State. He retired in 1992 and lived in Chesapeake, Virginia. JOSEPH CALLAGHAN Pensioner Joseph Callaghan, 75, passed away January 14. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1968, initially sailing aboard the Sacramento. Brother Callaghan was a member of the engine department and last shipped on the Jack Lummus. He became a pensioner in 2011 and settled in the Philippines. EBERTO CASTRO Pensioner Eberto Castro, 69, died August 4. Signing on with the union in 1999, he first sailed on the Performance. Brother Castro was a deck department member and last worked aboard the Maersk Pittsburgh. He went on pension in 2018 and re- 14 Seafarers LOG FRANKLIN CRIM Brother Franklin Crim, 75, passed away November 30. Born in California, he embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1974. Brother Crim first sailed with State Steamship and was a member of the steward department. He last shipped on the Horizon Reliance and lived in Reno, Nevada. VIRGILIO DONGHIT Pensioner Virgilio Donghit, 78, died January 3. He began his career with the SIU in 1994 and initially sailed on the USNS Antares. Brother Donghit was a member of the steward department and concluded his career on the Mobile. He became a pensioner in 2009 and resided in Jacksonville, Florida. LAFE FRALEY Pensioner Lafe Fraley, 82, passed away December 23. He signed on with the union in 1999 and first worked on the Elizabeth. Brother Fraley sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Anders. He began collecting his pension in 2009 and made his home in Mansfield, Ohio. HAZAA GAHTAN Pensioner Hazaa Gahtan, 74, died August 15. He joined the Seafarers in 1990 and first sailed on the Liberty Wave. Brother Gahtan was an engine department member. He last shipped on the William R. Button and retired in 2010. Brother Gahtan lived in Brooklyn, New York. ANGEL GARCIA Pensioner Angel Garcia, 81, passed away December 21. He signed on with the union in 1959, initially sailing with Waterman Steamship. Brother Garcia worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last shipped on the Discovery and became a pensioner in 2005. He resided in Puerto Rico. SIYLAS GREEN Pensioner Siylas Green, 90, died December 24. He started sailing with the SIU in 1967 when he shipped on the Cosmos Trader. Brother Green was an engine department member and also worked on Shore Gangs. He was last employed by Sealand Manpower and retired in 1992. Brother Green called Antioch, California, home. ROBERT JOHNSON Pensioner Robert Johnson, 71, died December 20. He signed on with the union in 1969 and was a deck department member. Brother Johnson first shipped on the Boston. He last sailed on the USNS Fisher before going on pension in 2008. Brother Johnson was a resident of St. Augustine, Florida. VICTOR JONES Brother Victor Jones, 57, passed away November 30. Born in Louisiana, he began his career with the SIU in 2007. Brother Jones’ first vessel was the Mahi Mahi. He sailed in the steward department and most recently shipped on the Resolve. Brother Jones resided in Charlotte, North Carolina. ing aboard the William Baugh. Brother Martinez was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Edward A. Carter, Jr. He resided in Guam. JUAN MARTINEZ Pensioner Juan Martinez, 68, died September 18. Signing on with the union in 2002, he first sailed on the Calvin P. Titus. Brother Martinez was a steward department member and last worked on the Terrapin Island. He went on pension in 2018 and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. WILLIAM NIHEM Pensioner William Nihem, 83, passed away January 12. He began shipping with the SIU in 1951 when he sailed with Sprogue Steamship. Brother Nihem was a steward department member. His final vessel was the Adventurer and he retired in 1982. Brother Nihem lived in Jacksonville, Florida. LARRY PHILLIPS Pensioner Larry Phillips, 71, died January 17. He donned the SIU colors in 1966, initially sailing aboard the Del Rio. Brother Phillips sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Coast Range. He went on pension in 2012 and was a resident of Lucedale, Mississippi. JUAN TORO Pensioner Juan Toro, 88, passed away January 10. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1970, initially shipping on the Jacksonville. Brother Toro sailed in both the deck and engine departments, most recently aboard the Innovation. He began collecting his pension in 1998 and settled in West New York, New Jersey. ROBERT LEYVA Pensioner Robert Leyva, 89, died October 25. He started shipping with the SIU in 1965 when he sailed on the Steel Architect. An engine department member, Brother Leyva concluded his career on the Patriot. He retired in 1992 and lived in Seattle. ROBERT WINDER Pensioner Robert Winder, 69, died December 8. He began his career with the SIU in 1972 and initially sailed aboard the National Defender. Brother Winder was a member of the deck department and concluded his career on the Patriot. He became a pensioner in 2003 and resided in Sevierville, Tennessee. JERALD MARTINEZ Brother Jerald Martinez, 44, passed away November 18. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001, initially sail- VASCO WORRELL Pensioner Vasco Worrell, 83, passed away January 21. He signed on with the union in 1968 when he sailed on the Arizpa. Brother Worrell sailed in the engine department and concluded his career on the Atlantic. He began collecting his pension in 2004 and made his home in Houston. INLAND DAVID CARTE Pensioner David Carte, 74, died December 18. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1995. Brother Carte was employed by Allied Transportation for his entire career and retired in 2012. He was a resident of Shallotte, North Carolina. DAVID WALBLOM Pensioner David Walblom, 80, passed away December 30. He joined the Seafarers in 1978 when he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. A member of the engine department, Brother Walblom worked with the same company for the majority of his career. He retired in 2003 and called Quartz Hill, California, home. NMU JOSE BERNARDEZ Pensioner Jose Bernardez, 70, died December 31. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Bernardez sailed in the steward department and became a pensioner in 2016. He was a resident of Salem, Massachusetts. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Brown, Jacqueline Butcher, Enrico Daugherty, James Jackson, Ralph Martinez, Miguel Pando, William Rojas, Humberto 81 97 94 93 94 92 90 DOD 01/14/2021 12/02/2019 10/10/2020 11/20/2020 01/02/2021 01/18/2021 12/20/2020 March 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CHARLESTON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), November 22 – Chairman Aaron Sills, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Educational Director Alton Hickman. Crew reviewed recent communications. Chairman reminded members to vote in SIU election. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to check documents for expiration dates. He advised crew to renew documents ahead of time to help ensure ability to ship out. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed requests for recent wage increase for Pacific Class vessels and also engaged in other contractrelated discussions. Members would like increases in vacation and pension benefits. Crew expressed concern about pilot refusing captain’s directive to wear a mask. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. 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. vacation time (20 for 30 days) and a decrease in time required for retirement. Next port: New Orleans. MAERSK COLUMBUS (Maersk Line, Limited), January 10 – Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Earl Castain, Educational Director Jing Hui Huang, Engine Delegate Louis Valencia, Steward Delegate Cecil Husted. Members reviewed old business, including requests for more vacation days. Chairman thanked crew for a good trip. New TVs are in every room. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested fans in each room, new vacuum cleaner, more movies, cappuccino machine and a new deep freezer. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited) January 23 – Secretary Jasmine Garrett. One new transformer still needed on ship. Chairman reminded members to figure out timing for medication pickup prior to joining ship. Shoreside bosun asked to have payoff day before voyage ends. Patrolman is unable to come aboard ship due to ship restriction. Chairman encouraged crew to renew medical ahead of time and not wait until last minute. As long as members pass their physicals, they can sail without their white card. Food budget too low according to secretary’s report. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at Piney Point to guarantee more job opportunities. Members discussed various renewal extensions publicized by the Coast Guard and the SIU. Ship bonus used to purchase TVs, Blu Ray players, refrigerators and an electric kettle. No beefs or disputed OT reported. With the ongoing pandemic and pirate waters, cooks do not want to be forced to cook on the grill. Crew requested increase in vacation time, health benefits and pension benefits. Members asked for better blankets and the ability to get physicals done in other countries. Internet/Wi-Fi not working aboard ship, making restriction to ship especially hard on crew. Members requested fans for each room. Aboard Green Ridge Bosun Joseph Dupre shared these photos from the Central Gulf Lines vessel in Shuaiba, Kuwait. The pic at right includes (from left) Chief Steward James Gerry, Chief Cook Deon Greenidge and SA Andilisio Norales prepping dinner. The photo below features (also from left) AB Jesse Pinckney, Paul Hall Center Apprentice Kumasi Johnson, AB Jose Fernandez and Dupre “doing some greasing maintenance on side ramp wire.” SUNSHINE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), December 27 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Manuel Daguio, Deck Delegate Daniel Harris, Engine Delegate Antonio Watson, Steward Delegate Michael Henry. Members are practicing social distance and things are going well among crew. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested an increase in Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt March 2021 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �3/21 16 Seafarers LOG March 2021 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic March 22 April 9 MSC Supply Configuration Management April 12 May 7 Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Government Vessels March 22 April 26 May 10 May 24 June 7 June 14 March 26 April 30 May 14 May 28 June 11 June 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 10 July 5 May 14 July 9 Tank Ship Familiarization LG April 12 June 28 April 16 July 2 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck (online lecture) April 5 April 16 Able Seafarer-Deck (at Piney Point) April 19 April 23 Able Seafarer-Deck July 26 August 13 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23 FOWT March 15 May 31 April 9 June 25 Junior Engineer March 29 May 31 May 21 July 23 Machinist May 3 May 21 Pumpman May 24 May 28 Welding April 19 May 7 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations June 28 July 19 July 16 August 6 Certified Chief Cook April 5 May 10 June 14 May 7 June 11 July 16 Advanced Galley Operations May 31 June 25 Chief Steward May 3 May 28 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training April 5 May 24 April 9 May 28 Basic Training Revalidation June 4 June 25 June 4 June 25 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. March 2021 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 3/21 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #865 – Graduated December 31 (above, in alphabetical order): John Farash, Kristopher Guthrie, Robert Hunnicutt, William Mainord Jr., Bryan Yomar Perez, Orlando Rosa Aguirre, Luis Francisco Soto Collazo, Ethan Stacy, Daniel Vanegas and Branden Williams. Basic Training (Chief Cook Assessment Program) – Graduated January 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Moises Francisco Izquierdo Roman, William Johnson, Ronnie Kincaid, Pavel Kremen and Steven Laubach. Important Notice To All Students 18 Seafarers LOG Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. March 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Certified Chief Cook – Graduated Dec.18 (above, in alphabetical order): Nathan Brailsford, Evelyn Cruz, William Davis, Keith Guthrie, Sheldon Mitchel, Esstonia Moore, Osmar Luis Ramos, Tamara Russ, Anthony Simpkins and Fikera Winfield. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Mariners’ Resolve Remains Resolute in Heat of Battle Continued from Page 20 At night there were terrific sandstorms and during the day the blinding sun. They might have died there on the sands of Rio del Oro and never been found if it hadn’t been, strangely enough, for a German submarine which had been sighted and depth charged by British patrol planes, not far offshore from the spot where they had landed just a few days before. On the 10th of May, five days after the weak and hungry men had beached their boat on the African coast, these planes were out searching for the U-boat and sighted the Denver’s men sprawled about on the sand. Not many hours later a patrol vessel came by and landed a party armed to the teeth with revolvers and rifles, for they thought the men from the Denver were survivors from the hunted U-boat. It is a tribute to the hardihood of these SIU men and the Navy armed guard gunners that all survived the ordeal and went back to sea after reaching the States some weeks later. The Fighting Henry Bacon No better finale to the story of SIU ships in World War II could be written than the epic account of the SS Henry Bacon, an SIU-manned Liberty operated by the South Atlantic Steamship Company. Cold were the Artic waters and forbidding was the sky when the Henry Bacon added its name to the list of valiant fighting freighters. Besides her crew, the Henry Bacon carried 19 Norwegian refugees as passengers, when she headed back toward Scotland after a voyage to Murmansk, North Russia, in the early winter of 1945. After leaving the White Sea, the Bacon had been in convoy, only to lose contact with it on the 19th of February because of heavy weather. She rejoined it on the 20th, then dropped out again two days later when trouble developed with the steering gear. A heavy gale was blowing, and Captain Alfred Carini radioed his plight to the convoy while the black gang worked on the steering mechanism. Contact Lost With this finally fixed, the Bacon proceeded, meeting up with more moderate seas. But, seeing no sign of her companions, Captain Carini then decided they March 2021 must have passed during the night as they hurried to rejoin the fleet. Having lost radio contact, and there being no response to his messages, he decided to turn back over his course for just one hour in the hope of picking up their companion ships. It was while doubling back on her wake that the Henry Bacon was suddenly attacked by a huge flight of 23 torpedo planes that pounced upon the lone Liberty almost as soon as the thundering roar of their engines was heard through the leaden sky, sending the crew running to battle stations. Twenty-three planes against one merchant ship! It was odds enough for a battleship or a cruiser. Many a big aircraft carrier that thought itself hard pressed in the Pacific thundered back at half as much opposition with a hundred times the firepower that this unattended freighter could muster for its defense there amid the bleak, rolling waters. There was not another ship around upon which to call for help. The bombers were Junkers 88s, coming in off the starboard bow in an extended, wing-to-wing formation no more than 30 feet above the jumbled wave tops. All Guns Working Every gun on the Bacon went into action as soon as the canvas covers could be jerked off the barrels, and the magazines clamped onto the breech of the 20-millimeters. The sky around the ship was pocked with shell bursts as the fighting merchantmen and the vessel’s armed guard drove off sally after sally by those audacious bombers that attacked simultaneously, one to a side, darting away through a hail of 20-millimeter shells. The gun on the bow boomed out at point blank range, blowing one bomber to pieces as it banked and exposed its belly to the Bacon’s forward gun. Another Nazi nosed into a wall of 20-millimeter fire and dived into the sea in flames. A third wobbled aimlessly over the waves with smoke pouring from his engine. He probably crashed into the steep, green seas soon after, but the crew had no time to worry about verifying their hits. When the Germans swooped down on the unaccompanied Bacon they probably were expecting an easy time of it. Three or four torpedoes and the laboring Liberty would sink beneath the waves, they no doubt thought. If they expected any resistance at all, they were certainly unprepared for the flame and fire of battle with which the men of the Bacon met this overpowering assault. More Ammunition The 20-millimeters stopped firing long enough only to load more ammunition, to change over-heated barrels. A bomber which tried to get in at the ship from dead ahead ran into a storm of this small shellfire and disintegrated into a thousand pieces, as tracers found the torpedo slung beneath the fuselage and blew up plane and occupants in a terrible explosion of steel and flaming debris. Torpedo after torpedo missed the ship when the pilots faltered in their aim in the face of such concentrated fire form this fighting Liberty. For 20 minutes the gunners of the Henry Bacon, standing side by side with the men of the merchant crew, held off this armada of Junkers bombers that had by now become so madly exasperated by the heroic defense of the ship that, once their torpedoes were wasted, they flew at her with machine guns blazing. But such a fleet of planes had only to persist, if nothing else, to be successful against one unescorted ship, and a torpedo finally hit the Henry Bacon on the starboard side in number-three hold, forward. When another tin fish found its mark soon after, Captain Carini ordered the ship to be abandoned. Not All Leave The fateful signal to “leave her” was sounded in long, solemn blasts from the whistle while the Junkers – about eight or nine fewer than when they had begun the fight – roared away from the scene toward to coast of Norway 200 miles to the east. The doughty Bacon had kept them in action longer than they wanted. With their gas getting low, they could find no satisfaction in winging around as this “bulldog” settled beneath the waves. The order form the Skipper was “passengers first” and, though two of the lifeboats had been smashed in high seas, the Norwegian refugees – men, women and children – were put safely over the side into the first boat launched, along with some of the merchant crew and Navy gunners. Into the second lifeboat went as many more as could be accommodated. It could not possibly hold them all, but still there was no rush for seats of safety. These SIU crewmen and their Navy comrades waited quietly as Third Mate Joseph Scott counted the regular crew assigned to the boat, and then called to the deck above for half a dozen more to climb down over the scramble nets and take their places between the thwarts. During this time Bosun Holcomb Lemmon was making what the survivors later described as “heroic efforts” to help his shipmates over the side into lifeboats and onto several life rafts which had been launched into the chilling waters. This done, he hurried about the sinking ship gathering boards to lash together as emergency rafts. The Henry Bacon was slowly sinking. Water was pouring into her holds. The black gang had left the engine room and all was deserted down below. Bit by bit the cold water rose higher around her rust-streaked side plates. One of the men assigned to a place in the Third Mate’s boat was Chief Engineer Donald Haviland, who climbed over the side into the bobbing craft only to decline his chance for rescue in favor of a young crewman. The Chief had already taken a seat in the boat when, looking up at the men still left on the Bacon’s deck, he saw among the forlorn group a youthful crewman staring down at those who were about to push away from the settling hulk. Deserting his own place on the boat, Mr. Haviland yelled to the lad to hurry down the net and take his chance for safety. So Long, Brothers “Hey, you,” he called. “You’re a young fellow. It won’t matter so much if I don’t get back.” As the Henry Bacon went down, the survivors in the lifeboats saw Chief Engineer Haviland leaning against the bulwarks with Bosun Holcomb Lemmon, as casually as though the ship was leaving the dock for another routine voyage. Captain Carini waved to them from the bridge and, as he did so, the Henry Bacon slid swiftly and quietly under the sea. A big wave rolled over the spot and soon only some floating board and crates marked where this gallant fighting freighter of the SIU had written such a glorious chapter into the annals of the American merchant service. Seafarers LOG 19 �MARCH 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 3 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Heroic Seafarers Help Deliver Victory Editor’s note: This is the final installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier segments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. A PDF of the entire booklet is on the SIU website (navigate to the “SIU and Maritime History Page” for that link). This last section picks up as the author describes the plight of crews who made it into lifeboats after their respective vessels were sunk. First up: mariners from the new Liberty ship SS James W. Denver, bound for North Africa on April 11, 1943 when it was torpedoed and sunk. They all looked around to see if the sub was going to surface and spray them with machine gun fire, for such a possibility was in the minds of all torpedoed men during the war. But the U-boat never showed itself – not even coming up for an inspection of its kill. Deck Engineer Dolar Stone tells about the 34-day odyssey taken by the 18 men in his boat after the survivors separated that night. “There was a little half-hearted joking at first,” he recalls, “but, all in all, it was a pretty solemn affair. We hated to lose our ship, and to see her go down without even having fired a shot in defense.” The Skipper gave them a course to steer, and told each boat to “hoist sail and get going.… The sooner we sail, the sooner we’ll land.” Dolar’s boat stepped its mast, hoisted the little red sail with which Liberty ship lifeboats were equipped, and set out for the east. Seas were making up fast under a sharpening wind, and they soon had to rig a sea anchor and heave-to before the waves. The other boats by this time were out of sight and they rode the sea alone, a tiny flotsam, so it seemed, on that huge expanse of darkening ocean and breaking white caps. A lifeboat in placid waters is anything but comfortable, and the keelless craft pitched, rolled and wallowed all that first night and for the day and night that followed, making all hands wet and miserably seasick. Just at dusk on the third night, the lookout stationed in the bow sighted a vague shape looming up ahead, and in the excitement of this discovery yelled, “Destroyer!” As soon as the lookout had sung out, Dolar lit the boat’s lantern and, standing up on the bow thwart with one hand on the mast, waved it back and forth as a signal, on the chance that the ship would see them, if indeed there was one up ahead. To better attract attention, each man switched on the little lights that were fastened to a pin and lanyard onto their lifejackets, hoping that the red glow would shine enough to be seen through the night. And then, before they realized what was happening, a shape loomed up directly in their path – the black hulk of a submarine. “It was a big one,” say Dolar, “and we were headed right for it.” While they watched the raider in amazement, the lifeboat grated against the submersible’s hull, sheering off just in time to keep from riding right onto the low flying deck. One of the U-boat’s officers shouted at them from the conning tower. “What ship are you from?” They knew it was no use to evade the query, for the Germans could inspect the lifeboat and find out anyway. “Denver,” they replied, “the James W. Denver.” The men on the conning tower had a good laugh over the fact and the SIU men guessed that this must have been the sub which sank them. “Well,” the German answered in good English, “so you lads are from one of those Liberty Ships.” The remark sounded sarcastic, but before the sub moved off into the darkness a sailor came down the deck to hand them a carton of cigarettes and from the bridge the officer shouted a course for them to steer. During the next hour they sighted two more U-boats, evidently part of a wolf pack. Rough Seas All hands continued to be seasick as the heavy weather persisted, and the lifeboat made more mileage up and down than it did toward the east. Rations got low after the first 12 days, crackers gave out, water was limited to three ounces a day per man and there was nothing left to eat but malted milk tablets. Three flying fish landed in the boat most opportunely and were cut up in equal parts to be eaten raw. It was not the first time that these airy fish helped to sustain torpedoed crews! On the night of May 11, the sea-tossed survivors saw moving lights some distance off. These immediately disappeared when the men shot flares. “Probably more subs,” Dolar believes. Just three days later, however, the long voyage ended. Spanish fishermen sighted the boat, picked them up and took them to La Aguera in the Canary Islands, from whence Survivors of the SS Alcoa Guide sinking are pictured on a lifeboat in April 1942. The ship sank off the coast of North Carolina after being attacked by a German submarine. An Allied tanker sinks in the Atlantic Ocean after being torpedoed by a German submarine, 1942. they later got passage back to the States by way of Cadiz. After the torpedoing, the Captain’s boat had set a course for the nearest land, which the Skipper figured to be Rio del Oro on the coast of Africa. For the first 12 days, things weren’t so bad. At least there were crackers to munch on and some of the sickeningly sweet pemmican which had been devised for lifeboat crews. But on the thirteenth day the food gave out and from then on it was nothing but water. Even at that, the water was limited to three ounces a day per man. The winds held strong, which was a blessing, but it also made life uncomfortable, throwing spray over them continually for each of the 25 days they were adrift. At night it was cold and, being thoroughly wet, they almost froze before the sun broke across the seas each morning. Captain Staley had a sextant but this was of no use without the necessary tables to go with it, so he relied on dead reckoning while the helmsmen steered with a compass between their legs. When the food ran out, the men became discouraged and from time to time some of them had to be restrained from jumping overboard, for they dreaded the prospect of becoming crazed from sun and salt spray. Every once in a while, someone struck up a song and they all joined in. When the water was doled out the Skipper would say, “It may be water now, but keep your spirits up and it’ll be juicy steaks one of these days.” The songs and the promise of steaks – it helped to buoy their spirits, make them forget somewhat the discomfort, the hunger and the monotony. Finally, they saw fish spawn in the water, a sure sign that they were coming into shallower depths. This was followed by gradual changing of the sea from blue to green as they entered the 100-fathom curve. Their hopes soared, for they knew now that the shore wasn’t too far off. On the 5th of May they sighted land and, with the wind still holding good, sailed right up on to the sands of Rio del Oro. By this time, none of them could walk and they tumbled out of the boat like so many cripples to crawl across the welcome sands on their hands and knees. For a while they exulted in the luxury of just being on dry land, but this joy was tempered when they discovered that all around them was a vast desert – nothing but dunes and endless sand. There was no habitation or sign of life anywhere-not even a tree. Continued on Page 19 Mariners load materiel into the hold of an unidentified cargo ship in New York Harbor, September 1944. � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource Headlines: STRONG MARITIME SUPPORT EVIDENT IN HOUSE HEARING PRESIDENT BIDEN SPECIFICES JONES ACT IN 'BUY AMERICAN' EXECUTIVE ORDER TRUMKA: WORKERS FIRST AGENDA WILL BUILD SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY, STRONGER DEMOCRACY BILL AIMS FOR FAIRNESS IN ORGANIZING DRIVES AFL-CIO PRESIDENT EMERITUS SWEENEY DIES BIDEN TAPS PRO-WORKER NOMINEES FOR PAIR OF KEY CABINET POSITIONS CDC DUBS COVID-19 VACCINES SAFE, EFFECTIVE UNION-CONTRACTED COMPANIES ANNOUNCE VENTURE INVOLVING OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY NEW ADMINISTRATION RELEASES RELIEF FUNDS FOR PUERTO RICO ANOTHER PUSH MADE FOR CREW CHANGES SNUG HARBOR STILL ASSISTING RETIREES HEROIC SEAFARERS HELP DELIVER VICTORY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 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 03/01/2021 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. 83, No 3 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/90c252aa404d1798734d893dc595c3bf.pdf 21c4b4b1fc4289b782a2d050ec58c0bc PDF Text Text APRIL 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 4 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Excels During Tanker Exercise Operation Underscores Reliability of U.S. Crews & Ships Two Seafarers-crewed vessels – the Maersk Peary and the USNS Laramie – recently conducted an underway replenishment exercise near Crete. The mission’s success highlighted the U.S. Merchant Marine’s dependability. Crew members on the Maersk Peary are pictured immediately below, while the photo at right shows both ships (Peary at left, Laramie at right). Page 20. Crew Assists in Rescue The SIU-crewed Padre Island (Great Lakes Dredge and Dock) recently helped save a family of six whose boat was sinking off the Florida coast. In the photo below, one of the family members transfers from the Coast Guard cutter Sea Dragon to a sheriff’s office vessel, prior to heading back ashore. (Photo courtesy of Nassau County Sheriff’s Office) Page 4. Seafarers Support Community SIU members and officials recently assisted with widespread community outreach in Houston following a devastating winter storm. In photo above, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (at podium) praises the volunteer efforts of local area unions. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey is fourth from left. Page 4. WWII Mariner Recalls SS Henry Bacon Saga Former Seafarer Dick Burbine, 95, is the last living survivor of the SS Henry Bacon’s final crew. He still celebrates being rescued from the 1945 sinking on the Murmansk Run. Pages 10-11. Unions Back Relief Bill Page 3 PRO Act Passes House Page 5 �President’s Report Time for Growth Earlier this year, the SIU teamed up with several other maritime unions to share our blueprint for American maritime growth with the new administration. In modern times, there have been long stretches where it felt as if the best-case scenario for our industry was simply hanging on. That is absolutely not the case today, and we’ve got to capitalize on this very real opportunity to boost our manpower pool, build new ships, and grow our fleet. Many of you know that President Biden and Vice President Harris are longtime backers of the U.S. Merchant Marine. This was evident during last year’s campaign and again when the administration issued its Buy American executive order in late January. That document specifically stated strong support for the Jones Act, a critical maritime law that helps maintain hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Michael Sacco That’s not the only good news we’ve reported in recent months. The establishment of a Tanker Security Fleet bodes well for not just our industry but our country, as does the application of the Jones Act to offshore domestic wind farms. Pro-maritime, bipartisan legislation recently was reintroduced in both chambers of Congress that would lead to more domestic shipbuilding and increased exports moving on U.S.-flag ships. But our industry cannot afford to collectively exhale. We’ve got to navigate forward and seize these opportunities while they exist. That is why the SIU and other shipboard unions wrote to President Biden, “We believe that with your leadership and support, and with the support of Members of Congress, we now have the opportunity to develop an effective national maritime policy that increases the number of vessels operating under the U.S.-flag, the amount of cargo carried aboard U.S.flag ships, and the number of jobs for American merchant mariners.” A potentially key step toward helping ensure that American ships have enough cargo is sensibly modifying our country’s cargo preference laws. That is why we’re pushing for a percentage increase for non-Defense, government-generated cargoes reserved for American-flag ships from the current 50 percent to 100 percent. This is consistent with the intent of the executive order and there is no doubt it would help solidify the U.S.-flag fleet. Other important steps that would help include establishing tax incentives for transporting cargoes on U.S.-flag ships, negotiating cargo-sharing agreements with our country’s trading partners, and fully funding both the new tanker program and the longstanding Maritime Security Program (on which it was patterned). I’m excited about the prospects that lie ahead for the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I look forward to continuing our work in Washington and elsewhere to boost our industry. More on Vaccines It took a lot longer than I wanted, but I’m finally scheduled for my COVID-19 vaccines this month. Availability has been the biggest challenge with the vaccines all across the country, but it looks like ample supply is just around the corner. As the president noted, the month of May appears to be the turning point, and by Independence Day we may finally be back to (mostly) normal. The other big challenge with the vaccine rollout has been educating the public. On that note, I strongly encourage every Seafarer to get the facts, as always. Read our coverage in the LOG and on our website, visit the CDC website, and stay on top of the latest developments. And note that the SIU continues pushing for mariners to be prioritized for vaccine access. Personally, I am completely comfortable taking the vaccine because I believe they’re safe and effective. But I understand that many people are hesitant, and those feelings themselves aren’t subject to debate. Again, though, I urge you to gather as much information, from as many reliable sources, as is reasonably possible. I’m confident that the more you learn about the vaccines, the more you’ll share my belief that they’re not only safe, but also essential for protecting you, your families and your shipmates. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 4 April 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) U.S. Sen. Robert Casey (D-Pennsylvania) Pro-Maritime Bill Back Pro-maritime legislation strongly backed by the SIU has been reintroduced in both the House and Senate. On March 11, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) and U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) and Robert Casey (D-Pennsylvania) reintroduced the Energizing American Shipbuilding Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would recapitalize America’s strategic domestic shipbuilding and maritime industries by requiring that increasing percentages of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil exports be transported on American-built vessels with U.S. crews sailing under the American flag. According to Garamendi’s office, without passage of this bill “all U.S. exports of LNG and crude oil will continue to be on foreign vessels.” House original cosponsors include Reps. Rob Wittman (RVirginia), Julia Brownley (DCalifornia), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania), Alan Lowenthal (D-California), Chris Pappas (DNew Hampshire) and Elaine Luria (D-Virginia). The Energizing American Shipbuilding Act would require that 15 percent of total seaborne LNG exports by 2043 and 10 percent of total seaborne crude oil exports by 2035 be transported exclusively on vessels built in the United States. If enacted, the bill will support Garamendi’s “Make it in America” agenda and spur the construction of dozens of ships, support thousands of new, good-paying jobs in American shipyards, and provide a boost to the domestic vessel component manufacturing and maritime industries, the congressman stated. According to an estimate from the Shipbuilders Council of America, the Garamendi bill would result in the construction of more than 40 ships: approximately 28 LNG carriers by 2043 and 12 oil tankers by 2035. “U.S. exports of America’s LNG and crude oil resources present a unique opportunity to create new middle-class jobs by strengthening our nation’s crucial domestic shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, and maritime industries – which are key to national security and our ability to project American military power abroad,” said Garamendi. “American shipyards and mariners are ready for the job, and our bill ensures American workers are no longer expected to compete against heavily subsidized foreign shipyards in Korea, China, and elsewhere. Our domestic maritime industry is critically important to the U.S. economy and our national security, and I will work tirelessly until this bill becomes law.” “Strengthening our domestic maritime industry is essential to our national defense,” said Wicker. “Ensuring the U.S. can move our growing energy exports on American-flagged, American-crewed vessels protects the critical role these vessels play in our national defense and bolsters hundreds of thousands of American shipbuilding and maritime jobs. As foreign nations continue to invest heavily in their own shipbuilding capacity, the United States cannot allow our own capabilities to dwindle.” “America’s merchant fleet has dwindled 60 percent since 1991,” Casey stated. “Requiring LNG and oil to be exported on U.S.-built and crewed vessels will help strengthen our nation’s shipyards and maritime industry and keep America competitive in international markets. The bipartisan Energizing American Shipbuilding Act would also create good-paying jobs for our ports in Pennsylvania, and throughout the country, while increasing ship manufacturing to ensure that we can provide sealift capacity for our military.” Garamendi served as the top Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation from 2013 to 2018, and has sponsored this legislation since 2016 as part of his Make it in America agenda. So-Called ‘Right to Work’ Law Soundly Rejected in Montana The continuing drive by antiunion, anti-worker legislators and businesses to impose so-called “right to work” (for less) laws around the United States took hits in Montana and West Virginia on consecutive days in early March. The arguably bigger triumph for workers and their allies came in Montana. For its 50,000-member labor movement, battling “right to work” (RTW) was a fight for economic life, according to state labor officials. In the Montana House, where Republicans hold a 67-33 majority, union foes wanted to pass a RTW bill, banning any requirement that workers pay dues to the unions that represent them. Twenty-seven states, mostly in the south and mid-west, have such laws, intended to weaken unions by starving them of resources. West Virginia, also GOP-dominated, is one of the 27. The laws let workers protected by union contracts and union services get away without paying for them. And, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) admitted RTW hasn’t succeeded there in delivering what its corporate backers predicted: jobs and new people. “So-called ‘right-to-work’ is wrong for Montana and will lead to lower wages, weaker local economies and dangerous working conditions,” Montana AFL-CIO President Al Ekblad tweeted the day before the vote. As the vote neared, hundreds of union members packed the state capitol’s hallways in Helena for two days straight, and filled the gallery when the vote was scheduled. On March 2, the bill, HB251, by first-year Rep. Caleb Hinkle (RBelgrade), went down by a vote of 38-62, with 29 Republicans joining all 33 Democrats in voting “no.” “If you argue against the political speech of union workers on HB251 it is a safe assumption you are arguing for the special-interest PACs from out of state promoting union-busting work on behalf of monied interests,” Rep. Jessica Karjala (D-Billings) told colleagues. “Politics is like football in that it’s a contact activity. Hard work and SOLIDARITY paid off. Congratulations to the everyday wage earners of Montana,” union supporter John Kretzschmar tweeted. In its mines and mills, Montana has a storied union past. Today, 12% of Montana workers are union-represented, more than the national average. Montana supporters of RTW say they plan to bring it up again in the 2023 legislative session. Meanwhile, in the Mountaineer State, Justice, a billionaire who is West Virginia’s wealthiest person, didn’t call for repealing RTW. But in a zoomed town hall on March 3, he “ate crow” about it – and the rest of the corporate agenda he and the GOP legislative majority pushed through starting in 2010. The video, posted on YouTube, shows a chagrined Justice, in coat and tie, seated at his desk in front of the state and national flags, enumerating the various policies, and saying they didn’t work. “Really and truly, let’s just be brutally honest,” he said. “We passed the right-to-work law in West Virginia. And we ran to the windows looking to see all the people that were going to come – and they didn’t come. We got rid of prevailing wage. We changed our corporate taxes and we’ve done a lot of different things. And we’ve run to the windows and they haven’t come.” One thing Justice didn’t say: West Virginia lost residents since 2010. It will likely lose one of its three U.S. House seats after census figures come out. West Virginia is 10.7% unionized, equal to the national union share. April 2021 �AFL-CIO Applauds American Rescue Plan Relief Package Includes Many Labor-Backed Components The AFL-CIO and its affiliates (including the SIU) are pointing out the many facets of the American Rescue Plan, signed March 11 by President Biden on his fiftieth day in office, that will benefit union members, their families and their communities. The $1.9 trillion federal legislation is designed to help the nation recover by providing financial relief in various forms due to the year-long coronavirus pandemic. “For months, we have demanded that our federal government provide a road map out of the pandemic and the economic crisis,” stated AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “The American Rescue Plan is that road map. “It expands health care for unemployed workers, provides meaningful investment in frontline public services, ensures pension relief for millions of retirees, and it funds the vaccine so that we can end the pandemic. The bill will rescue our economy,” Trumka added. “This measure will allow millions of Americans to breathe a little easier,” SIU President Michael Sacco said. “These have been very tough times. But this bill will help so many people who might have been wondering if they could keep their job, provide shelter and food for their family, or retire in dignity.” “This nation has suffered too much for much too long,” noted President Biden. “And everything in this package is designed to relieve the suffering and to meet the most urgent needs of the nation, and put us in a better position to prevail.” The most recognized item in the plan is the immediate $1,400 stimulus check for people who earned less than $75,000 or for married couples who made less than President Biden addresses the nation as he prepares to sign the latest relief package. $150,000 combined last year. It extends pandemic-related unemployment assistance through September 6. But the American Rescue Plan contains so much more to help workers and their families, according to the AFL-CIO. It provides money for the production of vaccines, medical supplies and personal protective equipment. It allows dollars for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, vaccine distribution, and acquisition of vaccines and supplies. It funds workplace safety through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for meat processors, health care facilities and correctional institutions. It offers funding for state, county, local and tribal governments to continue needed operations such as police, fire and rescue services among others. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees declared, “These funds will keep public employees on the front lines, providing services needed to crush the virus and rebuild our economy.” The plan included provisions from the SIU-backed Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act to support struggling multiemployer pension programs through 2051 with no cuts to accrued benefits. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers President Lonnie Stephenson pointed out, “Including the Butch Lewis Act language will change lives. I am proud that President Biden made this one of his first priorities.” Dollars will be available to reopen public schools and provide materials needed to do so safely. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said, “This plan is quite literally a lifeline for the economy that desperately needs one. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have lost more than a half a million jobs in public education and more than 100,000 jobs in health care. This is what government looks like when it takes swift action to care for all of us.” The measure offers 100 percent COBRA subsidies for up to six months for health care premiums to those who have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced. It provides relief for the airline industries and manufacturers to help with payroll and benefits. Local transportation agencies, as well as Amtrak, will get aid for operating expenses. Additionally, it creates an emergency federal employee leave fund to allow civilian employees and postal workers up to 15 weeks of emergency paid leave while caring for someone with COVID-19 or watching over children during virtual classes. This also includes workers at the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration. The plan extends the Payroll Protection Program to help businesses keep workers employed and adds a new program aimed at restaurants. It funds a rapid retraining program for military veterans who lost their jobs because of the pandemic, and provides assistance for housing to prevent evictions and foreclosures. Gen. Van Ovost Nominated to Lead TRANSCOM Lt. Gen. Richardson Designated for Southern Command During a White House ceremony coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8, President Biden announced two key nominations: Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost as commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), and Army Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson to lead the Southern Command. TRANSCOM oversees the U.S. Military Sealift Command, among other subordinate commands. Van Ovost, the nation’s only female four-star general, has been in charge of the Air Mobility Command since August 2020. Richardson would receive her fourth star upon confirmation by the Senate. Biden described the nominees as “two outstanding and eminently qualified warriors and patriots…. When confirmed, they will become the second and third women in the history of the United States Armed Forces to lead combatant commands. Each of these women have led careers demonstrating incomparable skill, integrity, and duty to country. And at every step, they’ve also helped push open the doors of opportunity to women in our military – blazing the trail a little wider, a little brighter for all the proud women following in their path and looking to their example.” Vice President Kamala Harris stated, “Gen. Van Ovost and Lt. General Richardson have been tested under the most difficult circumstances, and they are proven leaders. The president and I have full confidence in them to address the complex threats we face, to help lead our troops, and to keep our nation safe.” The U.S. military has 11 commands, all led by four-star generals. Van Ovost has commanded an air refueling squadron, flying training wing and the Presidential Airlift Wing. She also served as Pictured at the White House as part of the nomination ceremony are (from left) Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, President Joe Biden, Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson and Vice President Kamala Harris. (White House photo) April 2021 the Director of Staff for Headquarters Air Force, Vice Director of the Joint Staff, the Director of Mobility Forces for U.S. Central Command and as the Vice Commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988. She is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and a command pilot with more than 4,200 hours in more than 30 aircraft. Richardson’s background includes commanding the 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment and deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following battalion command, she was assigned to the Army G-3/5/7 in the Pentagon, where she served as Deputy Director, then Director, for the Army’s Transformation Office. After her Pentagon tour, she attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., and then served as the 100th Garrison Commander of Fort Myer and Fort McNair, and first Joint Base Commander of Myer-Henderson Hall. She later served as the Army’s Liaison Officer to the United States Senate. Multiple news outlets reported that both nominations had been agreed upon within the Pentagon in 2020, but they were intentionally delayed because of concerns that the Trump administration wouldn’t approve due to gender. “They were chosen because they were the best officers for the jobs, and I didn’t want their promotions derailed because someone in the Trump White House saw that I recommended them or thought DOD was playing politics,” then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper told the New York Times. “This was not the case. They were the bestqualified. We were doing the right thing.” Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left), Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (center) and Harris County (Precinct 2) Commissioner Rodney Ellis serve up meals during the event. Pictured from left are Recertified Bosun Raymond Nowak, SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala, SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Houston Director of Community Relations Janice Weaver, Chief Cook Craig Sorrell, SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes, AB Eleuterio Lino (and his son behind him), and GUDE Wuelner Arzu. Houston-Area Seafarers, Other Labor Volunteers Serve Community SIU members in the Houston area recently pitched in and, along with fellow union members and community organizations, helped distribute relief aid to 3,000 local families in need. In response to the severe winter storms that devastated the Houston area, the volunteer effort provided food, water, meal kits, pillows and cups through a drivethru distribution that took place on February 28. The entire event was organized in under 24 hours. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey led a group of SIU volunteers that included Port Agent Joe Zavala, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Recertified Bosun Raymond Nowak, MDR Ernest Latimore, Chief Cook Craig Sorrell, AB Eleuterio Lino (and his son), and GUDE Wuelner Arzu. Corgey, who is also one of the Port Commissioners for the Port of Houston, said, “As most of us know, the City of Houston was founded on maritime commerce, and that continues to this day. And maritime commerce is what gets us out of all these pandemics and natural disasters. And I can tell you, the first link in the supply chain is the port.... We have kept that supply chain moving; in fact, we’ve ramped it up. We’re moving more cargo down there than we ever have, and we’re going to continue to do that. Everybody working together to help out is truly an inspiration to me, and I’m so excited by what I’m seeing today: faith, labor and government working together.” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner thanked the various labor organizations as well as the National Association of Christian Churches (NACC) for their efforts and the volunteer manpower of their members. “We are still dealing with people’s lives being significantly disrupted because of the winter storm,” Turner said. “So even though the power is on, the water pressure has normalized, the reality is that there are thousands of homes including apartments that have been affected because of busted pipes, and they still do not have water. “How we respond says a lot about our city, and we are responding in a very positive way because we’re coming together as a group,” said Turner. Two days prior, SIU officials in Houston were involved in another volunteer effort, delivering water to local residents in need. SIU Assistant Vice President Mike Russo joined Sykes and Zavala in making SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (left) and SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes help deliver bottled water to Houston residents. those deliveries, which were organized by the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation. Zavala said, “This is just a small ex- ample of what the labor movement can do when we come together and perform works of compassion for our communities” Dredge Crew Helps Rescue Family of 6 A Coast Guard rescue boat pulls next to the mostly submerged vessel. Local fishermen are in the background. 4 Seafarers LOG During a recent crew change in King’s Bay off the Florida coast, eagle-eyed mariners spotted a distressed family of boaters and sprang into action. The survey vessel Wolf River, returning from a crew change on the Great Lakes Dredge and Dockoperated Padre Island, diverted course when the crew saw a group of people whose vessel was taking on water in the bay. Immediately, all hands – including SIU Chief Engineer Oscar Palacios – worked to rescue the family of six (two adults and four children). Using two life rings and a rescue net, the mariners brought everyone on board the survey boat safely. Thankfully, the children were all wearing their personal flotation devices properly, aiding in their rescue. Palacios said, “We knew what to do. We knew what steps to take. The kids were screaming for help, so even more training came into play by telling them to calm down: ‘We got you. You’ll be safe’.” According to Palacios, the mother was completely exhausted, and ready to give up once the children were on board. The crew encouraged her to keep trying, and successfully got her on deck. “We saved six lives, and we owe it to training,” he said. The Coast Guard cutter Sea Dragon – which had been contacted by the Padre Island – arrived a few minutes later, and the family was transferred from the Wolf River to the Coast Guard vessel, which transported them to Nassau County personnel. “In the Florida/Southeast Georgia area, we remind boaters that during this time of year, the possibility of hypothermia still exists,” said Kristian Sova, Coast Guard Cutter Sea Dragon commanding officer. “If you can, remain with your boat and try to remain together as a group. This greatly increases the likelihood of first responders finding you if you’re ever in the need of assistance; this was a very fortunate outcome, special thanks to those involved in this rescue.” April 2021 �House Passes H.R. 2474 - The PRO Act After years of impediments for unions, legislation that would reform labor laws and provide workers with more power to organize is making headway in Congress. The U.S. House of Representatives on March 9 passed H.R.2474 - Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019. Also known as the PRO Act, the legislation is considered by many to be the most wide-ranging, pro-worker rewrite of labor law since the original National Labor Relations Act of 1935. It previously was approved by the House in 2020, but the then Republican-controlled Senate failed to take it up. The House passed it again early last month with a vote of 225-206, largely along party lines. Five Republicans voted for the bill, while one Democrat opposed it. The PRO Act includes a slew of provisions that proponents say will make it easier for workers to form unions, conduct strikes as a last resort, and bargain for better wages and working conditions. Should it eventually become law, the PRO Act would: n Expand various labor protections related to employees’ rights to organize and collectively bargain in the workplace. n Address the procedures for union representation elections. n Modify the protections against unfair labor practices that result in serious economic harm such as the discharge of an employee. n Further prohibit employers from taking adverse actions against an employee, including employees with management responsibilities, in response to that employee participating in protected activities related to the enforcement of the prohibitions against unfair labor practices (i.e., whistleblower protections). In addition to the foregoing, the bill specifies procedures for adjudicating complaints, including filing requirements, criteria for making determinations of violations, types of available relief, evidentiary guidelines, and judicial review of NLRB determinations. The measure generally establishes penalties and permits injunctive relief against entities that fail to comply with NLRB orders and creates a private right of action for employees to bring claims against employers interfering with employees’ rights to organize or join a labor organization. Additionally, the bill modifies the reporting requirements for employers engaged in arrangements with third parties to persuade employees not to organize. Specifically, the bill narrows the scope of the exemption for arrangements that are considered legal advice or representation. President Joe Biden, a close ally of labor, prior to the start of PRO Act debate on the House Floor, issued a March 9 statement that encouraged passage of the legislation, which in his view would dramatically enhance the power of workers to organize and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions. The president’s statement, in part, read as follows: “As America works to recover from the devastating challenges of deadly pandemic, an economic crisis, and reckoning on race that reveals deep disparities, we need to summon a new wave of worker power to create an economy that works for everyone. We owe it not only to those who have put in a lifetime of work, but to the next generation of workers who have only known an America of rising inequality and shrinking opportunity. All of us deserve to enjoy America’s promise in full — and our nation’s leaders have a responsibility to deliver it. “That starts with rebuilding unions. The middle class built this country, and unions built the middle class. Unions give workers a stronger voice to increase wages, improve the quality of jobs and protect job security, protect against racial and all other forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, and protect workers’ health, safety, and benefits in the workplace. Unions lift up workers, both union and non-union. They are critical to strengthening our economic competitiveness. “But, after generations of sweat and sacrifice, fighting hard to earn the wages and benefits that built and sustained the American middle class, unions are under siege. Nearly 60 million Americans would join a union if they get a chance, but too many employers and states prevent them from doing so through anti-union attacks. They know that without unions, they can run the table on workers – union and nonunion alike. “We should all remember that the National Labor Relations Act didn’t just say that we shouldn’t hamstring unions or merely tolerate them. It said that we should encourage unions. The PRO Act would take critical steps to help restore this intent. “I urge Congress to send the PRO Act to my desk so we can seize the opportunity to build a future that reflects working people’s courage and ambition, and offers not only good jobs with a real choice to join a union — but the dignity, equity, shared prosperity and common purpose the hardworking people who built this country and make it run deserve.” The March 9 statement was the president’s second such strong pro-union declaration in as many weeks. The first was a testimonial that said a union victory in the recognition vote at the 5,805-worker Am- azon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, would be vital not just to the workers but to the country. “We need to summon a new wave of worker power to create an economy that works for everyone,” President Biden said. “We owe it not only to those who have put in a lifetime of work, but to the next generation of workers who have only known an America of rising inequality and shrinking opportunity. All of us deserve to enjoy America’s promise in full—and our nation’s leaders have a responsibility to deliver it. That starts with rebuilding unions…. Unions lift up workers, both union and non-union. They are critical,” the president concluded. The PRO Act now heads to the U.S. Senate, where winning approval arguably will be impossible, unless Democrats in that chamber do away with or evade the filibuster, which would allow a minority of senators to hamstring it by requiring 60 votes for passage. “We’re not going to let a minority in the Senate stop the PRO Act”, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka vowed in a video press conference with lawmakers and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights just before House debate on the PRO Act began. “If people (lawmakers) know corporations are too strong and workers are not strong enough” economically, “and they make corporations stronger” anyway, by defeating the PRO Act, “they do so at their peril,” Trumka warned. “And in an era of extreme polarization, nearly two-thirds of Americans—65%— approve of labor unions, so it’s not surprising workers would form unions if they were given the chance. That’s 60 million people knocking on our doors. The PRO Act would let them in.” Biden Administration Rescinds Anti-Worker Executive Orders America’s working families are off to a promising start during the first few months of the new administration. On Jan. 22, President Joe Biden revoked some of the previous administration’s anti-labor executive orders, thereby helping to restore some of the collective bargaining power and worker protections that had been stripped from federal employees. Biden’s executive order included revoking the Schedule F employment category, restoring collective bargaining power for federal employees, and pushing for a minimum wage of $15 an hour for federal workers. All of the revoked executive orders were the subject of several lawsuits and labor practice challenges. As stated by the SIU-affiliated National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE): “The Biden executive order goes further to direct agencies to bargain over permissible, non-mandatory subjects of bargaining when contracts are up for negotiation so that workers have a greater voice in their working conditions. President Biden also revoked a hiring and employment authority known as Schedule F, a Trump administration creation to allow political appointees to burrow into career government jobs and coerce or fire career federal employees for political or other unethical reasons.” “Thank you, President Biden, for signing these executive orders today that will protect and empower federal workers,” stated NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “This is one of the most meaningful actions in the history of the federal workforce. President Trump tried his best to turn the federal government into a patronage system. He wanted the government ac- April 2021 countable to him alone at the expense of being accountable to the American people. We were on a dangerous path, but now we are on the right one with President Biden’s actions today.” On Feb. 17, Biden also revoked Executive Order 13801, further emphasizing the White House’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights. The apprenticeship program created by that executive order, the White House stated, has “fewer quality standards” than registered apprenticeship programs that are overseen by the Labor Department. (The apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is registered with the Labor Department.) Biden’s new executive action will direct the agency to issue a rulemaking to dismantle the previous program and reinstate a National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships to provide guidance. Biden has also introduced executive orders to strengthen federal protections for gender and racial equity. In addition, he directed the government to take steps to protect worker health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. As stated in the text of Executive Order 13999, “The Federal Government must take swift action to reduce the risk that workers may contract COVID-19 in the workplace. That will require issuing science-based guidance to help keep workers safe from COVID-19 exposure, including with respect to mask-wearing; partnering with State and local governments to better protect public employees; enforcing worker health and safety requirements; and pushing for additional resources to help employers protect employees.” Coast Guard Commandant Credits Mariners During his annual “State of the Coast Guard” address on March 11, the agency’s commandant, Adm. Karl Schultz (pictured during the speech in San Diego), praised the U.S. Merchant Marine. “I have to give a shout-out to our credentialed U.S. Merchant Mariners who form the backbone of the Marine Transportation System,” he said. “Last year, the Coast Guard made sure these marine operators were categorized as essential workers. Annually, they are responsible for $5.4 Trillion dollars of economic activity that Americans depend on. Throughout this global pandemic, these professionals kept products moving to ensure stores were stocked with medicine and critical supplies.” (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Travis Magee) Seafarers LOG 5 �CDC Posts Guidance for Vaccinated Individuals The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 8 issued its first public health guidance targeted at resuming normal activities for people who have been fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last required dose of vaccine (both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna shots or one shot of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine). Based on the latest science, the new guidance includes recommendations for how and when a fully vaccinated individual can visit with other people who are fully vaccinated and with others who are not inoculated. This guidance represents a first step toward communities returning to normal everyday activities. When more people are vaccinated, rates of COVID-19 in the community change, and additional scientific evidence becomes available, the CDC will update these recommendations. Although vaccinations are accelerating, the CDC estimates that just 9.2% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated. “We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH. “There are some activities that fully vaccinated people can begin to resume now in their own homes. Everyone – even those who are vaccinated – should continue with all mitigation strategies when in public settings. As the science evolves and more people get vaccinated, we will continue to provide more guidance to help fully vaccinated people safely resume more activities.” What Has Changed Under the recommendations, fully vaccinated individuals: n May gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask. n May gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Fully vaccinated people who have been around someone who has COVID19 do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless they have symptoms. However, those who live in a group setting (such as a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if they don’t have symptoms. While the new guidance is a positive step, the CDC says the vast majority of people need to be fully vaccinated before COVID-19 precautions can be lifted broadly. Until then, it is important that everyone continues to adhere to public Seafarers Could Be Reclassified for COVID-19 Inoculations Committee on Maritime Transportation System: Prioritize Mariners for Vaccines The United States Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS) is calling for U.S. mariners to be reclassified to Phase 1(b) when it comes to prioritizing them for COVID-19 vaccination. The committee is a federal interagency coordinating group chaired by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. In early March, they published a “white paper” advocating for mariners. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that transportation workers be included in Phase 1(c) of the vaccine rollout. However, the CMTS concluded, “Due to the constant risk of exposure and transmittal of COVID-19, U.S. merchant mariners should be considered for transfer from Phase 1(c) - Other Essential Workers to Phase 1(b) - Frontline Essential workers.” The paper noted, “U.S. merchant mariners play a critical role in our Nation’s international and domestic supply chain to support the distribution of vitally im- portant personal protective equipment, ventilators, and other urgent medical supplies, as well as maintaining U.S. national security sealift requirements. The nature of their work makes them extremely vulnerable for COVID-19 infection due to living and operating in close quarters, far from medical services, and within constantly changing geographic locations. They transport commerce along our coastlines, Great Lakes, inland waters and internationally, and interact with a myriad of port workers and government inspectors. Vaccinating merchant mariners needs due consideration to transfer their vaccination classification from Phase 1(c) - other essential workers to Phase 1(b) - frontline essential workers. “Mariners work on board vessels 24/7 without knowing the full magnitude of the risk to which they are being exposed,” the committee continued. “Their confined place of work is also their residence where they interact with others, whether at sea or ashore. There are no testing options for COVID-19 on board, and one infected crew member may easily infect the rest, especially due to the prevalence of asymptomatic spread. For mariners on international waters, there are no treatment options on board other than telemedicine, leaving the infected mariners without professional care for days or even weeks at a stretch. Upon making the next port, many mariners have been denied debarkation or medical assistance because of concerns for virus infection. Additionally, U.S. mariners embark or disembark from vessels anywhere in the world, requiring travel to and from their homes, exposing them and others further. “All frontline critical infrastructure essential workers are important. Due to their constant risk of exposure and transmittal of COVID-19, U.S. merchant mariners should also be considered for the Phase 1(b) - frontline essential workers status.” health mitigation measures to protect the large number of people who remain unvaccinated. What Has Not Changed CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people continue to take the following COVID-19 precautions when in public, when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple other households, and when around unvaccinated people who are at high risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19: n Wear a well-fitted mask. n Stay at least 6 feet from people you do not live with. n Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings. n Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. n Follow guidance issued by individual employers. n Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations. Notice to Seafarers Concerning Timing Of Vaccines, TB Tests The CDC recently issued guidance indicating that COVID-19 vaccines should not be delayed because of testing for TB infection. Testing for TB infection can be done before or at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccination. If it is not done at the same time, the TB test should be delayed for at least four weeks. If you are scheduling your annual exam, CHS will ask if you have had the COVID-19 vaccination. If you’ve had the vaccination, they will not schedule the TB test until the four-week timeframe has passed. The lack of this test will not affect the medical determination for your annual exam. You may need to subsequently take the TB test when you schedule your Interval exam. If you have received the COVID vaccine, please email a copy of your shot record to the medical department at shbpmedical@seafarers.org to be kept with your other shot information in your medical record. CMTS Voices Support of Vaccine Safety, Importance for Mariners The U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS) COVID-19 Working Group recently hosted a webinar, during which committee members reinforced the point that mariners are essential workers and the belief that they should receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. The webinar, open to members of the maritime community, focused on One of the slides shown during the webinar 6 Seafarers LOG the safety and efficacy of the available vaccine variants. While the committee members advised that the singledose vaccines, made by Johnson and Johnson, would be a better fit for the mariner lifestyle, they also reiterated that mariners should attempt to receive any FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine available in their area. In addition to the importance of get- ting a vaccine, the committee members encouraged everyone to participate in v-safe, a new CDC smartphone-based monitoring program for COVID-19 vaccine safety. The app is used by the CDC to, among other information, collect data on users’ post-vaccination symptoms and remind recipients of a two-dose vaccine when to schedule their second appointment. At the conclusion of the webinar, committee members encouraged all mariners to anonymously complete the “Mariner Mental Health Needs During COVID-19” online survey, which can be found at: https://redcap.link/mariners. The survey takes an estimated 10 minutes to complete, and the information gathered will help the CMTS better serve mariners during this public health crisis. According to the committee’s website: “The CMTS serves as a Federal interagency coordinating committee for the purpose of assessing the adequacy of the marine transportation system, promoting the integration of the marine transportation system with other modes of transportation and other uses of the marine environment, and coordinating, improving the coordination of, and making recommendations with regard to Federal policies that impact the marine transportation system.” The CMTS was chartered in 2005, and is led by Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. The CMTS COVID19 Working Group is led by officials from the Maritime Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard. Participating agencies include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Maritime Commission, Maritime Administration, Military Sealift Command (MSC), National GeospatialIntelligence Agency (NGA), National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office (NMIO), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of State (DOS), U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary (OST), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Navy, Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) and U.S. Transportation Command (USTC). April 2021 �ABOARD SLNC SEVERN – Many thanks to Bosun Mario Loria for these photos of a friendly cornhole tournament aboard the Argent Marine vessel, featuring SIU and AMO members. Among the Seafarers pictured are the bosun, plus AB Benjamin Carroll, GVA Johanns Rivera-Rivera and AB Richard Palacios. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU LEGACIES (AND BOOKS) IN PUERTO RICO – Both AB Victor Manuel Rios (left in photo at left) and OMU Jose Borrero (right in other photo) are second-generation SIU members who recently received their respective full B-books. They are pictured with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hiring hall in San Juan. FULL BOOK IN HAWAII – AB Carey Floyd displays his newly acquired full B-book at the hall in Honolulu. ABOARD DANIEL K. INOUYE – Recertified Bosun Gerry Gianan has nothing but good things to say about the galley gang aboard the Matson ship, describing it as “the best” and “a real feeder.” Pictured from left aboard the vessel are Recertified Steward Ben Opaon and Chief Cook Mario Firme. A-BOOK IN JERSEY – STOS John Davis (right in photo at left) receives his A-seniority book at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. WORTH EVERY CALORIE – 2nd Cook/Baker Ramon Hilerio (photo at right) shows off his pizzabaking prowess aboard the Howard Lorenzen (Crowley) in Japan. FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – Inland Seafarer Steve Mathis (center in photo at left) receives his full book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with (from left) SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Patrolman J.B. Niday, Patrolman Kelly Krick and Port Agent Joe Zavala. April 2021 Seafarers LOG 7 �Money Management for SIU Families Financial benefits Manage your f inances with Union Plus Whether you’re applying for a loan, looking for a lawyer to help with estate planning or just want to simplify things with a debit card, we’re here for you and your plan to have a bright financial future. 4/21 Learn more at: unionplus.org/money SIU-MM-3-16-2021 8 Seafarers LOG April 2021 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Chief Cook Earns GED “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Feb. 15 - March. 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15. Total Registered Chief Cook Tristan Kenneth Cordero (third from left) recently earned his General Education Diploma at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland. The Ormond, Florida native received his diploma during the January membership meeting at the PHC. Presenting Cordero with his diploma is Acting PHC Vice President Tom Orzechowski (right). Also on hand to congratulate Cordero on his achievement were SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (left) and Piney Point Port Agent Mario Torrey (second from left). April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point............................................Monday: April 5, May 3 Algonac................................................Friday: April 9, May 7 Baltimore........................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Guam............................................Thursday: April 22, May 20 Honolulu.....................................Friday: April 16, May 14 Houston........................................Monday: April 12, May 10 Jacksonville......................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Joliet................................................Thursday: April 15, May 13 Mobile.....................................Wednesday: April 14, May 12 New Orleans..........................................Tuesday: April 13, May 11 Jersey City................................................Tuesday: April 6, May 4 Norfolk....................................................Friday: April 9, May 7 Oakland...............................................Thursday: April 15, May 13 Philadelphia........................................Wednesday: April 7, May 5 Port Everglades................................Thursday: April 15, May 13 San Juan..................................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 St. Louis....................................................Friday: April 16, May 14 Tacoma...................................................Friday: April 23, May 21 Wilmington.................................................Monday: April 19, May 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Another New Ship SPAD Works For You. Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD April 2021 Total Shipped Port All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 8 3 4 11 7 12 4 33 33 29 3 6 15 9 6 2 6 17 2 20 230 6 2 1 13 0 7 1 25 26 12 3 3 16 2 1 3 0 8 1 12 142 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 0 2 6 2 3 6 11 18 8 2 3 10 5 3 1 4 8 1 9 106 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS All Groups A B Registered on Beach C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C 2 0 0 6 0 5 1 6 9 4 0 6 4 0 1 1 2 3 0 4 54 Deck Department 16 5 0 2 4 2 11 7 0 0 8 5 6 1 21 13 12 16 16 11 3 2 8 7 13 12 9 1 2 2 0 3 6 1 16 7 1 1 14 13 166 111 2 1 0 2 0 1 0 4 3 2 1 2 3 1 1 0 2 0 1 3 29 1 0 3 4 0 6 3 16 10 14 0 3 8 2 2 1 4 11 0 7 95 55 4 4 32 6 16 11 73 58 51 1 10 36 18 6 2 10 43 5 40 481 16 4 1 16 0 5 4 33 42 11 6 3 21 8 2 4 4 13 3 12 208 4 0 0 5 0 3 1 5 17 4 1 8 11 0 1 1 1 8 1 5 76 2 0 2 5 2 2 4 8 14 4 0 3 13 4 1 4 3 4 0 8 83 1 0 0 1 1 2 1 3 8 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 28 Engine Department 4 1 2 0 0 4 6 3 0 0 4 2 4 3 10 7 14 6 9 5 3 0 4 0 12 12 3 1 1 1 1 3 2 2 10 4 1 0 12 6 102 60 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 4 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 15 0 0 3 0 0 5 0 6 2 6 0 1 8 1 1 1 2 2 1 4 43 11 0 2 11 2 4 16 22 27 13 1 6 25 11 3 2 4 16 1 22 199 3 1 1 14 2 2 6 9 24 7 3 7 19 6 0 4 5 9 1 10 133 2 0 0 2 1 0 1 2 7 3 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 26 3 0 1 5 0 3 3 14 11 8 1 1 10 14 1 2 2 8 3 19 109 2 1 0 4 3 1 1 5 11 2 0 8 6 5 0 7 2 4 0 6 68 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 8 Steward Department 5 1 0 0 1 0 7 3 1 1 2 0 1 0 9 3 11 5 4 3 2 0 0 3 14 6 9 2 2 0 2 3 4 2 4 1 1 0 14 4 93 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 2 3 2 0 0 5 5 0 0 2 2 0 2 28 13 0 0 13 0 10 9 29 20 21 2 3 19 22 2 4 4 18 3 35 227 2 2 0 9 2 3 5 5 21 3 0 10 18 13 0 6 6 4 1 12 122 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 18 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 8 0 3 22 9 3 0 3 0 1 2 12 17 9 3 0 9 9 1 4 0 7 0 9 98 7 0 1 1 3 0 3 12 46 5 1 1 16 8 2 6 4 11 0 11 138 Entry Department 1 4 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 8 0 7 2 4 0 1 1 0 0 7 1 4 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 9 0 0 1 9 10 64 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 4 22 1 0 0 8 2 0 8 2 2 0 3 57 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 1 3 0 3 19 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 6 6 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 10 0 6 38 28 3 1 7 0 1 5 14 36 24 2 1 25 13 1 4 3 16 0 27 211 20 4 1 5 3 0 4 23 91 14 2 3 48 9 2 6 3 18 1 16 273 GRAND TOTAL: 467 391 228 105 185 945 674 393 371 272 Seafarers LOG 9 �The British destroyer Zambesi rescued Burbine and other survivors. SIU-crewed Henry Bacon ‘I’m Not Going to Give Up’ SS Henry Bacon Survivor: Mariners Deserve Accolades A side from the obviously not-so-small detail about his miraculous survival for two-plus hours in freezing ocean water, the story of former Seafarer Dick Burbine, 95, isn’t radically different from those of his fellow World War II merchant mariners. At age 16, eager to help with the war effort, he walked into a Marine Corps recruiting office in Boston in 1942 and tried to enlist, despite the concerned objections expressed by his mother. Burbine commemorates the rescue each year, most recently in February 2021, when this photo was taken. 10 Seafarers LOG But colorblindness prevented Burbine from joining the armed forces. “They told me to go across the street to the U.S. Maritime Commission,” he recently recalled. “That’s how it came about.” Other mariners from that era have half-jokingly said the standard for entry into the U.S. Merchant Marine during the war consisted of the ability to fog a mirror. While it may not have been quite that lax, history has borne out that innumerable mariners followed a course similar to Burbine’s. They tried to sign up for military service but were rejected for medical reasons. They could have stayed home. They didn’t. Burbine, the last surviving member of the illfated, SIU-crewed Henry Bacon, shares another trait with World War II mariners in that he knows they didn’t get the credit they deserved for decades following the battle. And, like his seafaring brethren, he still finds it bothersome – not because any of them craved attention, but because of basic fairness. “I’m insignificant,” said Burbine, who lives in California, near the Nevada border, and still leads an active life. “My objective with this story is, the merchant marine has never been given the recognition that they should have. They were the best. They all went back on their own. They believed in the cause, and to me, that is the finest thing in the world a person can do.” Many returned to sea after surviving a sinking. Burbine is one of them. Dangerous Waters The hardiness of the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II simply isn’t debatable. Depending on who does the math, they suffered a casualty rate that either exceeded any of the armed forces or was second to that of the Marine Corps. They often sailed with minimal protection, if any. They indeed were an all-volunteer service. More than 8,000 of them died at sea; another 11,000 were wounded. But the surest way to make one of the surviving mariners cringe is to say the words, “Murmansk Run.” Infamous for its foreboding conditions, the Murmansk Run partly consisted of a dangerous Arctic Ocean passage from Iceland or Scotland to northern Russia. U.S. vessels joined those convoys beginning in 1942, sending a total of approximately 350 ships during a three-year stretch. Nearly 100 of those vessels were sunk by Germans, and thousands of Americans aboard them lost their lives. The Liberty Ship Henry Bacon, operated by South Atlantic Steamship Company, safely arrived in Murmansk in February 1945, delivering war materials and other supplies. Wiper Dick Burbine, having just turned 18, was one of 40 crew members. The ship also carried 26 members of the Navy Armed Guard. The Bacon took on more personnel in Murmansk. The British Navy had rescued more than 500 Norwegian civilians from occupied Norway and moved them to Russia. Nineteen of the refugees, most of them women and children, were assigned to the SIU-crewed ship, for transport to England. They’d make regrettable history, as the Bacon became the last Allied vessel sunk by German aircraft. Upon leaving Murmansk on Feb. 17, the Bacon was part of a convoy that included 35 ships and naval escorts. But a combination of severe weather and mechanical problems caused the Bacon to stray, and because of radio-silence protocols, they couldn’t alert the other vessels. On Feb. 23, more than a dozen German aircraft (torpedo bombers) found the Bacon some 60 miles from the convoy, mainly because of damage to the steering engine. Gunners aboard the merchant vessel shot down at least five of the airplanes and damaged four others, but eventually the Bacon succumbed to a torpedo striking the #5 Hold. Following orders, Burbine was readying what apparently was the ship’s only viable lifeboat when a second torpedo hit. “The other davits were frozen solid,” he recalled. “The lashing lines were frozen. The chief engineer told me to get in and cut the lashings. When we got hit, the lifeboat went over the side with me in it. When I came to, I was under it, in the water. That’s the one we eventually used for the Norwegians. I was the first one in the water and the last one to be picked up.” Survivors In 2021, Burbine’s rugged appearance, sharp memory and volunteer work in forestry (often including use of gas-powered chainsaws) undoubtedly seem improbable for someone his age. Then again, perhaps longevity was a given after what he and some of his shipmates somehow survived as the Bacon went under. The temperature was around 40 below zero, with high winds. Shortly after the Bacon sank, Burbine rounded up two other mariners and an armed guard member and assisted them with life rings. They never left the water until a couple of hours later, when three British destroyers arrived just before nightfall. Although many of those who made it off of the ship died in the water from hypothermia, Burbine and his immediate comrades pulled through, as did all 19 refugees and others who boarded a second lifeboat. The attack claimed the lives of 16 mariners and 12 armed-guard personnel. “The only thing I said was, I’m not going to give up,” he said. “God helped me and that was it. My whole intention was I’m not going to give up.” Burbine remembers “people hollering, looking for help. I remember swimming in a life ring. The winds were blowing, and we were down low in the water. At one point an ice cone blew over us, and I’m certain that helped.” Eventually, he and many others were pulled to the deck of the British Zambesi, then taken to the crew mess to thaw. What followed, despite the dire circumstances, might qualify for a comedic movie scene, or at least a quirky one. “They had no medication,” Burbine stated. “The ship’s doctor said, ‘I don’t have any medicine, but I’ve got all the rum you can consume.’ It worked. I never lost any extremities or anything, and to this day, I still drink rum once a week or so.” Another twist awaited, though. Some of the April 2021 survivors were taken to a castle in Northern Ireland and were “interviewed by every service they had,” Burbine said. “They thought we were German plants, because no one had previously survived that long in those waters. They interviewed us for eight hours.” Once cleared, they were transferred to Glasgow, Scotland, for two weeks, then were sent back to the United States aboard the USS Wakefield. “We returned to Norfolk (Virginia) and were told we were free to go,” Burbine said. “That was it. No ‘thank you,’ no nothing.” He continued recuperating for a couple of weeks, then shipped out again, aboard an Ore Steamship vessel. More Adventures Burbine’s maritime career began with a voyage aboard the National Maritime Union ship Sea Marlin, which sailed to numerous Pacific islands. Upon returning to the U.S., though, he joined the SIU in Norfolk. “The SIU was the best union I ever belonged to,” he said. “I have nothing but good feelings and thoughts for them. They were good people and they treated you fair and square.” He thought highly enough of the SIU that he rejoined it after finally being accepted in the Marine Corps in 1950. He served three tours in Korea during the war, mostly as part of VMO-6, a helicopter observation and rescue squadron. “That was 32 months of solid combat,” Burbine remembered. “We did over 7,000 Class ‘A’ evacuations.” But after nine years in the military, he returned to the SIU and resumed sailing until 1965 (always as part of the engine department). He eventually transitioned to a career in law enforcement, then, after retiring, began volunteering with a forest service in 1988. Regarding his maritime experience, Burbine said, “I still feel I’d do it all over again. I’ve been all over the world, and I was fortunate because I enjoyed what I was doing. I would even do the Murmansk Run again, under the same conditions.” He said he considers his entire career a highlight, but mentioned a chance meeting with thenSIU President Paul Hall in New York as a moment that stands out. “It wasn’t exactly like royalty, but he was an executive-type individual,” Burbine said. “But he was also down to earth. He was a seaman at heart.” ‘Nothing But Pride’ Burbine always commemorates the anniversary of the Henry Bacon rescue. For decades, he kept in touch with other survivors. The last of them passed away in 2020. Burbine endures, as does his frustration that history sometimes overlooked the wartime service of civilian mariners. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the GI Bill in 1944, he 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.” No such action took place. World War II mari- April 2021 ners eventually received veterans’ status in 1988 (it took another 10 years before the cutoff date for such recognition was extended to match the one used for the armed services). By then, however, the distinction proved more ceremonial than practical. Other wins have been secured, though. The U.S. Merchant Marine is included in the World War II Memorial in the nation’s capital. Last year, the president signed the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. Physical memorials exist across the country. Books have been published that focus on their contributions. High-ranking military and government officials in recent years have made extra efforts around National Maritime Day (May 22) to salute the service of mariners from that era. For his part, Burbine simply wants the public to know the truth about him and his shipmates. “There was not one merchant mariner in the whole system that didn’t volunteer for it,” he stated. “General (Dwight) Eisenhower said, ‘When final victory is ours, there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the U.S. Merchant Marine.’ I firmly agree with him. The U.S. Merchant Marine is still one of the finest organizations that served our country during the war. They were outstanding people for the simple reason that they wanted to be there. I always admired that about each and every one of them, and I have nothing but pride for the U.S. Merchant Marine.” SIU member Dick Burbine is pictured in 1945. German aircraft warm up in Norway in 1945. These types of planes attacked the SS Henry Bacon. Seafarers LOG 11 �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: Why did you enter this industry and why have you stuck with it? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nate Simmons Chief Cook I got into it because of my family – a lot of them sail. This is a good opportunity to provide for my family. I also like travelling the world, and the pay. Armon Bailey Chief Cook I got into it because the change of environment helped me become a better me. It put me on the right path, and that’s why I stayed with it. I joined in early 2016 and it changed my life. Noah Schluder Steward/Cook I got in through the GAP program. I was working in restaurants, but that was a dead end – no money or benefits. I’ve stuck with it because I like it. There’s good money through the union, and I work one month on and one month off on a dredge. Agnes Gamboa Chief Cook This is one of the best good-paying jobs out there. I joined in 2012 and I’m still here; I can’t complain. I can support my family and I’m so blessed to have this job. Adam Bechtold Chief Cook There are so many reasons. I love cooking, and this seemed like a really cool way to integrate that into a profession. I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay and love being on the water. The money is also nice. Esmeralda Cueto Chief Cook A lot of my family members are seamen, including my husband and my brother. They’re both SIU members. It’s a good job. You get to travel for free, and the pay is good. I love this job and I love to cook. Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Lordiem Garcia Second Cook This industry gave me the opportunity to put my daughters through college. I also enjoy the travel, getting to see other countries and learning their cultures. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG Pic From The Past Seafaring often runs in families, and that was the case for the late Louis Gracia Sr. (left) and his son Louis Gracia Jr. (right). They’re pictured in 1981 at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland (with the training vessel Zimmerman in the background). Louis Sr., a steward department member, sailed with the union from 1953 until his passing in 1990. Louis Jr. primarily sailed in the engine department, most recently in 2016. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org April 2021 �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 MOTT ARNOLD Brother Mott Arnold, 69, donned the SIU colors in 1970 and first sailed aboard the Columbia Eagle. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Arnold last shipped aboard the Horizon Kodiak. He makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. DANILO FLORENDO Brother Danilo Florendo, 67, joined the SIU in 2000, initially sailing on the Overseas Washington. A steward department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Florendo last shipped on the Maersk Seletar. He resides in Eatonville, Washington. JAMES KUCK Brother James Kuck, 64, signed on with the Seafarers in 2011 when he sailed on the USNS Henson. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Kuck most recently shipped aboard the Pride of America. He lives in Surprise, Arizona. SANTIAGO LUDAN Brother Santiago Ludan, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1990 when he shipped on the Independence. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Ludan’s final vessel was the Green Cove. He settled in New Castle, Washington. KAID MOHAMED Brother Kaid Mohamed, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1989 when he sailed aboard the Anders. A steward department member, he last shipped on the Keystone in 2002. Brother Mohamed lives in Oakland. FILIBERTO MOREIRA Brother Filiberto Moreira, 70, started shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1993, first sailing aboard the Independence. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Moreira’s final vessel was the Maersk Kensington. He resides in the Bronx, New York. RERE PAITI Sister Rere Paiti, 68, joined the April 2021 union in 2002 and first sailed on the Grand Canyon State. She upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions and was a steward department member. Sister Paiti’s final vessel was the Sunshine State. She is a resident of Henderson, Nevada. MACK REVIS Brother Mack Revis, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he shipped aboard the Delta Panama. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and was a member of the engine department. Brother Revis last shipped on the Liberty Eagle. He calls Beaumont, Texas, home. OMER SHARIF Brother Omer Sharif, 67, signed on with the union in 1975, initially sailing on the Mt Vernon. He sailed in the engine department and most recently aboard the North Star. Brother Sharif lives in University Place, Washington. WILLIAM THOMAS Brother William Thomas, 66, began his career with the Seafarers in 1978 when he sailed on the Panama. He sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Thomas upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last shipped on the USNS John U.D. Page and makes his home in Exmore, Virginia. JERRY VAN ETTEN when he worked on the Overseas Ulla. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Victor’s final vessel was the Dodge Island. He resides in Ellsworth, Maine. PHILIP WILSON Brother Philip Wilson, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1990, initially sailing on the Cape Catoche. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1993. Brother Wilson last shipped on the Global Link. He is a resident of The Villages, Florida. GREAT LAKES ROBERT MASON Brother Robert Mason, 65, joined the Seafarers in 2000. He was a deck department member and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2006. Brother Mason’s first and last vessel was the John Boland. He makes his home in Onaway, Michigan. INLAND WILLIE ALLEN Brother Willie Allen, 63, began sailing with the SIU in 1990, initially working with Delta Queen Steamboat. He was a deck department member and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Allen’s final vessel was the Achievement. He makes his home in Tylertown, Mississippi. SCOTT GROSJEAN Brother Scott Grosjean, 64, signed on with the Seafarers in 1977. He was first employed with Quality Quarries and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Grosjean upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked for Steuart Transportation and lives in Ashland, Wisconsin. FREDDY HAMILTON Brother Freddy Hamilton, 57, started shipping with the union in 1991. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and was a deck department member. Brother Hamilton first sailed aboard the USNS Regulus. He most recently shipped on the Pacific Reliance and makes his home in Tampa, Florida. JEFFREY KING Brother Jeffrey King, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1981 when he shipped on the Pisces. He primarily sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center shortly after joining the union. Brother King was last employed by OSG Ship Management. He lives in Odessa, Florida. STANLEY KNOPP Brother Stanley Knopp, 69, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1973. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and first shipped on the Transeastern. Brother Knopp upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked for Moran Towing and resides in Baltimore. FRANK MCCLEESE Brother Frank McCleese, 61, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1987. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother McCleese worked for G&H Towing for his entire career. He lives in Ingleside, Texas. PAUL MCCREADY Brother Paul McCready, 59, donned the SIU colors in 1996, initially working with Gulf Marine. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother McCready concluded his career with Penn Maritime. He calls Tangier, Virginia, home. NELSON MORGAN Brother Nelson Morgan, 64, began his career with the Seafarers in 2002. He sailed in the deck department and was employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. Brother Morgan resides in Ona, Florida. Taking the Oath in New Orleans Brother Jerry Van Etten, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1974. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was a deck department member. Brother Van Etten’s first vessel was the Chas C West; his last, the Developer. He lives in Maricopa, Arizona. PETER VICTOR Brother Peter Victor, 65, started sailing with the union in 1979 Several Seafarers received their respective full books during the March membership meeting in New Orleans. SIU Safety Director James Brown (left) administers the union oath to (from left, standing and facing camera) AB Norman Comeaux, AB Jehan Daza, Capt. Billy Barletto and Capt. Mike Nance. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ALI ALI Pensioner Ali Ali, 90, died December 3. He signed on with the union in 1970 and was a steward department member. Brother Ali first shipped on the Fair Isle. He last sailed on the Patriot before going on pension in 1995. Brother Ali was a resident of San Francisco. ALFONSO BOMBITA Pensioner Alfonso Bombita, 71, passed away January 21. He began his career with the SIU in 1983. Brother Bombita’s first vessel was the Santa Maria. He sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Gem State. Brother Bombita became a pensioner in 2019 and resided in American Canyon, California. DION CHEESEBOROUGH Brother Dion Cheeseborough, 26, died December 31. He started shipping with the SIU in 2017 when he sailed on the Walter J. McCarthy. An engine department member, Brother Cheeseborough most recently shipped on the Integrity. He lived in Jacksonville, Florida, his birthplace. LARRY DOCKWILLER Pensioner Larry Dockwiller, 65, died December 12. Signing on with the union in 1977, he first sailed on the Aquarius. Brother Dockwiller was a steward department member and last worked aboard the ITB Mobile. He went on pension in 2020 and resided in Ruidoso, New Mexico. WILLIS EVERITT Brother Willis Everitt, 94, passed away November 5. He joined the SIU in 1953 and first sailed aboard the President Harrison. Brother Everitt was a steward department member and also worked on shore gangs. He primarily was employed by American Ship Management, and lived in Los Angeles. WALTER FITZGERALD Pensioner Walter Fitzgerald, 78, died February 7. He donned the SIU colors in 1966, and his first ships 14 Seafarers LOG included ones operated by Hudson Waterways and Sea-Land, respectively. Brother Fitzgerald sailed in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the Carolina. He went on pension in 2007 and was a resident of Richland, Georgia. SPERO MOCHE Pensioner Spero Moche, 74, died December 4. He began his career with the SIU in 1970 and initially sailed on the De Soto. Brother Moche primarily sailed in the engine department and concluded his career on the Inspiration. He became a pensioner in 2005 and resided in Floyd, Virginia. KASSEM SALEH Pensioner Kassem Saleh, 77, died November 24. He started sailing with the SIU in 1967 when he shipped on the Reiss Brothers. Brother Saleh worked in all three departments. He last sailed on the President Polk and retired in 2005. Brother Saleh called Dearborn, Michigan, home. PHARON SIMMONS Brother Pharon Simmons, 35, died December 9. He signed on with the union in 2013 and was a deck department member. Brother Simmons first shipped on the USNS Watkins and most recently sailed aboard the Ocean Globe. He resided in Jacksonville, Florida, his birthplace. ALBERT WAMBACH Pensioner Albert Wambach, 72, passed away January 12. He began his career with the SIU in 1971, first sailing aboard the Overseas Valdez. Brother Wambach sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the USNS Watson. He became a pensioner in 2013 and resided in Valatie, New York. IRA WHITE Pensioner Ira White, 81, died December 27. Signing on with the union in 1965, he first sailed on the Manhattan. Brother White was an engine department member and last worked for Michigan Tankers. He went on pension in 2004 and settled in Panama City, Florida. SHAWN WILLIAMS Pensioner Shawn Williams, 53, passed away February 12. He began shipping with the SIU in 1992 when he sailed on the Producer. Brother Williams was a deck department member. His final vessel was the Liberty Passion and he retired in 2020. Brother Williams lived in Lake City, South Carolina. THOMAS WOERNER Brother Thomas Woerner, 66, died February 8. He donned the SIU colors in 1973, initially sailing aboard the Los Angeles. Brother Woerner sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Overseas Martinez. He was a resident of Fredericksburg, Virginia. DEAN YANNUZZI Pensioner Dean Yannuzzi, 71, passed away February 18. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1969, initially shipping on the Transerie. A deck department member, Brother Yannuzzi last sailed aboard the Resolve. He began collecting his pension in 2008 and settled in San Antonio, Texas. NIKOLAOS ZERVOS Pensioner Nikolaos Zervos, 91, died January 21. He began his career with the SIU in 1967 and initially sailed aboard the Saphire Etta. Brother Zervos was a member of the deck department and concluded his career on the Galveston Bay. He became a pensioner in 1994 and resided in Athens, Greece. GREAT LAKES JACK BENNETT Pensioner Jack Bennett, 88, died January 30. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1960. Brother Bennett was employed by American Steamship for the duration of his career. He last shipped on the Buffalo and retired in 1994. Brother Bennett was a resident of Gainesville, Georgia. RAY BLAHNIK RUSSELL WILSON Pensioner Ray Blahnik, 80, passed away February 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1962 and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Blahnik first worked for Michigan Interstate Railway. He last sailed on the Adam E. Cornelius and retired in 2005. He called Benzonia, Michigan, home. Pensioner Russell Wilson, 91, died January 31. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1962. Brother Wilson was first employed by Moran Towing of Virginia. He last worked for Atlantic Towing and became a pensioner in 1989. Brother Wilson made his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ROSS WAISANEN Pensioner Ross Waisanen, 66, died January 6. He began his career with the SIU in 1996 and initially sailed aboard the Steel T. Crapo. Brother Waisanen was a member of the deck department and concluded his career on the John Boland. He became a pensioner in 2019 and resided in Minneapolis. INLAND LEW LAHAYE Pensioner Lew Lahaye, 79, died February 6. Signing on with the SIU in 1963, he was first employed by Hvide Marine. Brother Lahaye was an engine department member and last worked for Seabulk Tankers. He retired in 2005 and resided in Nederland, Texas. LUMAN MOODY Pensioner Luman Moody, 79, passed away February 5. A deck department member, he began sailing with the union in 1994. Brother Moody was employed by American Marine Corporation for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2007 and lived in Green Cove Springs, Florida. NMU ISMAEL AYALA Pensioner Ismael Ayala, 81, passed away February 11. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/SIU merger and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Ayala’s final vessel was the St Louis Express. He became a pensioner in 2006 and was a resident of Miami Gardens, Florida. JAMES GARRITY Pensioner James Garrity, 85, died February 1. He joined the union during the SIU/ NMU merger in 2001. Brother Garrity sailed in the deck department. He last sailed on the Liberator before going on pension in 2003. Brother Garrity lived in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Al-Jalham, Mohamed 87 Bergwerk, Israel 94 Bodden, Roy 89 Brown, Lawrence 98 Brownlee, Roosevelt 93 Christian, Alvey 97 Clark, William 78 Davis, Seymour 93 Gaskin, Bruce 94 Haylock, Casper 95 Hills, James 81 Jones, Nathaniel 72 Karavolos, Michael 90 Kust, Terry 77 Ludeke, Charles 85 Mack, Gilbert 99 Mladenoff, Carlos 84 Ortiz, Cruz 86 Rivera, Ernesto 87 Roman, Efrain 90 Sheffield, Early 94 DOD 10/02/2020 01/28/2021 01/27/2021 01/21/2021 01/30/2021 02/05/2021 01/26/2021 02/03/2021 01/22/2021 12/22/2020 01/15/2021 02/07/2021 08/30/2020 01/09/2021 12/24/2020 03/23/2020 11/24/2020 02/03/2021 12/29/2020 01/05/2021 01/24/2021 BRUCE MURPHY Pensioner Bruce Murphy, 73, passed away February 5. He joined the Seafarers in 2001 when he worked for Penn Maritime. A member of the deck department, Brother Murphy last sailed on the Vision. He retired in 2016 and lived in Port Charlotte, Florida. April 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), November 12 – Chairman Tony Beasley, Secretary Richard Jones, Educational Director Charlie Wescott, Deck Delegate Aresha Rivers, Steward Delegate Christopher Green. Chairman discussed clarification on back pay for restriction to ship. Educational director discussed opportunities for upgrading and reminded everyone to keep documents current. Crew discussed Jones Act centennial. They waiting for an update on status of Wi-Fi connection. GOLDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), December 8 – Chairman Philip McGeoghegan, Secretary Michael Carello. Chairman reported smooth trip with good food. Secretary discussed upgrading opportunities at SIU-affiliated school in Maryland and also reminded everyone to remain aware of document status. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed vacation and optical benefits. Still waiting for Wi-Fi and new TV in crew lounge. They talked about importance of following protocols for shipping out. LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime), December 14 – Chairman Slavi Zahariev, Secretary Dominique McLean, Engine Delegate Christian Cruz. Chairman reminded crew about various rules and shipboard courtesies. Secretary asked that fellow crew members return all galley supplies. Educational director discussed various extensions for documents and certificates. Deck and engine delegates reported concerns about conduct of particular shipmate. Crew wants mariners to be prioritized for vaccinations. AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), De- 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. Kudos from Shipping Executive Hapag-Lloyd AG CEO Rolf Habben Jansen (right) visits mariners on the SIU-crewed Philadelphia Express (Marine Personnel and Provisioning) in the Port of Hamburg on Feb. 21, 2021. He thanked them for their hard work, especially during the pandemic. cember 27 – Chairman Tony Beasley, Secretary Richard Jones, Educational Director Charlie Wescott, Steward Delegate Christopher Green. Chairman thanked crew for great attitude during recent trip to Brazil. Also thanked entire steward department for job well done, especially in light of pandemic. Secretary reminded everyone to leave state rooms clean ahead of large crew change. Educational director talked about keeping documents current. Deck delegate reported disputed OT. No other beefs or disputed OT reported. Installation of new water dispenser scheduled for next port. MARJORIE C (Pasha), January 29 – Chairman Dan Davenport, Secretary Jatniel Aguilera, Educational Director Jared Cabasug, Deck Delegate Billy Cooley, Engine Delegate Oscar Cesena. Chairman reminded everyone of importance of pandemic-related safety protocols and also encouraged fellow mariners to get vaccinated. Secretary reminded crew to use sanitation dispensers before entering mess hall and lounges. Educational director noted Piney Point slowly reopening for classes. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Wi-Fi installation slated for later this year. Crew was reminded to submit DVD movie requests to captain. Next port: San Diego. USNS PATHFINDER (Ocean Shipholdings), January 31 – Chairman Kelly Doyle, Secretary Loretta Stewart, Educational Director Gary Williams, Deck Delegate Mark Bolitho, Engine Delegate Ron Sease, Steward Delegate Jevon Lowery. Chairman discussed upcoming port arrival and restrictions to vessel. Educational director noted Piney Point school reopening for upgrading classes. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed safety precautions that are in place at Paul Hall Center. New clothes dryer will be installed at next port. They discussed COVID-19 vaccines and compensation for restriction to ship. OCEAN GRAND (Crowley), February 7 – Chairman Lech Jankowski, Secretary Insook Smith, Educational Director Jacob Laroche. Chairman discussed document extensions. Secretary reminded everyone to continue practicing proper sanitation. Educational director encouraged fellow mariners to upgrade at SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reported smooth sailing. NORTH STAR (TOTE), February 16 – Chairman Mark Billiot, Educational Director Ahmed Sharif, Steward Delegate Sal Ahmed. Chairman discussed vessel restriction. He advised Seafarers to utilize the online member portal. Educational director discussed need to keep documents current while also being aware of various extensions announced by the Coast Guard. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read latest communication from Tacoma hall regarding restriction to ship in Canadian shipyard. Still waiting for new ice machine for crew mess. Crew suggested changing requirements for filing for vacation check, and also discussed policies for reliefs. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the April 5 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2020 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and April 2021 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 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Government Vessels May 24 June 7 June 14 May 28 June 11 June 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 10 July 5 May 14 July 9 Tank Ship Familiarization LG April 12 June 28 April 16 July 2 Gap Closing Courses MSC Supply Configuration Management April 12 May 7 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck (online lecture) April 5 April 16 Able Seafarer-Deck (at Piney Point) April 19 April 23 Able Seafarer-Deck July 26 August 13 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23 FOWT May 31 June 25 Junior Engineer May 31 July 23 Machinist May 3 May 21 Pumpman May 24 May 28 Welding April 19 May 7 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook May 10 June 14 June 11 July 16 Advanced Galley Operations May 31 June 25 Chief Steward May 3 May 28 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 28 July 2 Medical Care Provider July 5 July 9 Basic Training April 5 May 24 April 9 May 28 June 4 June 25 Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation June 7 June 4 June 25 June 11 Government Vessels April 30 May 14 Basic Training Revalidation April 26 May 10 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 4/21 April 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Water Survival Class #866 – Graduated February 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Alan Butkow, Jade Napualeilokelani Ezera, Alexander Jackson, John Paul Mauras Garcia, Jessie Yusalina Merced Jr., Pura Veronica Moreno Soriano, Chukwuka H. Nkwor, Noah Pittman, Felix Antonio Roman, Gustavo J. Romero Estrella, Douglas Hiram Soto Ocasio, Juan Luis Tapia Pimentel and Garrett Williams. Government Vessels – Graduated February 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Taha Qasem Abobakr Al Amri, Mohammed Elazzouzi, Tiburcio Valeriano Garcia, Jose Antonio Gonzalez Del Valle, Patrick Cruz Lara, Walter Lent, Michael Alex Papaioannou, Husam Ali Mohamed Yahya and Benneth Lorenz Collado Yap. Important Notice To All Students April 2021 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Welding – Graduated February 12 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Christian Cruz, Olivier Luc Especa, Arvin Tarroza Heras, Tyrone Leonard and Marcelino Jose Santos Bermeo. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. UA to AS (Deck) – Graduated February 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Daniel Bost, Campbell Busbey, Solomon Foster Jr., Lucas Hayes, Abraham Quiner, Lydia Robinson, Patrick Wheat and James Zaro. Class Instructor Tom Truitt is at the far right. Tankship Familiarization – Graduated February 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Christopher Francis Altieri, Michael Geronimo Bautista, Todd Gallagher, Kenneth Greenidge, Richard Grubbs, Cresente Razo Gumanas, Marissa Gatbunton Lopez, Dylan Sapp, Michael John Estavillo Valdez and Artis Williams. 18 Seafarers LOG April 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated February 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Khaleel Saeed Saleh Heidra, William Johnson, Pavel Kremen, Steven Laubach and Carl Royster. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated February 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Tristan Cordero, Apalogie Cruz-Labrador, Jack Gourgue, Destany Howard, Preeyapha Kaisaard, Hussain Ali Nagi Ali, Marcelino Pabito, Algernon Joaquim Ramseur, Noah Susumu Santiago-Stephens, Charles Sassone and J’corei Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) April 2021 Seafarers LOG 19 �APRIL 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 4 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU-Crewed Tanker Excels During UNREP Exercise Two Seafarers-crewed ships – the Maersk Peary on the left, and the USNS Laramie at right – participate in the exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Thomas Epps) T he reliability of U.S.-flag tankers and American mariners was on display earlier this year as the SIU-crewed Maersk Peary successfully performed an underway replenishment (UNREP) exercise with the USNS Laramie off the east coast of Crete. The Laramie’s crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division. Maersk Peary vessel master Capt. C. Fox said the Feb. 23 mission “went well and all parties did a good job. The crew of the Maersk Peary had trained the prior few days and were up to the task. The USNS Laramie was also ready and they did a good job and were very good to work with.” Underway replenishment is a key component of U.S. sealift and defense capabilities. Such operations save American-flag vessels time by not having to enter ports and refuel. The recent exercise underscored the unique capabilities of the U.S.-flag fleet, along with the cadre of civilian mariners who have tanker-specific training. As one observer put it, “The exercise reflects that our military has guaranteed access to the vessels and, more importantly, to the mariners who have never failed to answer the call and sail into harm’s way, wherever and whenever needed.” SIU members aboard the Peary during the exercise included Bosun Ron Paradise, ABs Ben Wilson, Marvin Williams, Adam Laliberte, Lloyd La Beach and Marie Acosta, Pumpman Kenneth Cabrera, QE4 Rene Hallasgo, Wiper Charles Fischer, Steward/Baker Juan Vallejo, Chief Cook Osmar Ramos and GSTU Hussein Quraish. The Laramie’s fueling station (photo at immediate left) is prepped for operations. In photo at immediate right, crew members on the Maersk Peary work on a tag line and pelican hook. CIVMARS (photo below) aboard the USNS Laramie observe part of the mission. (CIVMAR photo by Thomas Epps) Equipment is transferred between the vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Thomas Epps) � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource Headlines: PRO-MARITIME BILL BACK SO-CALLED 'RIGHT TO WORK' LAW SOUNDLY REJECTED IN MONTANA AFL-CIO APPLAUDS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN GEN. VAN OVOST NOMINATED TO LEAD TRANSCOM HOUSTON-AREA SEAFARERS, OTHER LABOR VOLUNTEERS SERVE COMMUNITY DREDGE CREW HELPS RESCUE FAMILY OF 6 HOUSE PASSES H.R. 2474 - THE PRO ACT BIDEN ADMINISTRATION RESCINDS ANTI-WORKER EXECUTIVE ORDERS CDC POSTS GUIDANCE FOR VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS COMMITTEE ON MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM: PRIORITIZE MARINERS FOR VACCINES 'I'M NOT GOING TO GIVE UP' SIU-CREWED TANKER EXCELS DURING UNREP EXERCISE 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 04/01/2021 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. 83, No. 4 2021 Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/8a9e1dfb4896ef6c30808aa43336dd8b.pdf c3b118c8ce2aebf3ca29a39b0cc7f6fb PDF Text Text MAY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Suez Snafu Shines Spotlight On Vital, Unheralded Industry The maritime industry rarely makes headlines unless there’s a crisis, and that proved true in late March when the flag-of-convenience ship Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal. For several days afterward, news outlets around the world took note of the industry’s critical contribution to everyday life. Several SIU-crewed ships were caught in the backup, including the Maersk Denver; Recertified Bosun James Walker is pictured (inset photo at left) aboard that ship, while the dominant image is a panoramic shot of the backup as seen from the Maersk Ohio (Bosun Nathaniel Sherrill took the photo). Page 3. Progress Made with Vaccinations COVID-19 vaccine availability in the U.S. continued ramping up last month, and many Seafarers took advantage of the opportunity to help protect themselves, their loved ones and their shipmates. The SIU also continued pushing for governments to prioritize mariners for the vaccines. That work particularly paid off in Puerto Rico, where numerous Seafarers completed their respective vaccinations in April. That group included AB Jorge Nunez (photo at top left), SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (bottom left), and (group photo above) AB Edwin Pagan, ABM Raul Colon, ABM Jose Nunez, Bosun Jorge Soler, Jr. Engineer Richard Vega, Bosun Adrian Surrillo Diaz, Recertified Bosun Isaac Vega, Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, QMED Jep Sumpter, ABM Luis Ramos Rosa and others. Page 7. Clarifications on Mask Mandates Page 4 Rescue at Sea Page 6 �President’s Report Rolling Up Our Sleeves At long last, I’m happy to report that I have completed my COVID-19 vaccinations. There’s no shortage of “getting back to normal” things I’m looking forward to as the year progresses, but visiting with all of my family tops the list. Vaccines are an everyday topic around the world. Personally, I’ve learned a lot about vaccines in general and COVID-19 vaccines in particular by reading material from the CDC, FDA and other sources I trust, from watching the news, and from listening to people discuss their experiences. Through the process of getting that education, I of course am aware that many people still have concerns and hesitations about getting vaccinated. Everyone will have to decide for themselves, but if you have any doubts at all, I strongly encourMichael Sacco age you to prioritize getting the facts. The CDC website is a great resource. Every major news organization covers the situation. We have also reported about vaccination safety on our website and in the LOG, in an attempt to take a sometimes-overwhelming topic and boil it down to essentials. To me, while there are questions about how long the vaccines will remain effective, I do not doubt their safety at all. I understand people may be wary because the vaccines were developed relatively quickly, but in doing my own research, I was reassured by several key points. First, we basically had scientists all over the world working on it around the clock, with no shortage of resources. Second, even though the COVID-19 pandemic itself is unprecedented in modern times, those scientists were not starting from scratch. Because of other, older variations of coronavirus, they had been working on a blueprint for such a vaccine for many years. In fact, they already developed a successful vaccine for an earlier coronavirus that surfaced in 2012, for example. As of this writing in mid-April, more than 170 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the U.S. This has happened under what the CDC describes as “the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history.” The agency further recommends you get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible, and the SIU wholeheartedly backs that advice. I’m encouraged by how many of our members already have either gotten vaccinated or have registered for the vaccine, and I look forward to those numbers steadily growing. Another concern I’ve read is that the vaccines have only been given the green light for “emergency use authorization” by the FDA. That’s because of basic protocols; vaccines can’t be fully, formally approved until longer-term clinical trials are completed. The standards for emergency use authorization are anything but lax. They’re vigorous, in fact, when it comes to safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality. The vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in trials, and they’re working as intended. No matter how much I read or watch, I’ll only have a layman’s understanding of these vaccines. In no way am I pretending to be an expert. But you don’t have to be an expert to logically conclude that the vaccines are safe and effective. They most likely will prevent an individual from getting COVID-19, and if they don’t, the vaccines at least will almost certainly prevent severe cases. We’ll be having this discussion for a while. It’s still relatively new, not just for our union or our industry, but for our country and indeed our world. But I’m already firmly convinced that the vaccines are the way to go. I urge you to get the facts, roll up your sleeves and get the vaccine, for your safety and for the safety of your families and shipmates. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 5 May 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The 2021 Salute to Congress event took place online (screen grab above and at bottom of page) and counted the SIU among its sponsors ‘Salute to Congress’ Event Recognizes DeFazio, Buzby Honorees Enthusiastically Praise U.S. Merchant Marine The global COVID-19 pandemic continues affecting most if not all parts of life, and it prominently figured in the respective remarks of this year’s Salute to Congress honorees. The annual event, sponsored by the Propeller Club of the United States, is considered one of the maritime industry’s most prestigious gatherings. This year ’s honorees are U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) and Rear Adm. (ret) Mark Buzby, who recently retired as head of the U.S. Maritime Administration. They were recognized in a well-attended Zoom meeting April 1. Answering a question from the Seafarers LOG, DeFazio said the pandemic has underscored the importance of the U.S. maritime industry. “People are waking up after this COVID crisis and saying, ‘Wait a minute, we don’t have N-95 masks? We don’t have gowns? Why?’ Because it’s all been offshored,” DeFazio said. “Then they realize we’re having trouble moving the goods because we’re depending on foreign carriers. We need to be much more self-sufficient, including having a very robust maritime industry, and not just a one-way maritime industry (that only imports goods).” DeFazio said that maintaining a strong U.S.-flag fleet with American crews “is about really good jobs, it’s about national security, and it’s absolutely critical to the nation. In a time of crisis, are we going to call on the Chinese to transport our troops?” He expressed great confidence in the new administration and stated that, after successfully fending off attacks on the Jones Act in recent years, “now we’re going to build on it.” The congressman also said America must immediately move forward with rebuilding its infrastructure. “The world is leaving us behind in the dust or the concrete and the leaking water mains, or the obsolete ports that can’t handle [newer ships],” he said. “There are ways to fund this…. We’ve got to get this done.” Buzby, speaking with a World War II U.S. Merchant Marine poster directly behind him, said that when the pandemic began more than a year ago, “I don’t think one of us knew what direction it would take…. The rapidity … was eye-watering for us all. But a great team backed me up at MARAD. We came together early in all of this and [identified] agency’s role. Sitting back was not an option.” He applauded all segments of the industry for quickly getting together (usually via phone or video conference) “to share what we knew and what we could do. What evolved was a tremendous forum that allowed information to be shared in real time. We shared resources in a way that I think really cut through red tape to an extent I have not seen before.” Buzby repeatedly credited maritime unions for their efforts, and said the overall response to the pandemic-related challenges “shined a good light on how strong and close our industry is and how well we work tother. This was a level of cooperation I’ve never seen before.” Both he and DeFazio pointed out that the maritime industry didn’t get any financial relief from the various packages enacted by the previous or current congresses. “Yet we were able to keep the goods flowing and never stopped, when other industries were brought to their knees,” Buzby said. “That was happening on the backs of people working on the piers and working on ships. They have the same steely determination on their faces today” as the one seen on the World War II poster. Buzby also credited former Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao for being “a stalwart” in defending and promoting the U.S.-flag maritime industry while he served at MARAD. The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG May 2021 �Suez Incident Causes Shipping Backlog SIU Ships Affected; ITF Weighs in on High-Profile Mishap Worldwide attention focused on the maritime industry in late March, as the runawayflag vessel Ever Given became wedged tight inside the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most important shipping waterways. On March 23, the Ever Given was transiting the Suez Canal when it was caught in a sandstorm. The vessel lost control and ran aground, forcing the ships behind it to quickly stop to avoid a collision. Mariners aboard the vessel directly behind the Ever Given, the SIU-crewed Maersk Denver, reacted quickly to the situation. “The Denver crew really came through,” said Recertified Bosun James Walker. “The Denver was right behind the Ever Given. The captain and crew were able to get the ship stopped and tied to the side of the canal.” But there was almost a second collision on March 23, as Walker explained: “Our biggest threat wasn’t running into the Ever Given, it was being hit from behind by the Asia Ruby III. The ship came within 10 feet of our stern.” The Asia Ruby III, a Singapore-flagged bulk carrier, reportedly suffered a loss of electrical power and nearly collided with the Maersk Denver. The Maersk Denver, along with the rest of the vessels in the canal at the time, was towed astern out of the canal, back to anchor and awaited the reopening of the canal. The crew was told that their vessel would be the first one into the canal upon reopening, and the Denver was the first U.S.-flag vessel to enter the canal northbound. For the other vessels waiting to pass through the canal – including the SIUcrewed Maersk Seletar, Maersk Ohio and Sagamore – the incident was a story of patience. The crews of those ships could do nothing but wait, hoping that the Ever Given would be freed soon, as the shipping companies weighed their options. Some vessels were ordered to redirect, and sail around the southern tip of Africa to avoid waiting for passage through the canal, but most simply waited for good news. When the Ever Given was freed from the canal on March 29, more than 360 vessels were at anchorage on either side of the waterway, an unprecedented backlog with an economic impact on trade estimated at greater than $9.5 billion. The backlog of waiting vessels was finally cleared on April 3, and investigations into the incident are still ongoing as of press time. The Ever Given flies the flag of Panama and employs a crew from India. The ship is owned by a Japanese company and managed by one based in Singapore. The view from the Maersk Denver, as the foreign-flagged Asia Ruby III narrowly avoids a collision due to its own reported mechanical failure When the canal was cleared, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) General Secretary Stephen Cotton stated, “We welcome news that the Ever Given has been freed. That’s fantastic for the sake of all the seafarers on this ship and others who have been waiting to transit the Suez Canal.” The ITF’s union affiliates, including the SIU, represent more than a million seafarers and tugboat workers worldwide. “We want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the workers aboard the tug boat and towage vessels, and those performing the critical groundworks essential to resolving this situation,” said Cotton. “This operation has shown us how important tugboats are. There will be dozens of ships across the world that are right now beached, stuck or floating without engine power that are being assisted by tugboat and towage workers working around the clock. They should take pride in how their profession has helped resolve this situation in the world’s busiest waterway. I hope these workers get the recognition they deserve.” He added, “We express our solidarity with the seafarers, both on the Ever Given, and on the cargo ships who have been queued on either side of it. Seafarers have been expected to keep the world moving during this pandemic by getting all of us the supplies, food, and medicines we need, and then they have had this major blockage to add to their worries.” Cotton said that if ships were required to round the Cape of Good Hope, circumnavigating the African continent, the route would have added at least 26 days on to the typical cargo vessel’s journey, and more than $800,000 in fuel costs. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, said a full investigation was needed to examine if crew fatigue or other issues had been a factor in the events surrounding the vessel’s stranding, as it had been in other maritime accidents. “Let’s not rush to judgement until all the facts are laid bare,” he said. “An open and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this event should be conducted, drawing on necessary input and expertise from the crew and their unions. Of course, the industry needs to learn any lessons that emerge from this incident. Too White House Identifies Key Offshore Wind Project Goals The Biden White House in late March released its plans for kickstarting offshore domestic wind farm projects that would “create thousands of jobs across the country with the choice to join a union.” Meeting with state officials, industry executives and labor leaders on March 29 were Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy. The cabinet officials outlined a program to move the nation toward greater availability of offshore domestic wind farms to meet the country’s energy needs. In its related statement, the White House noted, “Federal leadership, in close coordination with states and in partnership with the private sector, unions and other key stakeholders, is needed to catalyze the deployment of offshore wind at scale.” It laid out three objectives for the program: advance ambitious wind energy projects to create good-paying union jobs; investing in American infrastruc- May 2021 ture to strengthen the domestic supply chain and deploy offshore wind energy; and supporting critical research and development and data-sharing. Under its “advance ambitious wind energy projects to create good-paying union jobs” section, the Biden administration has “a target of employing tens of thousands of workers to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. Meeting this target will trigger more than $12 billion per year in capital investment in projects on both U.S. coasts, create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs, with more than 44,000 workers employed in offshore wind by 2030 and nearly 33,000 additional jobs in communities supported by offshore wind activities.” Included in its call for a massive supply chain for such an operation are “new port upgrade investments totaling more than $500 million; one-to-two new U.S. factories for each major wind farm component including wind turbine nacelles, blades, towers, foundations, and subsea cables; additional cumulative demand of more than seven million tons of steel – equivalent to four years of output for a typical U.S. steel mill, and the construction of four-to-six specialized turbine installation vessels in U.S. shipyards, each representing an investment between $250 and $500 million.” After the plan’s release, Buttigieg said, “Tackling the climate crisis is vital to our nation’s future. The Biden-Harris administration is taking actions that show how creating jobs and addressing climate change can and must go handin-hand. Today’s announcement makes a critical investment in our nation’s ports, which in turn builds up the resilience and sustainability of America’s economy.” During the 2009 Maritime Trades Department (MTD) convention, the organization passed a resolution calling on Congress to “ensure that the development and operation of offshore renewable energy will benefit American workers and American companies constructing and servicing such facilities.” It also called upon MTD affiliates and Port Maritime Councils to “do everything within their power to ensure that the cabotage and other federal laws are applied to the development of offshore renewable energy in all respects.” (The SIU is an MTD affiliate, and SIU President Michael Sacco also is president of the MTD.) Bosun Cleofe Castro is pictured aboard the Maersk Seletar as he and fellow crew members await the clearing of the Suez Canal. often, seafarers are unfairly blamed for incidents at sea. When proper investigations are conducted, we are able to stand back and see the systematic factors which drive bad outcomes.” Heindel said the federation’s initial belief was that the ship ran aground due to high winds, but there has also been speculation that there may have been an engine failure. Such reports remained unconfirmed. “My hope is that this highly publicized event at the world’s busiest waterway can give everyone an opportunity to see what tremendous sacrifice seafarers make on a daily basis. The crew change crisis is still happening,” he concluded. New Contract With ASC Includes Noteworthy Gains After many arduous sessions of hard bargaining between the union and company over a nine-month period, the SIU on March 9 reached a tentative agreement with American Steamship Company (ASC) on a new four-year contract (2021-2025), which was subsequently ratified by the SIU membership employed by ASC. The union successfully fought off repeated attempts by the company to enact major, unprecedented concessions. The new agreement provides a modified manning nomenclature and wagescale model, with significant increases to all wage rates varying by position (averaging 14%), effective immediately, and annual increases to all wage rates in each subsequent year of the contract term. The pact maintains the current Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and Seafarers Pension Plan benefits at the top level (Core Plus), and the current level of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan benefit. The agreement also provides for increased room and board allowance, shipwreck compensation, and other enhancements. The SIU bargaining committee consisted of Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell, Associate General Counsel Stan Dubin, Port Agent Todd Brdak, Port Agent Chad Partridge, Safety Director Gerret Jarman, Patrolman Tyson Little, Recertified Bosuns Paul Gohs, Foaad Saleh and Salah Ahmed, and QMED Ricardo Frederick. Seafarers LOG 3 �Update to Marine Safety Information Bulletin Clarifies Mask Mandates for Maritime Industry The U.S. Coast Guard on March 22 issued a change to its previously released Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MISB) 02-21, which outlined the requirement for people to wear masks while aboard vessels and at transportation hubs. The change reflects the inclusion of mask requirements at seaports and provides additional information on the applicability for mask wear throughout the maritime transportation system. Under its original guidance (released Feb. 1), which implemented a previously issued federal order from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vessel and transportation hub operators were directed to take steps to reduce the spread of COVID19 by ensuring that everyone on a vessel wear a mask when boarding and/or disembarking for the duration of the travel. The original order caused confusion in some segments of the maritime industry, partly because it appeared inconsistent with the executive order upon which it was based. Nevertheless, depending on the circumstances, according to the CDC order and updated MSIB, best practices should include: n Boarding only those persons who wear masks; n Instructing persons that Federal law requires wearing a mask on the conveyance and failure to comply constitutes a violation of federal law; n Monitoring persons on board the conveyance for anyone who is not wearing a mask and seeking compliance from such person; n At the earliest opportunity, disembarking any person who refuses to comply; and n Providing persons with prominent and adequate notice to facilitate awareness and compliance of the requirement of this order to wear a mask. Digital platforms, such as on apps, websites, or email; posted signage in multiple languages with illustrations; printing the requirement on transit tickets; or other methods were suggested as possible avenues through which adequate notice could be given. Under the new guidance, operators of sea ports (maritime transportation hubs) now must also use best practices to ensure that any person entering or conducting business on the premises of the port wear masks. Depending on the circumstances, best practices for enforcing the latest mandate include, in essence, the same steps listed above. The CDC Mask Order exempts the following categories of persons: n A child under the age of 2 years; n A person with a disability who cannot wear Assistant Cook Alan Birnbaum (photo at right), a member of the SIU Government Services Division, wears a mask aboard the USNS Amelia Earhart. (U.S. Navy photo) The pandemic has resulted in masks being created with emblems for many organizations and professions, including the U.S. Merchant Marine (photo above). a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); n A person for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal regulations. The latest CDC update stipulates that vessel or facility operators, owners, or companies should provide clear guidance as to when wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace, health, safety or job duty for crew members and facility personnel. The company guidance should address specific tasks that cannot be accomplished safely while wearing a mask. A blanket policy cannot be issued to exempt all persons from wearing a mask at all times. Crew members and facility personnel may be exempt from wearing a mask only when actively performing the task and should immediately wear a mask when the task is complete. Since passengers should refrain from instances where wearing a mask may present a risk, this exemption does not extend to passengers. Despite the foregoing mandates, the requirement to wear a mask shall not apply under the following circumstances: n While eating, drinking, or taking medication, for brief periods; n While communicating with a person who is hearing impaired when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication; n If unconscious (for reasons other than sleeping), incapacitated, unable to be awakened, or CDC, U.S. Coast Guard Provide Q&As Addressing Mask Wear on Vessels Editor’s note: The following list of questions and answers on the mask order are provided to afford clarity to mariners with specific concerns. They were provided by the CDC and U.S. Coast Guard. Q: Does the mask order apply to all commercial maritime conveyance activity in the United States? A: Yes, the mask order applies to all persons traveling on commercial maritime conveyances into, within, or out of the United States and to all persons at U.S. seaports. The term commercial maritime conveyance means all forms of commercial maritime vessels, including but not limited to cargo ships, fishing vessels, research vessels, self-propelled barges, and all forms of passenger carrying vessels including ferries, river cruise ships, and those chartered for fishing trips, unless otherwise exempted. Q: Which maritime vessels are exempted from CDC’s mask order? A: Only the following maritime conveyances are exempted: n Private maritime conveyances operated solely for personal, non-commercial use (e.g., personal watercraft), n When the operator is the sole occupant on board the maritime conveyance, Mobile offshore drilling units and plat- 4 Seafarers LOG forms, to include floating and fixed Outer Continental Shelf facilities as defined in 33 CFR 140.10, and n Certain maritime conveyances excluded from the definition of vessels under 42 CFR 70.1: n Fishing boats including those used for shell-fishing (Fishing vessels, fish processing vessels, and fish tender vessels as defined under 46 U.S.C § 2101 do not fall under this exemption including shell-fishing vessels. A “fishing boat” is an auxiliary craft as defined under 46 U.S.C § 4502(k) carried on board a fishing vessel.; n Tugs which operate only locally in specific harbors and adjacent waters (Tugs which operate only locally in specific harbors and adjacent waters means tug vessels operating exclusively within a worksite and that have been issued a worksite exemption by the U.S. Coast Guard); n Barges without means of self-propulsion; n Construction-equipment boats and dredges; and n Sand and gravel dredging and handling boats. Operators of the former maritime conveyances and other persons on board must observe CDC’s mask order while awaiting, boarding, or disembarking at the seaport. Q: How is CDC defining the term seaport in the mask order? otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance, experiencing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or feeling winded, the mask may be removed temporarily until able to resume normal breathing with the mask. Vomiting or other illness may also require removal of the mask, according to the agencies. Other medical conditions and equipment may interfere with the ability to wear a mask; n When necessary to temporarily remove the mask to verify one’s identity such as during Transportation Security Administration screening or when asked to do so by a ticket or gate agent or any law enforcement official Moreover, people on board the following categories of vessels and vehicles are also exempt from the requirement to wear a mask: n Private vessels operated only for personal, non-commercial use; n Commercial motor vehicles or trucks, if the driver is the only person in the vehicle or truck, or the vehicle or truck is operated by a team who all live in the same household and are the only persons in the vehicle; People on board the following categories of conveyances are exempt from the requirement to wear a mask: n Private conveyances operated only for personal, non-commercial use; n Commercial motor vehicles or trucks, if the driver is the only person in the vehicle or truck, or the vehicle or truck is operated by a team who all live in the same household and are the only persons in the vehicle; n Vessels operated or chartered by the U.S. A: The term seaport means any port of entry or any other place where persons await, board, or disembark all forms of maritime commercial conveyances (e.g., a marina or dock). Q: Are mariners on non-passenger commercial maritime conveyances exempt from wearing a mask under the exemption for “a person for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal regulations”? A: No, this exemption does not exempt mariners from the mask order simply by virtue of working on a non-passenger related commercial maritime conveyance. To be exempt, the mariner would need to be performing a duty that would, if a mask were worn, create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal regulations. The exemption only applies while performing that duty. Q: Mariners on many non-passengerrelated commercial maritime conveyances (e.g., cargo and towing ships) live on board for weeks with little contact outside the crew. How should the mask order be applied onboard these conveyances during a voyage? A: Mariners on non-passenger commercial ships should be guided by CDC’s Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected or Confirmed Cases of Coro- Department of Defense (DOD) as long as the operator of the conveyance follows all DOD requirements to prevent spread of COVID19 that are equivalent to the requirements in CDC’s Order. Under Title 42 of the United States Code section 268, the Coast Guard is charged with assisting in enforcement of CDC quarantine orders. Operators of vessels and sea ports that fail to implement appropriate public health measures, including the mask-wearing order above, may be subject to civil or criminal penalties. Furthermore, based on the scientific determination of the CDC, the Coast Guard announced that it “finds that failure to implement appropriate health measures creates an undue safety risk by increasing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 between passengers, the crew of the vessel, and port workers.” The union and its contracted companies fought against the essentially full-time shipboard mandate, because the SIU believes it isn’t always necessary for the crews while at sea. The union also questions whether it is being consistently enforced when non-crew members are on the vessels in port. The SIU (and others) pointed out to the Coast Guard and the U.S. Transportation Command that most members in the deep-sea sector already quarantine prior to boarding a vessel, and also normally must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before climbing the gangway. This system has helped minimize the number of positive cases aboard ship. navirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in following the requirements of the mask order. Per the Interim Guidance, crew should wear masks when outside of their single occupancy cabin unless work duties prevent their safe use or necessitate personal protective equipment due to worksite hazards. Mariners would not be expected to wear a mask while they are alone and are eating, sleeping, or resting. Additionally, mariners must wear masks when other persons (e.g., visitors, pilots, inspectors) join the ship for any period of time and when mariners disembark the ship. During these activities, masks should be worn in addition to maintaining a distance of six feet between individuals. Q: Do I need to wear a mask in my stateroom? A: CDC guidance states that a mask should be worn when outside of individual cabins. The Coast Guard interprets this as a mask is not required within a private cabin. Q: Do I need to wear a mask while on watch? A: The CDC has noted that transportation hub employees do not need to wear a mask if they are the only person in the work area. The Coast Guard interprets this to mean that a mask is not required when one person is not in the same space as another person. As such, if a mariner is alone at their watch station, with no other person in the room with them, then a mask is not required May 2021 �AFL-CIO Leads National Day of Action for PRO Act Editor’s note: The following article was written by Mark Gruenberg, head of the Washington, D.C., bureau of People’s World and editor of Press Associates Inc., a union news service in Washington, D.C. It has been edited to conform to local style and sensitivities. The AFL-CIO on April 8 spearheaded a “National Day of Action” to organize workers to lobby senators to pass the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The mobilization was backed by dozens of AFL-CIO member unions, as well as Pride at Work, Unemployed Workers United, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, the Working Families Party, the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Social Security Works, and many more organizations. To accomplish its objective, federation officials set up an automated system on its website to make it easy for participants to call senators and join in the lobbying action regardless of their locations. If four Democratic holdouts and one Independent can be turned around, the act will become law. The holdouts include Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, both from Arizona, Mark Warner from Virginia, Joe Manchin from West Virginia, and Independent Angus King from Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats. “All of us deserve to enjoy America’s promise in full – and our nation’s leaders have a responsibility to deliver it,” said President Joe Biden in a March 9 statement before the start of floor debate in the House on the measure. “That starts with rebuilding unions. “Unions give workers a stronger voice to increase wages, improve the quality of jobs and protect job security, protect against racial and all other forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, and protect workers’ health, safety, and benefits in the workplace,” he said. “Unions lift up workers, both union and non-union. They are critical to strengthening our economic competitiveness. But too many employers and states prevent them from doing so through anti-union attacks. They know that without unions, they can run the table on workers–union and non-union alike. We should all remember the National Labor Relations Act didn’t just say we shouldn’t hamstring unions or merely tolerate them. It said we should encourage unions. The PRO Act would take critical steps to help restore this intent.” The measure would make organizing unions easier, ban such common corporate tactics as mandatory anti-union meetings, and make union recognition elections faster. It also would force the sunlight of disclosure on so-called “persuaders,” a.k.a. union-busters, increase fines for corporate labor law-breaking, make it easier to get court orders against such tactics, and order arbitration if, after the union wins and is recognized, the two sides can’t reach a first contract in a reasonable time. Winning passage in the Senate is proving difficult, and unless Democrats in that chamber do away with or evade the filibuster, the minority Republicans may be able to kill it. “We’re not going to let a minority in Pandemic Forces AFL-CIO To Alter Annual Observance Of Workers Memorial Day The labor movement once again was slated to observe Workers Memorial Day on April 28 (after press time), the latest chapter of an annual grassroots mobilization designed to remember workers killed or injured on the job and to continue the fight for strong safety and health protections. While the global pandemic presented logistical challenges for this year’s commemorations (there are usually various in-person events across the country), the key messages of Workers Memorial Day were expected to be amplified online, in print and (safely) also during some gatherings. Additionally, the AFL-CIO’s annual “Death on the Job” report was due for publication by the end of April. Prior to April 28 (the anniversary of the establishment of the Occupational Health and Safety Organization, in 1971), AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka sent a letter to federation affiliates (including the SIU) that explained the background – and ongoing importance – of Workers Memorial Day. “Fifty years ago, the Occupational Safety and Health Act went into effect after the tireless efforts of the labor movement, who drew major attention to work-related deaths and injuries, organized for safer working conditions and demanded action from their government,” Trumka noted. “The OSH Act and Mine Safety and Health Act promised workers the right to a safe job. Unions and our allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality – winning protections that have made jobs safer and saved lives. After years of struggle, we won new rules to protect workers from deadly silica dust and beryllium, a stronger coal dust standard for miners, and stronger anti-retaliation protections for workers who report job injuries and defended them from corporate attacks. But there is much to be done before the promise to keep all workers safe on the job can be fulfilled.” Trumka, a longtime ally of the SIU, then pointed out that “decades of evidence shows that unionized workplaces are safer workplaces. This year, America’s labor movement and our allies are launching a full-scale national campaign to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would give the tens of millions AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (left) recently weighed in on the importance of workplace safety. He’s pictured with SIU President Michael Sacco at a 2017 meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. May 2021 of workers who want to form a union a fair path to do so. The popularity of unions is at 65% -- one of the highest marks since the OSH Act was implemented in 1971 – and 60 million nonunion workers say they would vote for a voice on the job today if given the chance.” The federation president said that the COVID-19 pandemic showed both the power of collective bargaining and the work that remains. He said workers and their unions won significant job-safety protections, “but the pandemic also exposed the weaknesses in the safety agencies’ abilities to ensure workers are protected on the job and the structural failures that have prevented workers from organizing in their workplaces to demand safer working conditions. We must continue to fight and push forward to ensure safe jobs for all workers through strong unions and strong laws.” He concluded, “Each year, thousands of workers are killed and millions more suffer injury or illness because of our jobs. Far too many workers die from preventable hazards and many more workers get sick from exposure to toxic chemicals. Many employers and workers never see OSHA in their workplace. Penalties are still too low to be a deterrent. Workplace safety agencies have been decimated by a reduction in staff and a stagnant budget. Workers are not adequately protected without retaliation to speak out against unsafe working conditions and to freely join a union. In the fiftieth year of OSHA this April 28, we focus on the need to renew the promise of safe jobs for all of America’s workers. The labor movement will renew our commitment to safe jobs for all and mobilize to pass the PRO Act, so that workers have a right to form a union and have a safety voice on the job…. The labor movement also will work to strengthen OSHA and MSHA, increase their budgets, enforcement and other resources, and call for them to renew their commitment to protecting workers for the next 50 years.” the Senate stop” the PRO Act, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka vowed at a press conference with lawmakers and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights during House debate on the measure. Trumka implied the PRO Act’s political foes would face trouble at the polls. “If people (lawmakers) know corporations are too strong and workers are not strong enough, and they make corporations stronger” anyway, by defeating the PRO Act, “they do so at their peril,” Trumka warned. “And in an era of extreme polarization, nearly two-thirds of Americans -- 65% -- approve of labor unions, so it’s not surprising workers would form unions if they were given the chance. That’s 60 million people knocking on our doors. The PRO Act would let them in.” The federation says the PRO Act would “empower workers to organize and bargain, hold corporations accountable for union-busting, and repeal ‘right to work’ laws, which were created during the Jim Crow era to keep white and Black workers from unionizing together.” Buttigieg: ‘I Strongly Support the Jones Act’ U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphatically voiced his backing of America’s freight cabotage law – and U.S. mariners – during a recent hearing on Capitol Hill. Buttigieg spoke March 25 as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee conducted a hearing titled, “The Administration’s Priorities for Transportation Infrastructure.” Rep. Kai Kahele (DHawaii) said to the secretary, “President Biden has expressed his strong support for the Jones Act, and as Chinese companies with state support become increasingly dominant in the shipping, shipbuilding, industry and maritime supply chain … will you continue to support the Jones Act and support a major investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, to Pete Buttigieg support good-paying union U.S. Transportation Secretary jobs, ensure the national security of the nation, and protect the stability of the U.S. shipbuilding industry?” Buttigieg responded, “I strongly support the Jones Act. As you mentioned, that’s the President’s view as well because it makes sure that cargoes moved between U.S. ports travel on vessels that are built, owned, and crewed by Americans. The Jones Act also ensures that we don’t lose our domestic shipbuilding capability so that we’re not in the situation, as you pointed out, where Chinese-flagged vessels could wind up being the only place we could turn to carry our domestic commerce on the Mississippi River or between Florida and New York. That, obviously, would have national security implications, that are not acceptable.” Buttigieg added, “If we lose our national maritime industry, it might not return, and the consequences would be devastating. So, I’m going to continue to ensure that the U.S. Maritime Administration and DOT are doing our part, recognizing that there are many U.S. agencies that are involved in the Jones Act. And we’ll be doing everything we can to support that industry, as well as our Merchant Marine.” The Jones Act enjoys bipartisan support, and is widely recognized as vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Since its inception, the Jones Act time and again has proven its value as an indispensable law that benefits American workers and the American economy. PricewaterhouseCoopers, in its 2019 study for the Transportation Institute titled “Contributions of the Jones Act Shipping Industry to the U.S. Economy,” found that the law helps maintain around 650,000 American jobs while contributing billions of dollars each year to the U.S. economy. Another benefit is that the Jones Act helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S. citizen mariners who are available to sail on American-flag military support ships during times of crisis. Nearly 100 countries around the world also maintain cabotage laws. Seafarers LOG 5 �Pictured aboard the CS Dependable with Andrew Baillie (fourth from left) following his rescue in the Pacific are AB Evgueni Baechko, Second Mate Harry Klausner, Chief Mate Terry Simmons, Captain Yann Durieux, UA/GVA Sarah Wilson, Bosun Ronnie Rodriguez, Bosun Mate Steven Whiting and MDR Luke Mueller. The abandoned boat CS Dependable Crew Rescues Boater in Pacific How’s this for a sign of the times: Mariners from the SIU-crewed cable ship Dependable on March 21 rescued a boater in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – and the individual quickly reassured his liberators that he’d recently tested negative for COVID-19. While the pandemic added a new wrinkle to the rescue, the rest of the operation, though challenging, seemed relatively routine, according to Bosun Ronnie Rodriguez. The bosun teamed up with Bosun Mate Steven Whiting to hoist boater Andrew Baillie, 71, to safety aboard the SubCom-operated ship. With an assist from Paul Hall Center Apprentice Sarah Wilson, they also managed to salvage some of Baillie’s belongings before he left his sailboat Catamaran 2, which had become unseaworthy. “He made it safe and sound,” said Rodriguez, who joined the SIU in 2007. “At first it was hard to get to him, but it was a smooth rescue overall.” The Dependable is crewed by members of the SIU and the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO), respectively. Vessel master Capt. Yann Durieux reported that the ship received a distress call from the boat shortly before 2 a.m., while the Dependable was headed to Hawaii. They reached the disabled craft approximately 40 minutes later. “It took a bit of time to approach, as the sailor needed to keep making way until the last minute,” Durieux wrote. “He feared the boat would break apart if not heading into the waves. We recovered (some of) his gear and the sole individual on board. Great team effort.” The captain said notifications were sent “for the navigational safety of others” regarding the abandoned, damaged boat, which had been en route to Ecuador from San Pedro, California. Rodriguez was in his room when he was notified of the distress call. He summoned additional crew members “and went to the port gangway,” he recalled. “We saw what looked like a sailboat. The captain got close to it and we put the gangway down partially, in semirough seas. When we got close, I threw a line to tie his luggage, but it was too rough. He had two bags he put into a garbage bag, and threw it to us on the gangway. The ship kept bouncing around, but we finally got him off the sailboat. I held the bosun mate and he grabbed the man. It was a struggle to pull him onto the gangway but easy after that.” Baillie, an Argentinian who is a U.S. citizen, was predictably thankful, and he spent the next week or so aboard the Dependable while it finished the voyage to Hawaii. “I felt bad for him because that was a nice sailboat,” Rodriguez recalled, “but those are just material things that can be replaced.” This was the second rescue Rodriguez experienced. The first, in 2016, also involved the Dependable, which saved 14 Indian fishermen whose vessel sank near Mumbai. In both cases, he said, the training he and many of his shipmates received at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland, truly made a difference. “It definitely helped,” said Rodriguez, a graduate of PHC Apprentice Class 701. “I tell all these guys when they come aboard, it starts at the school. All the drills, all the studies – it’ll haunt you if you don’t complete it. You never know; we may have to abandon ship, for example. You’d better know what you’re doing. Definitely, for sure, the school has a lot to do with how we’re succeeding.” Spotlight on Mariner Health Heartburn: Tough to Avoid, But It’s Usually Manageable Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain occurs when the stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). Normally when you swallow, a band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus relaxes to allow food to flow down into your stomach. Then, the muscle will tighten up again. If the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes due to weakness, then the stomach acid will flow back up (acid reflux) and cause heartburn. Heartburn is a common problem with most people and no cause for alarm, usually. People can manage it with a change in their diet, lifestyle modifications, more daily exercise, use of certain medications, and limiting alcohol and not smoking. Symptoms can occur as: a burning pain in the chest that usually happens after eating and mostly at night, pain that worsens when you lie down, and a bitter or acidic 6 Seafarers LOG taste in your mouth. Make an appointment with your doctor if you find these symptoms persist or get worse. For instance, if you experience heartburn more than twice a week, or have any difficulty swallowing, any nausea or vomiting, or weight loss because of a poor appetite, an appointment is in order. Certain foods and drinks may cause heartburn, including spicy meals or snacks, onions, citrus products, tomatoes, fatty or fried foods, peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, sodas, coffee, and high-fat meals. Being overweight or pregnant can also increase your risk of having heartburn. Reflux is potentially serious in the long run. If the condition is prolonged, it causes irritation to the lining of the esophagus. Again in this case, an appointment with a doctor is a must. He or she may prescribe medications to decrease the acid. Special diets also can promote healing of the esophagus. Be alert to any problems with heartburn and act on them quickly in order to decrease the likelihood of future difficulties. Healthful Recipe Seared Salmon with Strawberry Basil Relish Servings: 24 Ingredients 24 whole salmon fillet, 6oz each 1/4 cup smart balance 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground Relish 5 cups fresh strawberries, chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 cup fresh basil leaf, chopped 1/4 cup honey 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground Salmon Recipe Brush fillets with melted butter; sprinkle with granulated garlic salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fillets, skin side up, in batches if necessary; cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork. Place the seared salmon into 2” hotel pans, bake in a 350F oven for 5-7min.; until the fish is cooked and at the proper internal temp. Relish Recipe In a bowl, toss strawberries with basil, honey salt, and pepper. Top the cooked salmon with the relish. Per serving (excluding unknown items): 218 calories; 6g fat (25.5% calories from fat): 34g protein; 5g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 88mg cholesterol; 428mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 5 lean meat; 0 fruit; 0 fat; 0 other carbohydrates. (Recipe courtesy of Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) May 2021 �COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts in Full Swing Consistent with the goals laid out by the Biden Administration, the SIU has been leading the charge for mariners to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic. That aim became easier last month, as Biden announced that every adult in the U.S. became eligible to register for a vaccine. While the statistics change daily, as of April 8, an estimated 64.4 million people in the U.S. had been fully vaccinated; overall, 171 million doses had been administered. As of that same date, more than 558,000 Americans had died from COVID-19 since the pandemic’s onset last year. The SIU has worked with government officials at every level, and with international organizations, to try and get mariners placed in a higher priority group than they already were, and found success in places such as Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Norfolk. In particular, the SIU and other labor groups in Puerto Rico were highly successful in requisitioning and distributing vaccine doses to mariners and other union employees who work and/or live in the island territory. Nearly 100 percent of the mariners who wanted a vaccine in Puerto Rico have been fully vaccinated, as reported by SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo, who coordinated much of the effort personally. In March, the Biden Administration instructed local governments to ensure that all Americans were eligible to receive a vaccine by May 1, though many state and local governments were already ahead of schedule. At press time, there are three different vaccines approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Pre- A description of the two main types of COVID-19 vaccines and the differences between them, courtesy ITF. vention (CDC) to protect against the virus. For mariners, both the SIU and the CDC advise requesting the Janssen/Johnson and Johnson vaccine, as it is a single-dose vaccine that does not require a second dose after three weeks. While the long-term efficacy of the vaccines is unknown, what is certain is that all of the vaccines have been thoroughly researched and approved by the CDC as safe and effective. Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines are reported to be relatively mild and short-lived, lasting up to 48 hours, and can occur after the first or second dose. Once vaccinated, it can take up to 12 days for protection to be in full effect; however, at this time, vaccinated persons must still wear face masks and follow all state and local health and safety guidelines. Physical distancing, washing hands with soap and water or the use of hand sanitizer, good respiratory hygiene, and use of a mask remain the main methods to prevent spread of COVID-19. Abundant information about the vaccines is available on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/ Additionally, the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Intertanko and the International Maritime Health Association have teamed up to publish “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination for Seafarers and Shipping Companies: A Practical Guide.” The document – available in PDF form on the SIU website – is a quick read containing lots of potentially useful and interesting information for the maritime community. It is linked in the COVID-19 SAFETY UPDATES section of the SIU website. AB Ricky Martinez (above) and Recertified Bosun Noel Otero (photo at immediate right) happily review their respective vaccination records aboard TOTE’s Perla Del Caribe. What to Do with Your Vaccination Record Card Once mariners receive their COVID-19 vaccination, they will also be given a paper vaccination record card. The card primarily serves as a reminder of when to schedule your second dose if you receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, but also potentially may be used as proof of your vaccination date. While the debate continues on the possibility of a U.S. government-backed vaccine passport, it would be May 2021 SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) and Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco converge in San Juan for their second vaccinations. QMED Jep Sumpter gets vaccinated in San Juan. prudent to make a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine card and keep it in a safe place. Experts recommend taking a photo of your vaccine card with your cell phone, or otherwise scanning a digital copy into a personal computer. After that, if you want to laminate your card, or otherwise protect it from damage, there are many affordable options available. The CDC is also encouraging everyone who receives their vaccine to sign up for v-safe, a smartphone-based monitoring program used by the CDC to collect data on users’ post-vaccination symptoms and remind recipients of a two-dose vaccine when to schedule their second appointment. However, it may also serve as proof of vac- cination in the future. In addition, the SIU would suggest that you add a copy of your vaccine record to your existing medical records with the SHBP Medical Department. Feel free to bring your vaccine record to a hiring hall to have a copy made for your records. And, in case you’ve already damaged or lost yours, don’t worry: contact your vaccine provider, or your state health department, to get a new card. While it is currently unknown if you will need to add a periodic COVID-19 vaccine to your list of reoccurring vaccinations, what is certain is that you should hold on to your paper vaccination record card like you would for any other important medical document. Seafarers LOG 7 �Maritime Mourns Passing Of AMO Exec. VP Finnigan Former SIU Deep Sea Mariner Dies at Age 57 SIU members and officials were saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of American Maritime Officers (AMO) Executive Vice President Mike Finnigan, who succumbed to a brain hemorrhage March 19 at his home in Palm Coast, Florida. He was 57. Well-known and highly regarded throughout the maritime industry, Finnigan took office in January 2019 after most recently sailing as a deepsea captain. He was an SIU member for several years beginning in the late 1980s, and sailed with the union as a bosun and AB before joining the AMO in 1994. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said he enjoyed working with Finnigan. “I worked with him as soon as he took office, and he definitely was willing to listen and learn,” Tellez stated. “He had a very noticeable enthusiasm for our industry and in particular for the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Mike was a straight shooter and he absolutely will be missed.” “Mike was by far the best I had seen in this job in my 48 years of administrative service to AMO,” said AMO National President Paul Doell. “Mike was a brilliant colleague with great instinct, a big heart and a wide-open office door. He was an immediate friend to everyone his job here introduced him to, and we will miss him greatly.” Finnigan, the son of a tugboat cap- tain, grew up in his native Essex, Connecticut. Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Susan Ziegler Finnigan, along with is mother, brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. Capt. William C. Barrere will complete Finnigan’s term. Barrere has been a member of the SIUNA-affiliated AMO since 1985, and had been working as the union’s West Coast representative since September 2016. “Mike Finnigan would be pleased with this appointment of his friend Willie Barrere as his relief,” Doell said. “Willie is thoughtful, thorough and transparent in his conversations with AMO members aboard ship and ashore – values Willie and Mike shared.” Mike Finnigan, AMO Exec. VP World Govts Need to Step Up, Confront Issues IMO Warns Crew-Change Crisis Far from Finished Kitack Lim IMO Secretary-General The crew change crisis caused by COVID-19 restrictions continues to cause challenges, despite some improvement in the numbers, the top official of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has warned. In a recent statement, Secretary-General Kitack Lim said that based on industry analysis, the numbers of mariners requiring repatriation after finishing their contracts had declined – from a high of around 400,000 in September 2020 – to around 200,000 as of March 2021, with a similar number waiting to join ships. He cautioned that the crisis is far from over, and added that “issues around vaccination need to be resolved.” Mariners worldwide should be designated as key workers “to ensure priority vaccination and access to safe transit and travel,” Lim said. He credited various components of the maritime industry for “collaboration and cooperation” that has mitigated some of the challenges caused by the pandemic, Powell Retains Position As Port Authority Official SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell recently was re-appointed to his position on the board of directors of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. The Wayne County (Michigan) Commission unanimously approved the four-year appointment (2021-2025) on March 18. Powell has served on the board since early 2017, and in the capacity of vice chairman since March 13, 2020. The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA) is self-described as “a government agency advancing southeast Michigan’s maritime and related industries with the purpose of delivering prosperity and economic benefit to citizens and businesses. For more than 35 years, the DWCPA has worked to bolster the community by being the connection between the maritime industry and the Great Lakes region, raising awareness of the importance of the Port of Detroit and how the cargo and vessel activity generates economic impact for the State of Michigan.” Port Authority Board Members serve four-year terms, without compensation. Powell launched his career with the SIU at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center, attending the apprenticeship pro- 8 Seafarers LOG gram in 1993. He then came ashore in 1999 to work as a union official. He is active with the Detroit Metro AFL-CIO and Michigan State AFL-CIO, as well as the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO. and applauded crews for getting the job done despite unprecedented circumstances. “The maritime sector has continued to deliver the vital supplies that people need,” Lim stated. “Seafarers have worked tirelessly, at the heart of this trade, to keep goods flowing. Despite difficulties with port access, repatriation, crew changes and more, there can be no denying that seafarers have gone beyond the call of duty.” He added that despite whatever progress has been made, “we cannot be complacent. Fewer than 60 countries so far have heeded our call for seafarers to be designated as key workers. More countries need to do so if we are to resolve this crisis and ensure seafarers are treated fairly and so that their travel to and from their place of work is properly facilitated. There is still a long way to go before we are back to a normal crew change regime.” Lim said that as vaccine availability increases in many countries, he urges governments to prioritize mariners. “Governments should also identify and prepare for the challenges of the vaccination of seafarers who spend long periods of time away from their home countries,” he continued. “We need to continue to work together to develop relevant protocols and guidance around vaccine certification. This is particularly important as any barriers to travel created by national vaccine protocols may further complicate an already difficult crew-change situation.” Lim concluded, “On our voyage through this pandemic, which has been challenging for the whole world, I recognize that many seafarers have endured intense hardship as they have worked to keep trade flowing. I wholeheartedly thank seafarers for this. We will continue to work with our sister United Nations agencies, with industry bodies and with governments to address the ongoing needs of seafarers. We will also be looking towards taking the lessons learned going forward, so we can be better prepared in the future.” Congratulations on Safety Award Congrats are in order for SIU members on the deck crew aboard the Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.-operated USNS Pathfinder who won the company’s monthly safety award. Among those designated for recognition were Chief Mate David Johansen, Bosun Kelly Doyle, AB Antonio GonzalesEsteves, S TO S Mohtasim Muthala and STOS Macrino Campomanes. Pictured in these photos are some of those individuals. Shown in the photo at top left (from left) are Doyle and AB Brandon Kernodle Balboa Panama. Pictured in the other photo (from left) are AB Rodante Niebres, OS Armando Pillagara, AB Mark Bolitho, OS Macarino Campomanes and Bosun Doyle. Bryan Powell SIU Asst. VP May 2021 �Paul Hall Center Modifies Some Requirements for Galley Training In an effort to facilitate important training for mariners while also helping promote career advancement, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has adjusted some of its requirements for steward-department coursework. Effective immediately, the path for entry-level students in the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program to advance to chief cook consists of first completing Phase 1 of the program, then accumulating at least 200 days of sea time, obtaining two letters of recommendation (one each from a chief steward and a captain), and applying for (and graduating from) the Certified Chief Cook course. Components of the Galley Operations course now are included in Phase 1 and in the Chief Cook Assessment program. For a copy of a letter sent from the school to prospective stewarddepartment upgraders, visit the News section of the SIU website. The letter is linked in a March 18 post. Questions may be addressed to the admissions department at (301) 994-0010, option 2, or at upgrading@seafarers.org. Survey Aims to Assist Mariners Seafarers are asked to consider participating in an anonymous online survey (“Mariner Mental Health Needs during COVID-19”) conducted by the University of Washington. As noted on the landing page: “Results from this survey will be used by federal agencies, vessel owners/operators, mariner unions, maritime training institutions, seafarer welfare organizations and MTS stakeholders to develop effective solutions that benefit our mariners’ mental health.” The landing page further points out, “This survey is supported by Centers for Disease Prevention & Control (CDC) and the COVID-19 Working Group (C-19 WG) of the federal interagency U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS). The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP), whose members include vessel owners/operators, mariner unions, maritime academies, maritime training institutions, classification societies, other maritime industry stakeholders and government agencies, is actively supporting this project.” To access the survey – which closes on May 30, 2021 – visit the SIU website and type “survey” into the search feature, or look for a March 30 post in the News section. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. Correction The April 2021 edition of the LOG incorrectly reported that the yearly finance committee would be elected at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. The committee in fact will be elected at the May 3 meeting there, which was the schedule all along. April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point............................................Monday: May 3, June 7 Algonac................................................Friday: May 7, June 11 Baltimore........................................Thursday: May 6 , June 10 Guam..............................................Thursday: May 20, June 24 Honolulu.............................................Friday: May 14, June 18 Houston.............................................Monday: May 10, June 14 Jacksonville.........................................Thursday: May 6, June 10 Joliet...................................................Thursday: May 13, June 17 Mobile........................................Wednesday: May 12, June 16 New Orleans.............................................Tuesday: May 11, June 15 Jersey City...................................................Tuesday: May 4, June 8 Norfolk.......................................................Friday: May 7, June 11 Oakland................................................Thursday: May 13, June 17 Philadelphia.........................................Wednesday: May 5, June 9 Port Everglades..................................Thursday: May 13, June 17 San Juan...................................................Thursday: May 6, June 10 St. Louis.....................................................Friday: May 14, June 18 Tacoma....................................................Friday: May 21, June 25 Wilmington..................................................Monday: May 17, June 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m May 2021 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 12 - April 12. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 12. Total Registered Total Shipped Port All Groups A B All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 17 3 1 19 4 10 13 44 30 32 3 5 28 10 4 2 5 31 1 22 284 11 2 3 10 0 4 0 19 25 11 5 1 4 3 1 4 3 2 4 8 120 2 2 1 4 1 2 1 7 8 7 2 2 3 1 1 0 0 4 0 2 50 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 1 8 1 1 4 10 21 7 2 0 11 6 3 1 5 10 1 11 103 0 0 1 5 2 2 3 10 15 3 0 3 10 5 1 2 2 7 3 4 78 3 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 2 3 0 0 3 2 0 1 0 4 0 0 23 Engine Department 4 1 0 0 1 1 5 4 0 0 1 1 5 0 6 3 18 10 7 2 1 1 2 3 11 2 4 2 0 1 1 2 0 2 2 5 0 0 10 2 78 42 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 2 6 1 4 6 15 11 11 1 3 16 12 2 2 4 8 1 18 125 2 0 1 7 0 0 4 8 14 0 1 3 7 4 0 2 2 1 0 10 66 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 12 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 4 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 6 0 1 19 12 3 0 4 1 1 3 10 24 9 1 0 16 6 1 1 0 11 0 6 109 16 3 3 4 1 2 8 7 56 15 0 1 23 5 2 11 2 8 1 7 175 GRAND TOTAL: 531 373 260 Registered on Beach A All Groups B C 6 2 3 8 3 5 1 12 24 19 0 4 9 5 2 1 3 10 1 9 127 51 6 3 31 4 16 16 84 63 49 1 6 41 17 6 2 10 52 4 42 504 13 4 3 20 0 5 4 30 46 14 6 3 17 4 3 5 3 10 5 15 210 3 2 0 7 1 4 2 10 13 9 0 6 10 1 3 1 1 7 0 6 86 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 13 2 0 0 3 0 1 0 6 11 4 0 0 5 4 0 2 3 2 0 6 49 8 0 2 11 2 4 9 26 29 18 2 3 16 9 5 2 8 17 1 22 194 1 1 1 15 2 3 6 15 30 6 1 7 21 5 1 2 5 7 3 11 143 3 0 0 3 1 0 1 2 5 3 0 0 6 2 0 1 0 4 1 0 32 Steward Department 4 3 0 0 1 1 4 6 1 1 3 0 2 0 9 5 9 9 8 0 1 0 3 0 5 6 10 5 0 0 2 1 1 2 10 3 1 0 10 2 81 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 3 3 0 1 6 6 0 2 2 2 0 4 37 11 0 0 13 0 8 10 28 20 19 1 4 23 25 4 5 6 14 3 35 229 4 2 0 7 1 2 6 10 22 3 1 6 19 6 0 3 5 1 0 14 112 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 5 2 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 18 Entry Department 1 8 0 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 1 12 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 9 1 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 9 11 62 2 0 3 3 1 0 2 6 20 6 0 0 17 2 0 7 0 9 0 6 84 4 2 1 1 0 0 0 3 11 2 0 0 9 0 0 2 0 3 0 1 39 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 7 3 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 11 0 4 36 21 2 1 6 1 2 4 16 39 21 3 1 22 14 2 1 3 17 0 18 194 26 5 1 4 2 1 9 20 103 18 2 3 36 11 4 9 5 15 1 15 290 127 252 963 659 426 C Deck Department 9 12 2 1 1 0 1 3 1 13 3 2 3 0 0 9 4 1 4 1 0 20 16 1 15 17 9 29 7 1 4 3 1 8 3 2 20 6 2 8 2 0 1 0 1 2 3 0 4 4 0 11 6 2 0 3 1 18 7 2 180 101 28 350 252 Trip Reliefs Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD MAERSK OHIO – Vessel master Capt. Christopher Kavanagh (SIU hawsepiper) applauded his crew for their work during a recent shipyard period in Bahrain. “They did a commendable job,” he said. “I don’t think I could have handpicked a better crew. We had a little celebration to acknowledge a safe, successful yard period.” Pictured from left in the group photo are Cadet Liam Cashmore, 3/M Sam Osgood, C/M Jen Phurchpean, AB Cheryl Lee, AB Aaron Shorter, AB Kevin Salter, AB Andre Irby, AB Jakeem Simmons and Bosun Nathaniel Sherrill. ABOARD WILLIAM BUTTON – Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson submitted these photos of Seafarers aboard the Crowley vessel. Jackson in particular commended the deck department for going “above and beyond” while the vessel spent time in two different shipyards. He’s in the center of the group photo above with fellow deck gang members including AB Harry Phillip, AB Noel Gemo, AB Robert Taylor, AB Octavio Henriques, AB Seamus Woods, OS Blake Stollenwerck, OS Peter Festa and OS Frank Muna. Chief Cook James Martin and Chief Steward Ed Bonefont are pictured in photo at right while the photo at left includes QMED Deralle Watson, Storekeeper Jason Devine, Electrician Braden Horne, GUDE David Argo, Pumpman Orlando Pajarillo and QMED Isaiah Thomas. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU JACKSONVILLE MEETING – These photos were taken during the March membership meeting. In photo at right, STOS Gladys Williams (left) receives her full book. Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right. Chief Cook Gregory Brown is at left in photo below, receiving his A-book as Nelson gives the oath. The photo above shows a strong turnout. UPGRADING AT THE POINT – Chief Cook Pauline Crespo submitted these photos while attending class at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. In photo at left, Crespo (right) is pictured with Pastry Chef/Instructor Hillary Dyson at the end of the class. Chief Cook Arjay Hermoso (left in center photo) and Chief Cook Anthony Jackson present their sweet and sour pork creations before serving it for lunch. The snapshot at right features Paul Hall Center Apprentices Laura Katschman, Isis Vasquez-Soto and Sira-Claire Hauanio. ALGONAC MEETING – Seafarers safely gather for the March membership meeting in Michigan. Pictured from left in photo at left are UIW VP Monte Burgett, SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell and SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak. 10 Seafarers LOG May 2021 FULL BOOK IN OAKLAND – Oiler Samuel Ayers (left) receives his full B-book last month at the membership meeting. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II. May 2021 WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – AB Mott Arnold (left in photo above, left) and OMU Omer Sharif (left in other photo) pick up their respective first pension checks at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right in both photos. Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by upgraders who are attending classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: How did you decide to pursue a career in maritime? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Thomas Koncul GUDE I’m following in the footsteps of my brother (SIU Jacksonville Safety Director Joseph Koncul). I’ve heard lots of stories from my brother, and I hope to provide a stable income for myself with this career. Joesef Shaibi GUDE My dad sailed with the SIU for over 30 years. I was inspired by his sea stories, so I decided to sail and see the world for myself. I was also really drawn to the work schedule, being home a lot while you make good money. Liam Flanagan GUDE I saw the opportunity to make a career doing something not a lot of people get to do. My uncle is an engineer with the AMO, and he suggested I look into starting my career with the SIU. Randy Slue GUDE I found out about the SIU through my dad. He told me about the travel opportunities a career in the SIU provides, not to mention the pay. I’ve already been all over Europe during my career, and I’m just getting started. Blake Washington GUDE A friend of mine introduced me to his uncle, who told me all about the union. I’ve got a daughter, and I want to provide a good life for her. I didn’t want to work two jobs anymore, either. Calvetta Taylor GUDE I heard about the SIU from family friends. I wanted to be an inspiration to my brothers and sisters, and travel the world while making a good living for myself. I’ve been all over the world already while sailing with the union. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 The late NMU Bosun John Ivo Valjalo is pictured in 1962 aboard the SS American Clipper as the ship arrives in Boston from Liverpool. According to caption information on the back of the Kodachrome print, the temperature was 22 below zero. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG May 2021 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA ALI ALHADDAD Brother Ali Alhaddad, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1999 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Alhaddad last shipped aboard the President Kennedy. He makes his home in Hamtramck, Michigan. on the Maersk Ohio and resides in Bellaire, Texas. LARRY JOLLA Brother Larry Jolla, 66, signed on with the union in 1995 when he worked on the Eugene A. Obregon. A steward department member, he upgraded often at union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Jolla concluded his career aboard the Washington Express. He lives in Mableton, Georgia. ABDULRAHMEN AL-OKAISH CLARENCE LANGFORD Brother Abdulrahmen Al-Okaish, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing on the Independence. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and primarily sailed in the deck department. Brother Al-Okaish last shipped on the North Star. He resides in Dearborn, Michigan. Brother Clarence Langford, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1975. He was an engine department member and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Langford’s first vessel was the Cove Navigator; his last, the Inspiration. He makes his home in St. Augustine, Florida. GLORIA BAKER Sister Gloria Baker, 65, began sailing with the union in 2001 when she shipped aboard the Maersk Arizona. She was a member of the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Sister Baker’s final vessel was the Overseas New York. She makes her home in Jacksonville, Florida. JOHN FITZGERALD Brother John Fitzgerald, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1979 when he sailed on the Point Margo. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Fitzgerald most recently shipped aboard the Seabulk Arctic. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. JOHN LEAHEY Brother John Leahey, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1994 when he sailed aboard the Independence. He sailed in both the steward and engine departments and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Leahey last shipped on the Overseas Tampa. He lives in Houston. KENNETH LEWIN Brother Kenneth Lewin, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 2001. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Lewin’s first vessel was the USNS Bowditch; his last, the Gem State. He is a resident of Tahoma, California. HAMDI HUSSEIN RODOLFO LUDOVICE Brother Hamdi Hussein, 68, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1992 when he shipped on the Global Sentinel. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Hussein’s final vessel was the Magothy. He settled in Philadelphia. Brother Rodolfo Ludovice, 72, started shipping with the SIU in 2007, first sailing aboard the Pride of America. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and most recently sailed on the Gem State. Brother Ludovice resides in San Francisco. RODRIGO JIMENEZ Brother Jose MacAdaan, 65, joined the union in 2001 and first sailed on the Cape Horn. He upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school within his first year of membership and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother MacAdaan’s final vessel was the Horizon Reliance. He is a resident of Long Beach, California. Brother Rodrigo Jimenez, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1993, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in both the deck and steward departments and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Jimenez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped May 2021 JOSE MACADAAN JOSEPH MCGEE Brother Joseph McGee, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1979 when he shipped aboard the Capricorn. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother McGee last shipped on the Anders Maersk in 1988. He calls Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, home. RUDOLPH MILLER Brother Rudolph Miller, 69, signed on with the union in 2000, initially sailing on the Global Mariner. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Miller most recently shipped on the West Virginia. He lives in Hollywood, Florida. ABDULHAMID MUSAED Brother Abdulhamid Musaed, 66, joined the SIU in 1979. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Musaed’s first vessel was the Westward Venture; his last, the Ocean Freedom. He resides in Birmingham, Alabama. LAMAR PARKER Brother Lamar Parker, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1989 when he was employed by Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Parker last shipped on the Cape Kennedy and makes his home in Jackson, Louisiana. JEFFRY STUART Brother Jeffry Stuart, 67, became a member of the SIU in 1991. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and was an engine department member. Brother Stuart’s first vessel was the Cape May; his last, the Gopher State. He lives in Key Largo, Florida. NATHANIEL TURMAN Brother Nathaniel Turman, 69, started sailing with the union in 2004 when he worked on the Green Lake. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Turman’s final vessel was the Maersk Atlanta. He resides in Spring Valley, California. FRANK VOGLER Brother Frank Vogler, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1982. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Vogler’s first vessel was the Gemini; his last, the Maersk Columbus. He is a resident of Brooklyn, New York. WAYNE WILSON Brother Wayne Wilson, 71, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1993, initially sailing on the American Merlin. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Wilson last shipped on the Maersk Durban. He is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. EUSEBIO ZAPATA Brother Eusebio Zapata, 61, signed on with the union in 1988 when he shipped on the Economy. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Zapata’s last vessel was the Cape Kennedy. He is a Houston resident. GREAT LAKES NASSER ALJALHAM Brother Nasser Aljalham, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 2000. He was a steward department member and initially sailed aboard the John Boland. Brother Aljalham’s final vessel was the American Republic. He makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. INLAND ERIC CORGEY Brother Eric Corgey, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1979. A deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Corgey worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He is a resident of Poolville, Texas. MONTE CROSS Brother Monte Cross, 65, joined the SIU in 1975. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Cross upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last worked for G&H Towing and resides in Woodlyn, Pennsylvania. RICHARD FINLEY Brother Richard Finley, 65, began his career with the union in 1975, first working for Steuart Transportation. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Finley was last employed by OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Dushore, Pennsylvania. MATTHEW FURMAN Brother Matthew Furman, 62, joined the SIU in 1978 when he worked with Interstate Oil. He was a deck department member and concluded his career with OSG Ship Management. Brother Furman resides in Cape Coral, Florida. ALAN WATTS Brother Alan Watts, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1977. He sailed in the deck department and was initially employed by Steuart Transportation. Brother Watts upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked for Moran Towing of Maryland and lives in Joppa, Maryland. PATRICK WILLIAMS Brother Patrick Williams, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1975, initially working with Interstate Oil. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Williams concluded his career with OSG Ship Management. He calls Glen Burnie, Maryland, home. GREGG WOLFFIS Brother Gregg Wolffis, 68, began his career with the Seafarers in 2014. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Wolffis was employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He resides in Bell, Florida. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA EMILIO ABABA Pensioner Emilio Ababa, 70, died March 20. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1996 when he sailed on the Independence. Brother Ababa worked in all three departments and last shipped on the Horizon Enterprise. He retired in 2015 and lived in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. LAWRENCE CRAIG Pensioner Lawrence Craig, 91, passed away February 23. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1952, initially sailing aboard the Mobilian. Brother Craig was a member of the engine department and last shipped on the Robert E. Lee. He became a pensioner in 1999 and settled in Brooksville, Florida. RAUL GUERRA Pensioner Raul Guerra, 67, died February 6. He signed on with the union in 1973 and was a deck department member. Brother Guerra first shipped with G&H Towing. He last sailed on the Overseas Harriette before going on pension in 2007. Brother Guerra resided in Texas City, Texas. WALTER HARRIS Pensioner Walter Harris, 80, passed away March 17. He began sailing with the SIU in 1978 when he shipped aboard the Bradford Island. Brother Harris worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Decisive. He became a pensioner in 2006 and was a Baltimore resident. MARCOS HILL Pensioner Marcos Hill, 73, died March 17. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1968, initially sailing with Penn Tanker. Brother Hill was an engine department member and last shipped on the Horizon Falcon. He went on pension in 2011 and made his home in New Orleans. THOMAS JOHNSON Pensioner Thomas Johnson, 87, passed away February 22. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1956 when he shipped on the Steel Design. Brother Johnson primarily sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Quality before retiring in 1995. Brother Johnson lived in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. 14 Seafarers LOG LLOYD LAWRENCE Pensioner Lloyd Lawrence, 73, died March 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1972, first working for Inland Tugs. Brother Lawrence sailed in both the deck and steward departments. His final vessel was the Green Cove and he became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Lawrence resided in Dade City, Florida. FRANCES MAIELLOWADSWORTH Pensioner Frances Maiello-Wadsworth, 78, passed away February 23. She signed on with the union in 1991 and sailed in both the steward and engine departments. Sister MaielloWadsworth’s first vessel was the Abby G. She last shipped aboard the William Baugh and retired in 2007. Sister Maiello-Wadsworth made her home in Wilmington, North Carolina. HENRY MANNING Pensioner Henry Manning, 73, died March 4. Signing on with the union in 1967, he first sailed on the Ocean Pioneer. Brother Manning was a steward department member and last worked aboard the Charleston Express. He went on pension in 2012 and was a Houston resident. ABDUL MUFLIHI Pensioner Abdul Muflihi, 72, passed away January 25. He became an SIU member in 1981, initially shipping on the Massachusetts. Brother Muflihi sailed in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Evergreen State and went on pension in 2014. Brother Muflihi lived in Coldwater, Michigan. NASSER MUZAYYAD Pensioner Nasser Muzayyad, 66, died December 28. He joined the SIU in 1980 and first sailed aboard the Overseas Juneau. Brother Muzayyad sailed in both the steward and engine departments. He last sailed aboard the Performance and retired in 2020. Brother Muzayyad lived in Melvindale, Michigan. MICHAEL NASH Pensioner Michael Nash, 92, passed away February 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1951, initially sailing with Colonial Steamship Company. Brother Nash sailed in the deck department and concluded his career working on a shore gang. He went on pension in 1986 and was a resident of Maitland, Florida. NORMAN OBEHI Pensioner Norman Obehi, 75, died March 23. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2001 and first shipped on the Liberator. Brother Obehi worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the Maersk Alabama before retiring in 2013. Brother Obehi lived Ridgewood, New York. CHARLES O’BRIEN Pensioner Charles O’Brien, 85, passed away February 15. He began his career with the SIU in 1958 when he sailed with Boston Towing Boat Company. Brother O’Brien worked in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 1991 and resided in Staten Island, New York. CLARENCE PRYOR Pensioner Clarence Pryor, 85, died April 1. He started shipping with the SIU in 1954, originally working for Waterman Steamship Corporation. A deck department member, Brother Pryor concluded his career on the Humacao. He retired in 1997 and settled in Citronelle, Alabama. RODNEY ROBERSON Pensioner Rodney Roberson, 60, passed away February 15. He signed on with the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the USNS Assurance. A deck department member, Brother Roberson last worked for Watco. He became a pensioner in 2019 and resided in Claymont, Delaware. TOM SAENZ Pensioner Tom Saenz, 83, died March 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1963 and was an engine department member. Brother Saenz’s first vessel was the Jefferson City; his last, the Overseas Vivian. He retired in 1995 and made his home in Houston. KAREL SUMILAT Pensioner Karel Sumilat, 74, passed away March 9. Signing on with the union in 1990, he first shipped aboard the Independence. Brother Sumilat was a member of the deck department and last sailed on the Commitment. He went on pension in 2008 and called Elmhurst, New York, home. HAROLD WARD Pensioner Harold Ward, 72, died February 20. He began his career with the SIU in 1970, first sailing aboard the Steel Voyager. Brother Ward was a steward department member and last shipped with USS Transport. He became a pensioner in 2014 and resided in Mobile, Alabama. GORDON WHEELER Pensioner Gordon Wheeler, 90, passed away February 26. He joined the union in 1951, initially sailing aboard the Alcoa Puritan. Brother Wheeler was a member of the steward department and last shipped on the Atlantic. He retired in 1994 and was a Houston resident. JOHN ZIMMERMAN Pensioner John Zimmerman, 73, died November 19. He signed on with the union in 1978 and was a member of the deck department. Brother Zimmerman’s first vessel was the Mohawk; his last, the Trader. He went on pension in 2012 and lived in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. GREAT LAKES CORLISS MACRURY Pensioner Corliss MacRury, 94, passed away March 1. She joined the SIU in 1980 when she worked for H&M Lake Transport. A steward department member, Sister MacRury concluded her career aboard the Charles E. Wilson. She retired in 1995 and made her home in Fort Gratiot, Michigan. LEONARD VALENTINE Pensioner Leonard Valentine, 82, died March 28. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1972. Brother Valentine was a member of the deck department and was employed by Luedtke Engineering for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2000 and lived in Saint Ignace, Michigan. INLAND JAMES ANDERSON Pensioner James Anderson, 67, passed away February 27. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1993 when he worked for Riverbus Inc. Brother Anderson’s final vessel was the Riverlink and he retired in 2015. He was a resident of Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. KENNETH BRADY Brother Kenneth Brady, 63, died January 11. He signed on with the SIU in 1981. A deck department member, Brother Brady’s first ship was the Gulf Merchant. He last worked for OSG Ship Management and resided in Portsmouth, Virginia. JAMES FERGUSON Pensioner James Ferguson, 75, passed away October 8. A deck department member, he began sailing with the union in 1988. Brother Ferguson was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2012 and lived in Highlands, Texas. GERALD MILLER Pensioner Gerald Miller, 77, died March 22. He signed on with the SIU in 1967 and was first employed by Whiteman Towing. Brother Miller shipped in the engine department. He last worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage, and retired in 2004. Brother Miller was a resident of McIntosh, Alabama. MARVIN NETZEL Pensioner Marvin Netzel, 86, passed away February 10. He joined the union in 1968 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Netzel worked with Dixie Carriers for his entire career. He retired in 1996 and settled in Iowa Park, Texas. NMU ANGEL CRUZ Pensioner Angel Cruz, 74, died March 5. He joined the union during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother Cruz sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the Delaware Bay before going on pension in 2004. Brother Cruz was a New York resident. RAUL FLORES Pensioner Raul Flores, 71, passed away March 5. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/SIU merger and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Flores’s final vessel was the Maersk Vermont. He became a pensioner in 2006 and was a resident of Elizabeth, New Jersey. ION ION Pensioner Ion Ion, 83, died February 7. He joined the union during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother Ion sailed in the deck department. He last sailed on the Innovator before going on pension in 2002. Brother Ion lived in Signal Hill, California. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Alexander, Warren Brown, Lee Cairns, Andrew Connolly, Norman Cotton, Clarence De Grace, Marciano De Luise, Gennaro Edwards, James Ford, Anthony Giller, Norman Johnson, James Rickl, Louis Saralegui, Carlos Smith, Stanley Trejos, Carlos AGE 83 90 89 94 79 82 90 78 82 96 80 88 91 94 90 DOD 03/07/2021 03/09/2021 02/13/2021 01/18/2021 01/11/2021 03/08/2021 03/14/2021 01/25/2021 12/12/2020 03/25/2021 03/01/2021 02/20/2021 12/12/2020 03/23/2021 02/22/2021 May 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Ship Management), February 14 – Chairman Romualdo Medina, Secretary Derrick Moore, Educational Director Tsawang Gyurme, Deck Delegate Lawrence Hernandez, Engine Delegate Ghadir Sarkis. New mattresses and WiFi needed aboard ship. Crew requested regular servicing from port agent or patrolman. Educational director encouraged members to attend safety training courses at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increase in allowance for safety shoes. Crew thanked steward department for a job well done. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), February 21 – Chairman Gregory Hamilton, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Donny Castillo, Engine Delegate Anne Scott, Steward Delegate Dindo Reforsado. Pay vouchers are not accurately printing tax deductions due to a computer glitch. Crew requested clarification on compensation procedures for missing-man wages. Deck and engine departments were thanked for their efforts. Educational director urged members to check for class availability at the Piney Point school. Courses are printed in the LOG and are posted on the SIU website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Company covers travel expenses from 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. hiring hall to ship location but are exclusively using major international airports. Traveling to major airports can be both timely and expensive for members. Drinking fountain in crew mess and toilet in crew room are both in need of repair. Bosun plans to call and request a patrolman to visit ship in Washington. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. MATSON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), February 27 – Chairman Darryl Smith, Secretary Lovie Perez, Educational Director Dylan Sapp, Engine Delegate David Smart. Members were instructed to secure everything in preparation for bad weather. Company is still restricting crew to ship. Members were directed to record restriction time and submit it with the overtime time sheet. Chairman reminded crew to wear masks aboard ship and when going ashore. Members were encouraged to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund, and to sign up for SIU text alerts. Secretary recommended visiting the SIU online portal for current updates on documents such as medical, direct deposit, vacation pay, etc. Educational director urged crew to enroll at Piney Point for LNG certificate as new LNG ships are figuratively on the horizon. Members were reminded to bring back all dishes from rooms. Crew requested improved WiFi aboard ship. Members reviewed vacation check procedures and suggested reducing the 60-day requirement to 30 to 45 days. USNS PATHFINDER (Ocean Shipholdings Inc), February 28 – Chairman Kelly Doyle, Secretary Loretta Stewart, Deck Delegate Mark Bolitho, Engine Delegate Ronald Sease. Chairman informed crew there would be no port access in Norfolk, Virginia, at least through March 2. All departments received top scores from Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) survey. Secretary reiterated importance of dues payments. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed COVID-19 vaccines and asked for clarification on extra pay for gangway up. Next port: Norfolk, Virginia. USNS POLLUX (TOTE), March 1 – Chairman Chris Nagle, Secretary Robinson Eromosele, Educational Director Marcelo Solano. Crew emphasized importance of good pension and requested an increase to current prescription glasses allowance. Chairman discussed vacation rollover at the end of the contract year. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members expressed views pertaining to maternity leave and feel that spouses should qualify for time off. MIDNIGHT SUN (TOTE), March 7 – Chairman Christopher Pompel, Secretary Dennis Skretta, Educational Director Michael McGlone, Deck Delegate Bakr Elbana, Steward Delegate Robert Haggerty. Ice machine in crew mess has been replaced. Payoff at sea scheduled for March 11. Chairman reminded members to use the proper chain of command if problems occur and to be sure documents are up to date. He recommended turning papers in early to avoid potential delays caused by the pandemic. Educational director encouraged members to read the Seafarers LOG and to check SIU website for classes being offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed pension-related issues. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska. OVERSEAS CASCADE (Overseas Ship Management), March 11 – Chairman Orvin Mejia, Secretary Anthony Jacobson, Educational Director Mario Standberry, Deck Delegate Ricardo Guevara, Engine Delegate Daryl Spicer, Steward Delegate Larry Bachelor. Bosun thanked galley gang. Secretary discussed procedures for medical benefit claims and reminded members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Piney Point school. Members were reminded to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for more involvement with contract negotiations, a lower age requirement for pen- sion and for WiFi to be added to ship. Next port: Mobile, Alabama. GREEN LAKE (Central Gulf Lines), March 20 – Chairman Anthony Newbill, Secretary Reshawn Solomon, Deck Delegate Dean Diaz, Engine Delegate Antonio De Luna, Steward Delegate Jasmin Franklin. Chairman congratulated all departments for a job well done and reminded members to keep documents up to date. He also discussed facts pertaining to COVID-19 vaccination shots. Members were encouraged to upgrade at Piney Point and to check portal and Seafarers LOG for updated information. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested TV in rooms, DVD players, a deep fryer and bottled water. Crew needs latex gloves and other company-supplied PPE. Dishwasher in need of repair. Members asked for a reduction to retirement qualification days and 30 for 30 vacation days. Next port: Port Hueneme, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the May 3 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2020 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and May 2021 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 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15 MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Title of Course Pumpman Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses May 24 November 8 May 28 November 12 Welding May 24 June 28 August 30 June 11 Juy 16 September 17 Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook May 10 June 14 July 19 June 11 July 16 August 20 Advanced Galley Operations May 31 July 26 September 27 June 25 August 20 October 22 Chief Steward June 28 August 23 October 18 July 23 September 17 November 12 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck July 26 September 27 August 13 October 15 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 25 November 22 October 8 November 5 December 3 RFPNW August 23 November 15 September 10 December 3 Radar/ARPA July 26 August 6 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting Fast Rescue Boat June 21 August 9 June 25 August 13 June 28 September 6 July 2 September 10 Medical Care Provider GMDSS July 12 July 23 July 5 September 13 July 9 September 17 Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10 Basic Training Advanced Shiphandling June 21 July 2 May 24 June 7 July 26 May 28 June 11 July 30 Advanced Meteorology July 12 July 16 Basic Training Revalidation Advanced Stability July 5 July 9 June 4 June 25 August 30 June 4 June 25 August 30 Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation June 7 October 25 June 11 October 29 Government Vessels May 10 May 24 June 7 June 14 June 28 July 19 May 14 May 28 June 11 June 18 July 2 July 23 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 10 July 5 October 18 May 14 July 9 October 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG June 28 August 23 September 27 December 13 July 2 August 27 October 1 December 17 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23 FOWT May 31 July 26 June 25 August 20 Junior Engineer May 31 September 6 July 23 October 29 Marine Electrician September 6 October 8 Marine Reefer Tech July 26 September 3 Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23 Machinist October 18 November 5 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG Safety/Open Upgrading Courses COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 5/21 May 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #867 – Graduated March 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Casas, Jeyke Franciz Chiovarou, Matthew De Maria, Richard Dolan, Ashley Graham, Nathaniel Howard, Cristian L. Irizarry Aviles, Nicholas King and Michael Reardon. BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated March 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Cristian Curet-Lara, Dennison Neil Forsman, Michael Jamal Garcia, Gabriel Kalima, Aaron Juan Moore Jr., Jose Pena, Makanaonalani Sing, Michael Taylor, Ahbram Ventura-Bishop and Jeffery Wixted. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the engine departments of SIU-contracted vessels. Important Notice To All Students May 2021 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated Feb. 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandon Hoisington, Roger Mathews, Tanner Page, Luke Isamu John Satsuma and Johnny Young. Each plans to work in the deck department of union-contracted vessels upon the completion of their training. Pumpman – Graduated March 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Marcus Brown, Kirk Chambers, Olivier Luc Especa, Patrick Montgomery and Dhahabi Abdulla Quraish. Instructor William Dodd is at the far left. Government Vessels – Graduated March 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Ronald Byrd, Daniel Flanagan, Jequinn Greenman, Crystal Higgs, Hubert Lawrence, Isaac Nugen and Liam Richey. 18 Seafarers LOG May 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Marine Refrigeration – Graduated March 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Joel Bell Jr., Joel Boyd, Terren Fields, Nicolae Marinescu, Kyle Miller, Robert Neff, Charlie Wescott III, Kyle Williamson and Kevin Willis. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far left. Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated March 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamal Campbell, Jonah Chambly Ryan Hatch, Kevin Hubble, Alexander Kostik, Bryce Ness and Timothy Scott. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Galley Operations – Graduated March 3 – (above, in alphabetical order): Leo De Los Reyes Bierneza, Kaberlyn Daniel, Anthony Parks, Wilma Smith, Nikia Stripling and Johathan Yates. May 2021 Galley Ops (Phase III) - Apprentice Devin Brashear, above, graduated from this course March 5. Once he completes his training, he plans to work in the steward departments of SIU-contracted vessels. Seafarers LOG 19 �MAY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 5 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O ‘Be Ready for Life-Changing Adventure’ Alaska Resident Wins Crowley Safety Champion Award The latest recipient of a prestigious annual safety honor clearly has found a home in the U.S. Merchant Marine. AB Austin Duckworth recently earned the Crowley Petroleum Services Safety Champion award – the highest individual accolade available in the company’s safety recognition program. Crowley Vice President Boren Chambers said Duckworth is “a good shipmate that looks out for his fellow crew.” Duckworth, who often sails on the ATB Gulf Reliance/650-2, stated, “I feel good about receiving the award from Crowley because I know how they really try and uphold their safety standards. So many people have helped me, taught me and showed me how things should be done. I would say they are the real reason I won. In this environment, we all know not to be scared to say something if there’s anything that seems unsafe.” The award is a milestone for someone who grew up fishing and working on the water in Ketchikan, Alaska, but didn’t immediately pursue his dream of entering the U.S. Merchant Marine. Duckworth, 28, had successfully completed a deckhand certification program offered by his high school, but after graduation, he worked at a local fishing lodge for a few years. The supportive owners inspired him to continue his education – and Duckworth did so at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Duckworth readily credits the Lund Maritime Scholarship program for facilitating his training in Piney Point. Coordinated by SEA Link, Inc., which is based in Alaska, the program is open to local high school and GED graduates. Thinking back to the days before he first shipped out as an OS aboard the USNS Effective in 2016, Duckworth recalled, “I didn’t really know what to truly expect before entering this industry besides being gone for longer periods of time and making good money while traveling the world. But today, if someone wanted to enter this industry, I would say be ready for lifechanging adventure. You do have to prepare to be gone for long stretches, and also have an understanding that there are more opportunities out there if you’re willing to work for them.” Similarly, when recalling his extensive training at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School in 2015 and 2016, he recommends taking courses there – and being ready to fully apply oneself. “Piney Point’s expectations were to follow directions, understand the fundamentals of shipping and working in this industry and be able to overcome any discrepancies among one another to work together as a team,” Duckworth said. “If you have the time and your schedule permits it, you should take advantage of the free classes and housing (for eligible members) that Piney Point offers.” As for shipboard work, it also agrees with Duckworth, who spent his first few years with the SIU sailing aboard militarysupport ships and tankers. He eventually chose to work closer to home, and found employment on Crowley ATBs in the Pacific Northwest. “I love the fact that I am able to pump the barge with one other person and we can move millions of gallons from one place to another in just a matter of days, sometimes even hours,” he said. Seafarer Austin Duckworth (both photos above) is pictured on the job in Alaska. (Photos courtesy Crowley) “My most memorable voyage would be our trips out to Dutch Harbor (Alaska), taking the inside passageways to keep clear from storms and being able to see all the wildlife, and rocks protruding from the mountain formations going directly into the ocean.” He added that he has found SIU representatives helpful, and he’s had only positive experiences with the union. As for the award, the company reported that Duckworth “was chosen for his outstanding performance throughout the year,” which included earning a monthly safety honor. As part of this recognition, Duckworth was presented with a challenge coin, and received a video call from shoreside management personnel. For Duckworth, it’s an accolade that may not be his last. He plans to remain in the industry and eventually sail as a deep-sea captain. “I love being able to see the world and what beauties are on every continent and being paid while doing it,” he concluded. West Virginia Legislators Issue Resolution Backing Jones Act The West Virginia State Capitol is located in Charleston. A new, bipartisan resolution in the West Virginia government strongly supports the nation’s freight cabotage law. The concurrent resolution backing the Jones Act was adopted by the state senate March 19, and then was passed by the House on March 31. Its primary sponsor is State Senator Eric Nelson (R). Text of the senate document follows. The house version is virtually identical. Expressing support for the Jones Act and celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Jones Act. Whereas, West Virginia is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, effective, and efficient transportation system that enhances opportunity for the people and communities of West Virginia and the United States; and Whereas, The current pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services to the citizens and workforce of West Virginia; and Whereas, The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act and codified in Title 46 of the United States Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo between locations in the United States be owned by American companies, crewed by American mariners, and built in American shipyards; and Whereas, America’s ability to project and deploy forces globally, and supply and maintain military installations domestically, depends on the civilian fleet of Jones Act vessels and mariners; and Whereas, Mariners aboard Jones Act vessels strengthen America’s homeland security as added eyes and ears monitoring the nation’s 95,000 miles of shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable inland waterways; and Whereas, West Virginia is home to over 3,300 maritime jobs supported by the Jones Act, which generates $171.7 million in labor income; and Whereas, Maritime industry jobs create ladders of opportunity through high-paying, family wage careers that offer significant career advancement without generally necessitating advanced formal education and extensive student loans; and Whereas, The more than 40,000-vessel strong Jones Act fleet supports nearly 650,000 family wage jobs and over $154 billion in economic output nationally, and $800 million to the West Virginia economy; therefore, be it Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia: That the Senate expresses its support for the Jones Act and celebrates the centennial anniversary of the Jones Act; and, be it Further Resolved, That the Senate affirms its resolute support for the Jones Act and in fostering a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to West Virginia’s and the nation’s economic prosperity and national security; and, be it Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to each member of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation. � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource Headlines: 'SALUTE TO CONGRESS' EVENT RECOGNIZES DEFAZIO, BUZBY SUEZ INCIDENT CAUSES SHIPPING BACKLOG WHITE HOUSE IDENTIFIES KEY OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT GOALS UPDATE TO MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN CLARIFIES MASK MANDATES FOR MARITIME INDUSTRY AFL-CIO LEADS NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR PRO ACT PANDEMIC FORCES AFL-CIO TO ALTER ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY BUTTIGIEG: 'I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE JONES ACT' HEARTBURN: TOUGH TO AVOID, BUT IT'S USUALLY MANAGEABLE COVID-19 VACCINATION EFFORTS IN FULL SWING MARITIME MOURNS PASSING OF AMO EXEC. VP FINNIGAN IMO WARNS CREW-CHANGE CRISIS FAR FROM FINISHED POWELL RETAINS POSITION AS PORT AUTHORITY OFFICIAL CONGRATULATIONS ON SAFETY AWARD PAUL HALL CENTER MODIFIES SOME REQUIREMENS FOR GALLEY TRAINING SURVEY AIMS TO ASSIST MARINERS 'BE READY FOR LIFE-CHANGING ADVENTURE' WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATORS ISSUE RESOLUTION BACKING JONES ACT 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 05/01/2021 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. 83, No. 5 2021 Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d74b5b797e7a8a02c7d377377ede5516.pdf 6cc7f990056d01c8f7d860832a8d2953 PDF Text Text JUNE 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Vaccination Efforts Ramp Up SIU members across the country continue lining up for vaccinations against COVID-19. In Houston (photo at far right), members arrive at the hall for a vaccination event hosted by the union in partnership with a local health care provider. In Jacksonville, Florida (photo below), SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left) and Patrolman Adam Bucalo (third from right) pose with health clinic personnel after receiving their respective vaccines. In Piney Point, Maryland (photo at immediate right), Paul Hall Center apprentices who want the vaccine are receiving it through an arrangement with the school and local health agency offices. Apprentice Michael Reardon is pictured receiving his first shot. Page 3 Crescent Crews At Three Locations Approve Contracts SIU boatmen employed by Crescent Towing recently ratified (by overwhelming majorities) new three-year contracts that increase wages and maintain top-tier benefits. The agreements cover members who sail aboard Crescent boats in New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Savannah, Georgia. Members and some of the negotiating committee members are pictured at left. From left are Deckhand Bryce Brown, Deckhand Stephen Gros, Captain Nolte Lincks, Captain Joe Carson, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Engineer Delegate David Findley, Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Kevin McDermott, Engineer Bryan Hughes and Engineer Hunter Daniel. Page 4 Annual Funding Notices, Summary Annual Reports Pages 8-9 Pro-Worker Task Force Forms Page 2 ‘BookWaves’ Project Continues Page 10 �President’s Report PRO Act: Time is Now You may be aware of polling from the past couple of years that reflects a very favorable view of unions in the United States. Around 65 percent of Americans approve of labor unions, which is the highest percentage in almost 20 years. I didn’t know until recently that those same surveys indicate almost half of non-union/unrepresented workers also say they would vote for a union if given the chance. That’s a huge increase compared to when a similar poll was conducted many years ago. Our movement, and indeed our country, have a chance to turn these numbers into something positive for America’s working families, specifically by enacting the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. That legislation has been passed by the House, and President Biden enthusiastically backs it, including during his recent address to Congress. If the PRO Act were law, I firmly believe that the recent union election in Alabama, involving workers Michael Sacco at an Amazon warehouse, would’ve turned out differently. By the way, some of the reporting that followed the vote indicated, more or less, that it was a “resounding” defeat for the union. I don’t believe that for a second. Those workers endured months of illegal activities by the employer (as charged by the union, in a case that’s under review). And it wasn’t just any employer, but one with virtually unlimited resources that were used to bully, intimidate and brainwash. All of it happened in the deep south, and yet more than 700 people stood up and voted to join a union. To me, that’s something to build on. Let us not forget, it took the UAW several tries to organize Ford, and it took the SIU more than once to organize Cities Service back in the 1950s. The campaign in Alabama underscored a point that we in the labor movement have made for a long time. If so many workers say they’re interested in union membership, why don’t they have it? The truth is that our current labor law, which is supposed to not only protect but in fact promote the right of workers in the private sector to organize, in practice makes it an uphill climb. They face too many hurdles while employers can and often do get away with illegal interference, without consequence. The PRO Act repairs many of the biggest shortcomings with current law. Enacting the legislation would signal a major step forward when it comes to restoring workers’ ability to organize and negotiate for better wages, benefits and workplace safety and fairness. For example, I recently read a fact sheet that said in one out of every five union organizing campaigns, employers fire pro-union workers, because they figure it will scare other workers and harm the campaign. This is flat-out illegal under the National Labor Relations Act, but employers do it anyway, because the penalties usually are minimal or non-existent. Another example: In nearly half of all such campaigns, employers ultimately are charged with breaking the law in one form or another. The PRO Act offers several remedies. This is a lesser-known problem outside the labor movement, but it’s common for employers to challenge the makeup of the bargaining unit, which Amazon did. The bill addresses employer stalling tactics and clearly spells out that the decision about the proper bargaining unit should be made by workers and the NLRB, not rigged by employers. Far less surprising is that employers often hire third-party, anti-union consultants to push against unionization. This happens in three-quarters of organizing campaigns, and it’s not cheap. Employers in recent years have spent an average of $340 million per year on anti-union consultants, who often stay hidden from the workers (even while pushing their lies). That’s a lot more money than it would cost to give workers the wage and benefit increases they seek. The PRO Act requires timely disclosure of union-busting activities and closes the loophole through which employers and consultants have avoided reporting. Finally, even when workers vote for a union and the results are certified, it’s not uncommon for employers to stall the collective bargaining process. More than half of all workers who vote to form a union still are without a contract a year later. Once again, the PRO Act solution has a solution – in this case, establishing a mediation and, if necessary, arbitration process that keeps employers from dragging their feet. Getting the PRO Act passed in the Senate is a challenge, but it’s doable. Our country will be much better off when it becomes law. White House Establishes Pro-Worker Task Force In late April, President Biden signed an executive order establishing the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. The task force will be dedicated to mobilizing the federal government’s policies, programs, and practices to empower workers to organize and successfully bargain with their employers. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka stated, “The fight to strengthen working people’s freedoms on the job has never been more urgent, and President Biden is right to give this effort the resources and attention it demands. He understands that unionism is the single most effective tool we have for building a fairer economy and a more just society. Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris and Labor Secretary (Marty) Walsh, this task force will put organizing and collective bargaining at the center of the federal government — part of their steadfast commitment to worker empowerment. Of course, the most important thing we can do to empower workers is pass the PRO Act, and we look forward to working with the Biden administration to get the job done.” The executive order directs the task force to make recommendations within the first 180 days on two issues: How can existing policies, programs, and practices be used to promote worker organizing and collective bargaining in the federal government; and, where are new policies, associated regulatory and statutory changes needed? According to the text of the executive order, “President Biden and Vice President Harris have long championed workers’ rights. As the President has said: America was built by the middle class, and unions built the middle class. Throughout our country’s history, unions have been the driving forces for advancements in workers’ rights and improved living standards for union and non-union workers. They have fought for higher wages, greater job security, safety and health laws, essential benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, and protections from discrimination and sexual harassment for millions of workers across the country. Sixteen million workers in the United States are union members or in a job that provides them union representation. More than six in ten of those workers are women and/or people of color. Union workers earn roughly 13 percent more than non-union workers on a similar job site. They also experience drastically lower rates of labor standards violations, like employers wage theft or workplace safety and health hazards.” Also as cited in the text, “Despite the importance of unions to our economy and democracy, and nearly 60 million workers today saying they would join a union if given the chance, American workers have faced increasing barriers to organizing and bargaining collectively with their employers. Economic change in the United States and globally, technological developments, and the failure to modernize federal organizing and labor-management relations laws so they respond appropriately to the reality found in American workplaces have made worker organizing exceedingly difficult. The result has been a steady decline in union membership in the United States over past decades. In 2020, union members made up just 10.8 percent of the U.S. workforce, down from more than 30 percent in the 1950s. “Widespread and deep economic inequality, stagnant real wages, and the shrinking of America’s middle class are all associated with the declining percentage of workers represented by unions,” the executive order continued. “In addition, lower union membership rates have exacerbated the pay gap for women and workers of color. The decline of union density has also weakened our democracy. Unions ensure workers’ voices are heard in their workplaces, communities, and government.” Committee Approves Records Seven SIU members in early May approved the union’s financial records for 2020. The SIU Constitution requires that a group of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fellow members) annually examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. Accordingly, this process began with the financial committee’s election in Piney Point, Maryland, and then in the following days when they reviewed the paperwork at SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland. The committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2020 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s June membership meetings. Serving on the committee were QMED Donald Lumpkins (chairman), Recertified Bosun Earl Castain, AB James M. Osborne, QEE Laura Hollar, QMED Riley Donahue III, Chief Cook Thomas Cyrus and Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett. They were elected May 3 during the monthly membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The members handled their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. In part, their report reads, “We, the committee, do hereby state that we have examined the procedure for controlling of the funds of the union and have found that the system of internal control is adequate to safeguard them properly…. 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 members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. Moreover, the union’s legal counsel met with the committee and made themselves available should the committee members have any questions. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 6 June 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Committee members are pictured with SIU officials after wrapping up their work. Pictured from left are (seated) QEE Laura Hollar, Chief Cook Thomas Cyrus, Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett, (standing) AB James M. Osborne, Recertified Bosun Earl Castain, SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, QMED Donald Lumpkins, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and QMED Riley Donahue III. June 2021 �Members and guests (photo above, left) are pictured at the Houston hall. In photo at right, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) introduces Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia. Vaccinations Slow Global Pandemic Houston Hall Hosts Successful Event for Seafarers, Families The COVID-19 pandemic is on the decline in the United States, as vaccines become more widely available and restrictions on businesses have relaxed somewhat. However, the COVID-19 virus has taken a serious toll on the country, and the effects aren’t done. As of press time, the pandemic had killed 578,500 in the U.S., and infected 32.5 million Americans. Since the beginning of May, the rolling weekly average of new reported cases has dropped to fewer than 50,000, and 260 million vaccine doses have been administered. In addition, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 44 percent of Americans over the age of 18 have been fully vaccinated, with 58 percent having received at least one dose of a multipledosage vaccine. The percentage of fully vaccinated people over 65 in America is up to 71 percent. Houston Hosts Event Dozens of Seafarers were vaccinated May 3 at the hiring hall in Houston, where the union teamed up with a local health care provider (United Memorial Medical Center) and with Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia to offer the shots. Health care professionals administered the Pfizer vaccine; a follow-up vaccination event for second doses was scheduled for May 24, also at the hall. Garcia kicked off the May 3 gathering by thanking the union for hosting it. He also emphasized the need to encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated. “For those of you who are taking the vaccine, thank you for the confidence in taking it,” he said after being introduced by SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. “What I need you to do now is to be an ambassador. Let people know that you’ve taken it. Let people know that they should take it as well. That’s how we’re going to save lives.” Garcia also thanked the SIU “for all you do. You keep our economy moving, you keep products on the shelves and you keep people employed.” ICS Answers Common Questions Recently, the International Chamber of Shipping – the global trade association for shipowners and operators – released a practical guide to COVID-19 vaccinations as they relate to the maritime industry. They included a Q&A, which answered common questions on vaccine safety, efficacy and side effects. To summarize, the vaccines have been carefully reviewed and studied, and determined to be safe and effective by the appropriate national and international health authorities. All CDC-approved vaccines have been proven to both protect against contracting the virus, and limit the severity of the symptoms if contracted. The vaccines start providing protection against the virus, on average, 12 days after the injection. Side effects are generally mild to moderate, and can last up to 48 hours. These can include fever, fatigue and pain at the injection site. As of press time, even if a mariner has been vaccinated for longer than two weeks, the current U.S. Coast Guard requirements state that all mariners must wear masks and take social distancing precautions while aboard a vessel. There are exceptions, including while eating or drinking or in one’s own stateroom. Masks also may be removed if they’ll interfere with a particular task. Shipping Companies Weigh In As a whole, the American maritime community has been staying on top of the issue of COVID-19 vaccine availability and distribution to mariners. Working closely with the union, the SIU’s contracted operators have taken many steps to ensure both the safety of the mariners working aboard their vessels, as well as the availability of vaccines. While mariners are still advised to seek out the Johnson & Johnson brand, single-dose vaccine, any of the CDC-approved vaccines are safe and effective. Mariners are encouraged to schedule their single-dose vaccine appointments a few days before they are shipping out, to avoid having to work through the common side effects that can occur the day after being vaccinated against COVID-19. It is also advisable to schedule all of a mariner’s required vaccinations while that mariner is ashore, to allow for two weeks between the COVID-19 vaccine and any other required shots. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (seated in photo at left) gets his vaccine in Jacksonville, Florida. Paul Hall Center Apprentice Ricky Williams (photo above) receives a vaccination in southern Maryland. June 2021 Seafarers LOG 3 �The Mobile negotiating committees included (from left) Crescent Mobile Operations Manager Travis Stringfellow, SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White, Crescent Senior Consultant Tad Willcutt, SIU Capt. Delegate Chris Walker, Crescent Exec. VP Keith Kettenring, SIU Engineer Delegate Patrick McKibbon, SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate R.J. Walker, Crescent VP Eddie Pinner, Crescent Senior Operations Manager Ben Morvant and Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg. Serving on the New Orleans bargaining committees were (from left) Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg, SIU Engineer Delegate David Findley, Crescent Senior Consultant Tad Willcutt, SIU Captain Delegate Terry Murley, SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Crescent Exec. VP Keith Kettenring, SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Kevin McDermott, Crescent VP Eddie Pinner and Crescent Senior Operations Manager Ben Morvant. Not pictured, but also serving on the committee, were Crescent VP Hays Clark and SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Chris Sikes. SIU Crescent Towing Crews Ratify Contracts Add another pandemic-era first for SIU boatmen employed by Crescent Towing. As the nation continues grappling with challenges associated with COVID-19, the SIU recently finalized two new three-year contracts covering Crescent crews in New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Savannah, Georgia. Members ratified the agreements in mid-April, by nearly unanimous majorities. The contracts, covering approximately 200 SIU members, are practically identical, and they include annual wage gains while maintaining top-of-the-line benefits. One agreement covers members in New Orleans and Savannah, while the other applies to boatmen in Mobile. The pandemic didn’t stop union and company personnel from bargaining in person, though the respective negotiating committees isolated in hotels beforehand, and additional precautions were taken. Voting took place aboard the boats. “Most of the people involved have been vaccinated,” pointed out SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, who led the union’s committee. “This COVID thing has been really challenging for everybody, but it’s amazing how the crews have operated through all of it. They have done the work and never had to shut down. “A lot of that stability is a testament to the long tenures of the employees and the quality of the crews,” he added. “Crescent tends to get good, long-term employees, and I think the pandemic is a testament to why that’s important. And with that as a backdrop, we were able to negotiate a very fair package that in this day and age, a lot of other people aren’t seeing. Hopefully this will be the one and only time we negotiate during a pandemic.” Westbrook noted that the seven rank-andfile delegates who served on the bargaining committees have a combined 188 years of employment with Crescent (an average of slightly less than 27 years per member). The SIU’s committee for the New Orleans/ Savannah contract consisted of Captain Del- egate Terry Murley, Engineer Delegate David Findley, Wheelman/Deckhand Kevin McDermott, Wheelman Chris Sikes and Westbrook. The Mobile group included Westbrook, SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White, Captain Delegate Chris Walker, Engineer Delegate Patrick McKibbon and Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate R.J. Walker. Bargaining took place April 6-9 for the New Orleans/Savannah contract and then April 14 for the Mobile pact. Ratification happened April 9-16. In addition to securing wage gains and maintaining medical and pension benefits, the union negotiators also bolstered seniority clauses, enhanced bereavement benefits, added to vacation benefits for employees with at least 15 years of service, and established a training committee. That group, consisting of representatives from the union (including rank-and-file members) and company, is slated to convene within the next 90 days to identify “fair and equitable ways to train employees,” Westbrook said. “There’s no doubt the industry is becoming more technical and requires more training.” “It’s a good contract,” said Murley, who started his SIU career in 1978 after finishing the trainee program in Piney Point, Maryland. “We were prepared and we tried to be reasonable with our expectations. I think we got a pretty good contract for the next three years and I think Crescent came out on top, too. It’s kind of a partnership, and at the end, you shake hands and everybody goes back to work.” McDermott agreed that members have ample reason to be pleased with the contract, and he also credited Westbrook for leading the group. “It’s a good contract, and Mr. Westbrook is a beast,” McDermott said. “Chris does his homework, and he gave us useful insights. I think we got a spectacular contract compared to what’s going on elsewhere during the pandemic. We couldn’t ask for anything else.” Chris Walker said the agreement is “a good, fair contract for the men. Everybody was able to get a little bit of something out of it. Bargaining was fairly quick. The company understood what we wanted to put on the table, and we understood what they wanted.” “The crews were pleased,” said White. “Based on what we obtained, the guys were excited about it. Because of the COVID situation, they weren’t sure whether the company would be in position to do anything positive. But, through negotiations, it turned out well.” Crescent operates 17 boats in New Orleans, five in Savannah and three in Mobile, with four-person crews that generally adhere to a schedule of seven days on followed by seven days off. The boats are used for ship-docking operations. Note to Readers Virtually without exception, the individuals pictured on this page have been vaccinated against COVID-19, or had recently tested negative before the photos were taken, or both. The respective bargaining committees isolated in hotels prior to the start of bargaining. From left, Delegates Kevin McDermott and David Findley discuss the contract with Capt. Joe Carson and Engineer Hunter Daniel. Members sign in before voting on the Mobile contract. SIU members sail aboard Crescent Towing’s fleet of 25 boats, including the ones pictured above 4 Seafarers LOG Mobile-area SIU boatmen are pictured with SIU Port Agents Jimmy White and Chris Westbrook. Standing left to right are Taylor Hurst, White, Cameron Cooper, Roy Saranthus Sr., Daniel Nicolaidis, Chris Walker, Bo Tucker (rear), R.J. Walker, Westbrook, Ronnie Walker, Jose Angel Ojeda, Patrick McKibbon, Darrin Anderson and Grayson Sheppard. June 2021 �AFL-CIO Releases Death on the Job Report The AFL-CIO on May 1 released the 2021 edition of Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, a report on the state of safety and health protections for America’s working families. The release marked the 30th year that the federation has produced the narrative. Since the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 50 years ago, significant progress has been made toward improving working conditions and protecting workers from job injuries, illnesses and deaths, the federation pointed out. Federal job safety agencies have issued many important regulations on safety hazards, silica, coal dust and other health dangers, strengthened enforcement and expanded worker rights. These initiatives have undoubtedly made workplaces safer and saved lives, but much more progress is needed, according to the AFL-CIO. The federation further noted that the previous administration worked to dismantle these advancements, attacking workplace safety protections and longstanding structures for issuing future protections, cutting agency budgets and staff, and failing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in many workplaces. The Democratic majority in the House of Representatives helped improved oversight, accountability and action on critical worker protections, and took opportunities to oppose anti-worker attacks by the previous administration, according to the report. However, the Senate blocked much-needed protections and reforms in job safety. Now, with a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress, there are more opportunities for action on long-needed worker protection legislation, the federation noted. “The recent election of President Biden brings promise and hope to a nation and world decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to working people who have struggled for years under anti-worker policies that make their workplaces more dangerous,” the AFL-CIO said when announcing the report. Following are 18 key findings from the 2021 Death on the Job report. In 2019: n 275 U.S. workers, on average, died each day from hazardous working conditions. n 5,333 workers were killed on the job in the United States. n An estimated 95,000 workers died from occupational diseases. n The overall job fatality rate was 3.5 per 100,000 workers, the same as the previous year. n Latino and Black worker fatalities increased; these workers are at greater risk of dying on the job than all other workers. n Employers reported nearly 3.5 million work-related injuries and illnesses. n Musculoskeletal disorders continue to make up the largest portion (30%) of workrelated injuries and illnesses. n Underreporting is widespread – the true toll of work-related injuries and illnesses is 7 million to 10.5 million each year. n States with the highest fatality rates in 2019 were: Alaska, Wyoming, North Dakota, Montana and West Virginia. n Industries with the highest fatality rates in 2019 were: agriculture, forestry, and fishing and hunting; mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; transportation and warehousing; construction; and wholesale trade. n America’s workplaces have been a primary source of COVID-19 outbreaks, with thousands of workers infected and dying. However, information on workplace infection and outbreak is limited because there is no national surveillance system. n Workplace violence deaths increased to 841 in 2019, while more than 30,000 violence-related lost-time injuries were reported. n Workplace violence is the third-leading cause of workplace death. There were 454 worker deaths that were workplace homicides. n Women workers are at greater risk of violence than men; they suffered two-thirds of the lost-time injuries related to workplace violence, and were five times more likely to be killed by a relative or domestic partner in the workplace than men. n Deaths among all Latino workers increased in 2019: 1,088 deaths, compared with 961 in 2018. Some 66% of those who died were immigrants. n The Black worker fatality rate of 3.6 per 100,000 workers continues to be higher than the national average. In 2019, 634 Black workers died on the job—the highest number in more than two decades. n Workers 65 or older have nearly three times the risk of dying on the job as other workers, with a fatality rate of 9.4 per 100,000 workers in 2019. n The cost of job injuries and illnesses is enormous – estimated at $250 billion to $330 billion a year. The full report is available at https://aflcio.org/reports/death-job-toll-neglect-2021. SIU, MTD Urge White House To Overturn CBP Ruling The SIU, along with the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) and its Port Maritime Councils, have written letters to President Biden, urging his administration to change a recent ruling by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) that violates the Jones Act. As stated in a letter sent by SIU President Michael Sacco (who is also president of the MTD), “On January 27, 2021, one month after the passage the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 that included a provision affirming that all federal laws, including the Jones Act, would apply to offshore wind energy sites in the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (“EEZ”) of the Outer Continental Shelf, CBP issued a letter ruling to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDDC), an SIU-contracted company that employs American mariners on Jones Act vessels. That letter ruling confirmed GLDDC’s understanding that, under the new law, the transportation of scour-protection rock to the pristine seabed in the U.S. EEZ would be covered under the Jones Act. Less than two months later, on March 25, CBP reversed this finding and instead concluded that the Jones Act would not apply in the scenario for which GLDDC requested guidance.” The letter from the SIU continued, “Regardless of the reasoning for the change in guidance, this letter ruling has the potential to cause considerable disruption in GLDDC’s and other American ship operators’ plans to build and operate vessels designed to help install, maintain, and supply offshore wind energy farms in the US EEZ. GLDDC and other American companies have already committed significant SIU President Michael Sacco resources to help launch these efforts and we expect this work to create hundreds of good paying, middle class jobs for working families across America. Under this letter ruling, that work would instead be done, in large part, by foreign companies using foreignbuilt ships and foreign crews. This is exactly the scenario that the NDAA provision was designed to thwart, and it is diametrically opposed to the policy of the federal government as stated in Executive Order #14005. Sacco added, “We are greatly appreciative of the efforts your Administration has made supporting working families across America, and it is no exaggeration to say that your efforts on behalf of the U.S. Merchant Marine, both as president and in your long career in public service, have been exemplary. With that in mind, we strongly urge you to direct CBP to correct these mistakes.” Since that letter was sent, every Port Maritime Council has also sent letters to the Biden administration on this subject. June 2021 AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka speaks during a February 2020 Congressional press conference on the PRO Act. (Photo courtesy of AFL-CIO) Federation’s Push to Pass PRO Act Continues in Events Coast to Coast Demands for passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act continue to make headlines across the country as the AFL-CIO’s phone-banking initiative targeting voters and urging them to call their senators has kicked into full swing. Initially launched April 26, the “PRO Act Blitz” took center stage May 1 during May Day marches, teach-ins and other actions from coast to coast. The AFL-CIO reported more than 700 events were planned, and suggested that count may be low, because individual unions checked in with their own marches, meetings and other assorted activities. As previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, the U.S. House of Representatives on March 9 passed H.R.2474 – the PRO Act of 2021. The legislation is considered by many to be the most wide-ranging, proworker rewrite of labor law since the original National Labor Relations Act of 1935. It previously was approved by the House in 2020, but the then Republicancontrolled Senate failed to take it up. The House passed it again in early March by a vote of 225-206, largely along party lines. Five Republicans voted for the bill, while one Democrat opposed it. The measure currently is stalled in the U.S. Senate, where winning approval figures to be difficult, unless Democrats in that chamber do away with or evade the filibuster. The filibuster would allow a minority of senators to hamstring the bill by requiring 60 votes for passage. This scenario provided the impetus for the federation’s phone banking initiative as well as the other activities taking place across the country. “We’re not going to let a minority in the Sen- ate stop” the PRO Act, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka vowed in a video press conference with lawmakers and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights just before House debate on the PRO Act began. “If people (lawmakers) know corporations are too strong and workers are not strong enough” economically, “and they make corporations stronger” anyway, by defeating the PRO Act, “they do so at their peril,” Trumka warned. “And in an era of extreme polarization, nearly two-thirds of Americans – 65% -- approve of labor unions, so it’s not surprising workers would form unions if they were given the chance. That’s 60 million people knocking on our doors. The PRO Act would let them in.” President Biden during his first address before a joint session of Congress on April 28 called for the passage of the PRO Act and for a $15 federal minimum wage. “The American Jobs Plan is a blue-collar blueprint to build America, that’s what it says. And, it recognizes something I’ve always said. The guys and women on Wall Street … didn’t build this country. The middle class built this country. And unions build the middle class,” Biden said. “And that’s why I’m calling on Congress to pass the Protect the Right to Organize Act, the PRO Act, and send it to my desk to support the right to unionize. By the way, while you’re thinking about sending things to my desk, let’s raise minimum wage to $15,” he added. “No one, no one working 40 hours a week should live below the poverty line.” Seafarers LOG 5 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU HONORING WWII MARINER – In a ceremony conducted at the Houston hall, WWII Mariner Charles Mills (seated, with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey) was presented with the Convoy Cup Medallion in recognition of his service. The Convoy Cup salutes efforts made by mariners during World War II, who served as part of the critical supply convoys from North American Ports to Risør, Norway. As stated in a letter by Convoy Cup Foundation Chairman Steinar Engeset, “Thank you for the great service that you provided during World War II, which allows us to enjoy the peace we do today.” The chairman of the American Merchant Marine Veterans International Affairs Committee, Jens Inge Egeland, also conveyed the organization’s gratitude in a letter to Mills, saying, “It was a great honor and a privilege for me to nominate you to be honored with the Convoy Cup Medal for your service in the Allied Convoys of WWII. We can never thank you and your fellow sailors enough for what you did to restore freedom to our lands. You are truly the greatest generation.” ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – Recertified Bosun Gerry Gianan says the galley gang aboard the Patriot-operated ship “is the most awesome group I’ve ever sailed with.” The bosun, captain and chief engineer all recently commended the steward department personnel for their hard work and excellent menus. Among those pictured in the photos above and below are Chief Steward Dennis Dizon, Chief Cook Solymar Herrera, SA Emily Lepley and SA Hezam Al Shabaei. TRAINING IN PINEY – Paul Hall Center apprentices stand aboard the training vessel Freedom Star. Pictured from left are Garrett Williams, Jade Ezera, John P. Mauras and Alan Butkow. They’re completing vessel familiarization prior to the next phase of the program. WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY – AB Frank Vogler (left) receives his first pension check at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. 6 Seafarers LOG June 2021 �FROM PUERTO RICO TO PINEY – Three Seafarers who ship from the San Juan hall recently completed upgrading training at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Pictured at the union-affiliated school are (from left) Chief Cook Derick Morales, Chief Steward Elston Yu-Mateo and Chief Cook Pauline Crespo-Guillen. ALOHA-STATE SEAFARERS – Three SIU members recently picked up their respective full B-books at the hiring hall in Honolulu. In photo above, Chief Cooks Kevin and Kent Arroyo give additional meaning to the motto, “Brotherhood of the Sea.” ACU Frank Adkins is in the other snapshot At Sea and Ashore with the SIU FULL BOOKS IN FLORIDA – Four Seafarers receive their respective full B-books at the April 8 membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. Pictured from left in the group photo above are S/B John Billington, OS Ben Squaire, AB Joey Benosa and SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul. The snapshot at right features AB Chandler Dixon (right) and Koncul. FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – STOS Mark Malicki (right in photo above) receives his full B-book from SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick at the hiring hall. In the photo at right, AB Michael Gore (left) takes the oath from SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday before picking up his full book. CIVMARS HELP MAKE HISTORY – Members of the SIU Government Services Division did their parts April 21 when the USNS Medgar Evers (top) participated in the first-ever vertical replenishment ammunition offload involving the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (foreground). The operation took place in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Julie R. Matyascik) June 2021 SAN JUAN SPRUCE-UP – Pitching in with some painting and other light maintenance at the hiring hall in Puerto Rico are (from left) Chief Steward Luis Santiago, GVA Argelio Perez and SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Seafarers LOG 7 �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. The Plan will now accept money orders as payment for the COBRA premium. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www. seafarers.org, under “Member Benefits-Seafarers Benefit Plans-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at 800-252-4674. Annual Funding Notice Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2020 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities Funded Percentage 2020 2019 January 1, 2020 January 1, 2019 145.9% 131.9% $1,760,929,899 $1,547,219,772 $1,207,119,802 $1,172,841,327 2018 January 1, 2018 142.9% $1,634,843,633 $1,143,708,805 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2020 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 $1,900,000,000 $1,760,929,899 $1,547,219,772 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2021, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,111. Of this number, 7,364 were current employees, 6,528 were retired and receiving benefits, and 5,219 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment objectives Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents Real Estate Target 50% 40% 10% Range 40% - 60% 30% - 50% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. 8 Seafarers LOG The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other Percentage 0 15 4 0 0 24 5 1 0 0 37 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC 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 notice of its status 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, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. 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 $600, 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 ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 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). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee 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. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746; 301.899.0675For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2021 �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 941431246, for the year ended July 31, 2020. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Supplemental vacation pay 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 $1,683,441 as of July 31, 2020, compared to $1,611,056 as of August 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $72,385. 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 total income of $14,547,692, including employer contributions of $14,465,757, realized gains of $856 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $79,624 and other income of $1,455. Plan expenses were $14,475,307. These expenses included $363,389 in administrative expenses and $14,111,918 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% 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., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 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 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, California 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, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. 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, 2020. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Medical exam benefits paid 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 $45,678 as of June 30, 2020 compared to $108,088 as of July 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $62,410. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $702,654, including employer contributions of $701,638, earnings from investments of $38 and other income of $978. Plan expenses were $765,064. These expenses included $248,909 in administrative expenses and $516,155 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 SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 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 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, California 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, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Annual Funding Notice MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2020 (“Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2020 January 1, 2020 302.33% $6,405,877 $2,118,801 2019 January 1, 2019 314.91% $6,561,949 $2,083,726 2018 January 1, 2018 275.26% $6,668,926 $2,422,758 Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2020 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2020 $6,803,739 December 31, 2019 $6,700,795 December 31, 2018 $6,478,947 Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 749. Of this number, 332 were current employees, 289 were retired and receiving benefits, and 128 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15.Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other June 2021 Percentage 0 9.4% 9.2% 0 0 21.2% 0 0 0 0 2.6% 0 0 0 8.0% 49.6% 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, (301) 899-0675. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2021, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC 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 notice of its status 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, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single- employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. 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 $600, 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 ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 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). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee 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. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, 301-899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. Seafarers LOG 9 �Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo, AFT’s Leslie Getzinger and TOTE Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Pagan. In photo at right (from left to right), TI Vice President Sara Fuentes, Crespo and TOTE Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Pagan prepare to address the crowd. Book Program Distributes Second Wave of Materials SIU Continues Team Effort to Assist Students in Puerto Rico, Alaska, Guam The “BookWaves” program added to its donation totals in mid-April, delivering more than 7,000 additional books to children in Puerto Rico. BookWaves is a partnership between the SIU, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico (AMPR), the Transportation Institute (TI) and the organization First Book. With the help of Jones Act vessel operators, the organizations have teamed up to help deliver free, bilingual, STEM-focused books to children in Puerto Rico, Alaska and Guam. The program is funded by AFT, TI and the Pi Beta Phi Foundation, with the shipping of the books handled by SIU-contracted operators Crowley, Matson and TOTE. During a press conference conducted in Puerto Rico on April 15, representatives of the unions and shipping partners presented the next sets of books. According to the AFT’s Leslie Getzinger, nearly 100,000 books have been shipped to Guam, Alaska and Puerto Rico as part of this program. Once the books arrive in Puerto Rico, SIU officials and members assist with the distribution. Members who pitched in to sort and distribute the most recent delivery included Bosun Isaac Vega, Chief Steward Luis Santiago and AB Luis Ramos. SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo said, “The Seafarers are proud to participate and promote bilingual education for these children, so they have the opportunity to amplify the chance to get jobs, especially in our U.S.-flag maritime industry, of which I am a product.” “AMPR, AFT and First Book efforts over the years to provide millions of books to students in need inspired our organization to bring together the U.S.-flag maritime industry, the Seafarers International Union, and our logistics partners to ensure that Americans that rely on our shipping services have better access to books, inspiring a lifelong love of reading and learning,” said TI’s Vice President Sara Fuentes. TOTE Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Pagan said, “The impact on the education system from COVID-19 has been deep and real, and TOTE – as part of the Transportation Institute and it’s Dedicated to Puerto Rico initiative – is honored to partner with teachers [AFT and AMPR] and First Book to provide the tools and resources students need to advance their education. TOTE is dedicated to the future of Puerto Rico’s youth and to creating a positive and lasting impact in our communities.” As part of the program, more than 40,000 books have been delivered in Guam from the East Coast by Convoy and then shipped across the Pacific Ocean by Matson Navigation. Volunteers from the Guam Federation of Teachers (GFT) and SIU will distribute the books to pre-K through 12th-grade public school students and families as soon as island lockdown restrictions are relaxed. “Our members are so excited to have so many and such great books to provide to our students,” said GFT President Tim Fedenko. “We are eager to start handing out books as soon as possible to support student achievement and to help build the sense of community that can be hard to create while doing remote learning.” In Alaska, the program is working with Alaska Marine Lines, Alaska Communications, Northern Air Cargo, Ryanair, TOTE, AFT affiliates in Alaska, and Alaskan Indigenous organizations to deliver books to as many rural and remote communities as possible. According to Rich Berkowitz, the Transportation Institute’s vice president of Pacific Coast Operations, “The broader effort led to a special partnership between the Alaska fishing philanthropic organization AFIRM and Western Alaskan Community Development Quota Program villages to provide access to books for their local youth. Kids from Atka to Naknek to Diomede will have an opportunity to select their own highquality books.” Along with the books, the AFT is providing bookplates for kids to write their names The SIU hall in Puerto Rico temporarily houses some of the donated items. 10 Seafarers LOG inside their books to give them a sense of ownership and pride. In Puerto Rico, materials are in Spanish and English; in Guam, bilingual English-Chamorro bookmarks include reading tips for parents on how to help their children become strong readers; and blank journals will be provided for students in Alaska, Guam and Puerto Rico so students have an opportunity to express themselves and write their own stories. SIU personnel including Port Agent Amancio Crespo, Bosun Isaac Vega, Chief Steward Luis Santiago, AB Luis Ramos and others pitched in. June 2021 �Notice/Reminders DOT Forbids Marijuana Use, Pre-Employment Drug Tests Are Reported to Coast Guard Seafarers are reminded that the U.S. Department of Transportation forbids the use of marijuana by employees subject to drug testing under DOT regulations. Even if marijuana use is legal in your home state, it is still illegal under federal law (federal law regulates the maritime industry). A recent report by an industry trade association representing hundreds of employers pointed out that many people trying to enter the industry hit a roadblock by testing positive for marijuana. Conversely, the percentage of active mariners who test positive for drug use is extremely low. The same article noted that maritime employers are required to report their respective yearly drug and alcohol testing data to the U.S. Coast Guard. This includes pre-employment drug tests. The bottom line for mariners – active and prospective alike – is that marijuana is still banned under federal law, and pre-employment screenings are reported to the Coast Guard. Paul Hall Center Modifies Some Requirements for Galley Training In an effort to facilitate important training for mariners while also helping promote career advancement, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has adjusted some of its requirements for steward-department coursework. Effective immediately, the path for entry-level students in the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program to advance to chief cook consists of first completing Phase 1 of the program, then accumulating at least 200 days of sea time, obtaining two letters of recommendation (one each from a chief steward and a captain), and applying for (and graduating from) the Certified Chief Cook course. Components of the Galley Operations course now are included in Phase 1 and in the Chief Cook Assessment program. For a copy of a letter sent from the school to prospective stewarddepartment upgraders, visit the News section of the SIU website. The letter is linked in a March 18 post. Questions may be addressed to the admissions department at (301) 994-0010, option 2, or at upgrading@seafarers.org. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, vaccination and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point............................Monday: June 7, *Tuesday , July 6 Algonac........................................................Friday: June 11, July 9 Baltimore.................................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Guam.....................................................Thursday: June 24, July 22 Honolulu....................................................Friday: June 18, July 16 Houston.....................................................Monday: June 14, July 12 Jacksonville.............................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Joliet......................................................Thursday: June 17, July 15 Mobile................................................Wednesday: June 16, July 14 New Orleans...............................................Tuesday: June 15, July 13 Jersey City...................................................Tuesday: June 8, July 6 Norfolk.........................................................Friday: June 11, July 9 Oakland.................................................Thursday: June 17, July 15 Philadelphia...........................................Wednesday: June 9, July 7 Port Everglades......................................Thursday: June 17, July 15 San Juan...................................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 St. Louis......................................................Friday: June 18, July 16 Tacoma......................................................Friday: June 25, July 23 Wilmington...................................................Monday: June 21, July 19 * Piney Point change due to Independence Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m June 2021 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 10-May 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 10. Total Registered All Groups B Total Shipped Trip Reliefs 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 4 1 4 0 3 1 1 1 0 0 5 0 2 28 Deck Department 3 4 1 2 1 3 13 9 1 0 3 2 7 1 34 14 17 22 20 7 3 3 3 2 9 8 6 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 19 5 3 3 16 6 162 93 C 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 2 3 1 0 3 6 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 25 1 0 0 2 0 1 3 14 14 8 0 2 12 4 1 1 2 9 2 5 81 1 0 2 3 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 13 Engine Department 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 6 1 2 0 1 5 3 8 8 11 13 8 4 0 0 1 1 7 7 3 0 2 0 1 1 1 1 11 4 1 3 4 4 71 58 5 0 2 12 2 3 5 14 17 5 1 2 9 6 1 2 2 8 2 11 109 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 6 6 3 1 1 9 5 1 3 9 2 1 8 61 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 8 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 15 13 1 1 3 0 4 6 11 16 13 1 0 12 10 1 3 1 7 2 19 124 9 1 1 2 2 1 3 9 46 4 3 2 11 4 0 14 2 6 1 8 129 GRAND TOTAL: 458 373 178 Port A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 17 2 2 10 1 7 5 43 26 23 4 5 23 16 3 1 7 26 1 12 234 3 0 3 5 0 4 2 17 17 12 2 0 11 5 1 2 3 7 2 11 107 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 0 2 10 1 0 3 11 15 5 0 1 14 2 1 3 2 14 1 10 100 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS C A All Groups B C 1 0 2 9 1 3 0 17 18 14 2 4 9 2 1 1 1 12 0 10 107 38 6 3 25 5 18 9 80 62 58 3 8 47 22 8 2 12 45 1 39 491 7 1 3 15 0 7 3 34 43 21 4 1 17 5 4 4 4 9 3 26 211 0 2 0 6 0 5 2 10 6 9 0 5 3 2 2 1 1 8 0 7 69 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 12 1 0 1 5 0 1 1 8 10 2 0 0 3 1 1 3 2 6 2 3 50 9 0 1 15 2 2 7 22 27 15 2 3 20 6 4 2 9 17 1 28 192 2 0 1 7 0 1 4 17 22 10 0 6 22 7 2 4 5 10 2 10 132 1 0 1 4 1 1 1 1 5 1 2 0 4 3 0 0 0 4 1 0 30 Steward Department 1 1 0 1 1 0 7 3 2 0 2 1 4 4 12 2 7 7 2 0 0 0 0 3 5 12 6 2 0 1 0 2 3 7 7 1 1 1 10 9 77 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 7 4 5 0 1 1 10 2 1 0 3 2 0 10 50 9 0 1 18 0 7 10 24 26 17 2 5 18 24 4 8 5 13 4 37 232 3 1 0 6 1 1 5 9 18 3 2 3 17 8 0 5 4 2 0 12 100 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 5 2 1 0 3 1 1 0 1 2 0 1 21 Entry Department 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 1 4 2 3 1 14 0 11 0 0 0 0 1 12 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 7 0 1 1 8 8 72 5 1 0 3 1 0 4 7 29 1 0 0 11 1 1 13 2 3 0 6 88 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 4 1 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 20 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 5 3 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 9 0 6 33 24 3 1 3 1 5 6 20 35 19 3 0 19 16 3 1 1 13 1 32 206 15 3 1 2 1 2 5 14 93 20 3 4 27 12 2 7 5 20 2 14 252 127 227 948 649 372 A 318 All Groups B Registered on Beach 273 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was posed to upgraders attending classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: Why did you choose the maritime industry as a career as opposed to doing something else? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Shadonna Jones Certified Chief Cook I chose the maritime industry because it’s been a dream of mine for my entire life. I wanted to see the world via the lens of the ocean and do what I enjoy doing best, and that’s creating flavors. The maritime industry allows me to do this. I’ve been sailing for five years. Gervacio Simon Certified Chief Cook I just wanted to experience it to find out what it was like. And I have found that I like it and it’s what I want to do for a career. Some friends of mine introduced me to the industry and I am so glad that they did. It’s interesting and I plan to keep upgrading. Emelene Garcia Certified Chief Cook Because it’s a great job.To me, my job is all about health, fitness and of course personality and attitude. The job is steady and high income and it allows me to see the world. It’s the most challenging work I have ever had since retiring from my first job. I have a spirit of adventure, and sailing gives me a sense of freedom. After I started sailing, my son also got into the union, then my husband, my brother and my nephews. They are all SIU members. Randall Campbell Certified Chief Steward I chose it because it opens doors for me in the future. After my sailing days are over, I can take what I have learned here back home with me and put it to good use when I start my own business. I learned about the maritime industry from my mother, who went to school with someone who sails. She passed it on to my brother and he passed it on to me. Christian Cruz Oiler Money was one, travel was another. More than that though, it’s about the flexibility. It allows me to learn and work as I please. When I was in high school, I was taking a lot of technical classes and I discovered that I’m not that classroomoriented. So, I really like that fact that I can go out there, work for a while and then come back to learn more. It works perfectly for me. Starling Priester QMED I joined the maritime industry because of the opportunity it offers for career advancement through learning. I came in as a C-card and I wanted to advance my career as fast as and as far as possible in the shortest amount of time. The union has given me this opportunity to realize my goals. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG Former United States Vice President Walter Mondale (left) visits SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland, during his 1984 presidential campaign. SIU President Frank Drozak is at right. The SIU first found an ally in Mondale in the late 1960s, when he was a U.S. senator for Minnesota working on issues pertaining to Great Lakes shipping and the seafood industry. Mondale passed away April 19, 2021, at age 93. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org June 2021 �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 JOHN BULL GREGORIO ABALOS Brother Gregorio Abalos, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1990 when he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Abalos upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He was last employed by World Crane Services and lives in Seal Beach, California. ABDULLAH AHMED Brother Abdullah Ahmed, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988, initially sailing aboard the OMI Dynachem. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1996 and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Ahmed’s final vessel was the Hawaii. He is a resident of Detroit. Update On Annual Physicals Beginning July 1, 2021, an annual physical through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan will be required prior to shipping out. The SIU and the American Maritime Association (AMA, representing companies that are signatory to the standard freightship and tanker agreements) last year had dropped the requirement for a union physical, due to pandemicrelated considerations. Only a valid Coast Guard or Military Sealift Command physical had been required, unless the Seafarer left their last ship Not Fit For Duty or required shots. The union and the AMA have agreed to return to the old protocols, thereby reinstating the requirement for an annual physical through the union. Brother John Bull, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1989, initially shipping aboard the Independence. Brother Bull was a steward department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the Patriot and resides in Honolulu. LEBARRON BUMPERS Brother Lebarron Bumpers, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1977 when he shipped aboard the Penn. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Bumpers’ final vessel was the Florida. He lives in Mobile, Alabama. VINCENT CARRAO Brother Vincent Carrao, 65, joined the SIU in 1977 when he sailed on the McLean. He upgraded on several occasions at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Carrao sailed in both the engine and steward departments and also worked on shore gangs. He was last employed by Cargotec Services and makes his home in Lakewood, New Jersey. RODNEY CLEMENTS Brother Rodney Clements, 65, signed on with the union in 1986, initially working with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Clements last shipped aboard the Green Ridge. He calls New Albany, Indiana, home. JOHN FERREIRA Brother John Ferreira, 67, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2001. A deck department member, his first vessel was the Energy Enterprise. Brother Ferreira upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career on the Maersk Ohio and lives in Seekonk, Massachusetts. JAMES FLETCHER Brother James Fletcher, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979 and first sailed aboard the Taurus. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1994. Brother Fletcher last shipped aboard the Capricorn. He makes his home in Pinole, California. SHAIF KASSEM Brother Shaif Kassem, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1982, initially sailing on the Coastal Kansas. He sailed in all three departments and last shipped aboard the USNS Brittin. Brother Kassem is a resident of Tacoma, Washington. WILLIAM LIGNOS Brother William Lignos, 68, joined the Seafarers in 1971, initially sailing on the Afoundria. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and sailed in the engine department. Brother Lignos last shipped on the John Paul Bobo. He resides in Columbia Falls, Montana. JAMES MURPHY Brother James Murphy, 64, became a member of the SIU in 1978 when he worked for States Steamship. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2001. Brother Murphy’s final vessel was the Empire State. He calls Santa Rosa, California, home. ARISTON ORA-A Brother Ariston Ora-A, 65, started sailing with the union in 2000, when he sailed on the Independence. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ora-A most recently shipped on the Mar- jorie C. He resides in Paia, Hawaii. JOHN PICCIOLO Brother John Picciolo, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1973. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1980. Brother Picciolo’s final vessel was the USNS Antares. He settled in North Miami Beach, Florida. DEBBIE RANDALL Sister Debbie Randall, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1994. She was a member of the steward department and first shipped on the Noble Star. Sister Randall upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2015. She concluded her career aboard the Evergreen State and is a New Orleans resident. MARTA WILLIAMS Sister Marta Williams, 65, began sailing with the union in 1999 when she sailed aboard the USNS Silas Bent. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Williams’ final vessel was the Overseas New York. She makes her home in Jacksonville, Florida. GREAT LAKES the Buckeye. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Vanenkevort was last employed by Vanenkevort Tug and Barge. He lives in Bark River, Michigan. INLAND JOHN ANDRADE Brother John Andrade, 67, signed on with the Seafarers in 2001. A deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Andrade’s first vessel was the Columbia Bay; his last, the Pacific Reliance. He is a resident of New Bedford, Massachusetts. JACK ANDREWS Brother Jack Andrews, 62, began sailing with the union in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Long Lines. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school and was an engine department member. Brother Andrews was last employed by Moran Towing of Maryland. He calls Abingdon, Maryland, home. DON BRADDY Brother Don Braddy, 67, joined the SIU in 1973. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped with Interstate Oil. Brother Braddy upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1978. He worked for the same company for most of his career and resides in Chester, Virginia. JERRY STROPICH JOHN JONES Brother Jerry Stropich, 64, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1987. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Stropich worked for Upper Lakes Towing Company for his entire career. He resides in Gladstone, Michigan. Brother John Jones 70, donned the SIU colors in 1969, first working for Interstate Oil. He sailed in the deck department and remained with the same company for the majority of his career. Brother Jones makes his home in Pocomoke, Maryland. JOHN VANENKEVORT Brother John Vanenkevort, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979, initially working on Notice to Mariners With International Voyages The U.S. Department of State’s Passport Office has recently changed a policy that required mariners to show proof of an imminent international voyage in order to receive an expedited passport renewal. As stated in the revised rule, “Due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, Passport Services continues to have limited operations at our passport agencies and centers. We will assist mariners who urgently need a passport for international voyages, and whose current valid passport expires in 13 months or less.” Following are the new instructions for renewing your passport. Instructions for Urgent Assistance with Applying for a Passport: 1. Contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 and identify yourself as a mariner who ur- June 2021 gently needs to apply for (or renew) your U.S. passport. 2. The Duty Officer will take your information and schedule an appointment at the nearest passport agency. 3. Application Packages must submit the following: a. A completed DS 11 or DS 82 passport form, visit the Passport Services website for form instructions; b. Passport Photograph; c. Current Passport or evidence of citizenship such as an original or certified birth certificate or an original naturalization certificate; d. Letter from your supervisor on company letterhead or your U.S. mariner’s union; and e. A clear copy of your Merchant Mariner Credential (MCC). 4. The Employer’s/U.S. Mariners Union Letter should include the following details: n Your full name; n Printed name and title of your supervisor or mariners’ union representative; n Signature of your supervisor or mariners’ union representative; and n Date the letter was issued. 5. Bring your completed application, required documents, and the passport fee that includes the $60 expedited fee with you to your appointment. If you have already applied for your passport but have not received it, contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 and identify yourself as a mariner who has already applied and urgently needs your passport. The Duty Officer will provide further instructions and the passport agency will contact you to coordinate the delivery or pickup of the completed passport. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ASHLEY CARMICHAEL Brother Ashley Carmichael, 38, passed away March 23. He was born in Connecticut and joined the SIU in 2008. An engine department member, Brother Carmichael initially sailed aboard the Keystone Texas. He last shipped on the USNS John Glenn and resided in Savannah, Georgia. BARRY HARRIS Pensioner Barry Harris, 68, died April 5. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1974 when he sailed on the Long Lines. Brother Harris worked in the engine department and last shipped on the Capricorn. He went on pension in 2017 and lived in Mobile, Alabama. MARVIN LAMBETH Pensioner Marvin Lambeth, 81, passed away April 13. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1968 when he was employed by Delta Steam- ship. Brother Lambeth sailed in the engine department, most recently aboard the Horizon Trader. He retired in 2007 and made his home in Temple Hills, Maryland. ANSTEY MINORS Pensioner Anstey Minors, 84, died April 18. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1961, initially sailing with Interocean American Shipping. Brother Minors shipped in both the steward and deck departments and also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 1995 and settled in Florence, South Carolina. DIMITRIOS PAPAIOANNOU Pensioner Dimitrios Papaioannou, 92, passed away April 25. He donned the SIU colors in 1972 when he shipped aboard the President Pierce. A steward department member, Brother Papaioannou last sailed on the Expedition. He retired in 2000 and was a resident of Robbins, North Carolina. STEPHEN PARR Pensioner Stephen Parr, 69, died March 29. He signed on with the union in 1972 and was a deck department member. Brother Parr first sailed aboard the Yukon. He last sailed on the Spirit of Texas and went on pension in 2016. Brother Parr resided in Carlinville, Illinois. J.C. Wiegman Union, School Mourn Late J.C. Wiegman J.C. Wiegman, a mainstay at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, from the late 1980s until his retirement in early 2015, unexpectedly passed away May 5 at his home in southern Maryland. He was 72. Wiegman most recently worked as the director of training at the Paul Hall Center. He was known for his dedication and his exceptionally detailed knowledge of the maritime industry’s myriad training requirements. A more complete remembrance will be published in next month’s LOG. 14 Seafarers LOG GEORGE SILVA Pensioner George Silva, 94, passed away March 11. He began sailing with the SIU in 1956 when he shipped aboard the Suzanne. Brother Silva worked in the engine department and last sailed on the Spirit. He became a pensioner in 1992 and lived in San Leandro, California. INLAND FELIX CAMPESI Pensioner Felix Campesi, 73, died March 28. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1976. Brother Campesi shipped in both the engine and deck departments. He worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage until his retirement in 1991. Brother Campesi settled in Waggaman, Louisiana. MAGDALENO CASTILLO Pensioner Magdaleno Castillo, 69, passed away March 29. An engine department member, he signed on with the SIU in 2002. Brother Castillo worked for American Marine Corporation for the duration of his career and retired in 2016. He was a Las Vegas resident. LONNIE HOWARD Pensioner Lonnie Howard, 90, died April 2. He signed on with the SIU in 1981. A deck department member, Brother Howard worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 1992 and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. JERRY INTONTI Pensioner Jerry Intonti, 95, passed away March 28. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1961 when he worked for Pennsylvania Railroad. Brother Intonti last shipped with Penn Central Transportation and retired in 1987. He was a resident of Newark, New Jersey. JERRY JAGGER Pensioner Jerry Jagger, 76, died April 9. He began sailing with the union in 1991. Brother Jagger was a deck department member and was employed by Virginia Pilot Corporation for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2015 and lived in Mathews, Virginia. DAVY MENZIES Pensioner Davy Menzies, 70, passed away April 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1994. A deck department member, Brother Menzies worked with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2014 and called Jersey City, New Jersey, home. LURCY PRIMEAUX Pensioner Lurcy Primeaux, 77, died April 9. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1964 when he was employed by Higman Barge Lines. Brother Primeaux was a deck department member. He worked for the same company until his retirement in 1989. Brother Primeaux was a resident of Vinton, Louisiana. ISMAEL SOLIS Pensioner Ismael Solis, 93, passed away April 4. He became a member of the SIU in 1978 and was a deck department member. Brother Solis was employed by Crowley Puerto Rico Services for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 1991 and lived in Puerto Rico. WILLIAM STOWE Pensioner William Stowe, 74, died April 4. He joined the union in 1966 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Stowe worked with Virginia Pilot Corporation for his entire career. He retired in 2008 and settled in Raleigh, North Carolina. RICHARD SUMMERS Pensioner Richard Summers, 66, passed away January 21. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 2004, initially sailing on the USNS Hayes. A deck department member, Brother Summers last sailed on the Terrapin Island. He became a pensioner in 2019 and made his home in Port Orchard, Washington. NMU JAMES TYSON Pensioner James Tyson, 96, died April 2. Born in New York, he began sailing with the NMU in 1943, prior to the 2001 NMU/ SIU merger. Brother Tyson sailed in the engine department. He went on pension in 1965, but returned to sail well into his 70s and during Operation Desert Storm. Brother Tyson made his home in Laurel, Maryland. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Cardriche, James Carter, Sidney Cuellar, Jaime Flores, Julio Reyes, Marina Sellers, Baxter Stetz, Robert AGE 98 85 98 93 92 94 93 DOD 02/19/2021 04/05/2021 04/08/2021 04/06/2021 03/07/2021 04/09/2021 04/09/2021 All Hands Safe Aboard Pres. Eisenhower No injuries and no pollution were reported following a recent fire aboard the Seafarerscrewed President Eisenhower (APL Marine Services) on the West Coast. The SIU represents steward department mariners aboard the vessel. APL’s parent company, CMA CGM, issued the following statement: “On April 28, a fire occurred onboard the M/V President Eisenhower while she was transiting the Santa Barbara Channel. Thanks to the crew’s rapid response, the fire was extinguished. There are no reported injuries or pollution. We thank the U.S. Coast Guard for their prompt assistance. The incident is under investigation, and we are working closely with the appropriate authorities.” June 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALLIANCE NORFOLK (Maersk Line, Limited), March 30 – Chairman Eugene Perez, Secretary Robert Seim, Deck Delegate Abduljabbar Quraish, Steward Delegate Ma Marilynda Nance. Ship in need of new mattresses and linens. Chairman announced April 3 arrival in Jacksonville, Florida, and discussed shipboard safety. Educational director reminded members to check documents for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew in need of headgear, flashlights and lightweight masks. Vote of thanks given to the steward department. Next port: Jacksonville. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaskan Tanker Company), April 10 – Chairman Gregory Hamilton, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Donny Castillo, Engine Delegate Anne Scott, Steward Delegate Dindo Reforsado. Crew went over old business. Current launch service in port is available upon request only and no longer launching every four hours. Members are awaiting clarification on missing-man wages and compensation for the 14-day quarantine period before joining ship. Crew still waiting for a union official to come aboard ship after making several requests. Ship in need of paperwork (crews list, ship minutes, current repair list). Secretary directed members to see the steward for new blankets. Educational director reminded everyone that the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is open and more and more classes are becoming available. Dispute in deck department pertaining to OT pay for hydro blasting and supper relief. One-hour penalty pay is due to AB for being on watch without relief. Members were encouraged 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 in Garden State SIU members are pictured at the Watco Marine Transfer Station in Elizabeth, New Jersey. As more and more members get the vaccine, things are at least beginning to return to normal, as evidenced by this mask-less photo. Among those pictured are Lawrence Rizzo, Kyle Pillsworth, Scott C. Smith (son), George Diamantakos, Scott Smith (dad), Ellison Champagne, Joel Santana, Eric Valdez, Corey Horning, Tommy Napoli and Brian Pillsworth. Thanks to SIU Patrolman Edwin Ruiz for the photo. to read the LOG and visit SIU website for updated information about the union, the maritime industry and the labor movement. Crew motioned for steward assistant pay rate to match general vessel assistant pay rate and motioned to have an extra meal rate for steward department. They discussed availability of memorandums of understanding. Ship in need of cold-weather gear and larger-sized PPE. Members requested to have Wi-Fi set up on ship and sought clarification on vacation pay requirements. Slop chest not available on ship. Crew was advised to check pockets for objects that might damage the washer or dryer and to improve housekeeping habits. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), April 13 – Chairman Jose Velasquez, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate Ryan Walker, Engine Delegate Ian Jordan, Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. Course dates for the rest of the year are available on the union’s website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested better Wi-Fi availability, new fans, TVs, pillows and blankets. Crew went over pension benefits and requested a reduction in sea time requirements. Members asked for days off to increase to two days for 11-day runs. Crew requested additional benefits to current healthcare coverage. OVERSEAS CHINOOK (Overseas Ship Management), April 18 – Chairman Raymond Johnson, Secretary Jack Hart, Educational Director Brian Jackson, Deck Delegate Darius McCastle, Engine Delegate Wayne Watts, Steward Delegate Nelson Bernardez. Members discussed recent challenges with MMC renewals. Payoff scheduled May 1 at next port. Secretary thanked crew for keeping house and mess hall clean. He reminded members to continue practicing social distancing, wash hands regularly, and wear masks. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members made request pertaining to ABs on watch and asked for increase in vacation benefits. Next port: Mobile, Alabama. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board June 2021 by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 ACTIV- ITY 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15 MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Refer Containers July 12 July 23 Machinist October 18 November 5 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Pumpman November 8 November 12 Welding June 28 August 30 Juy 16 September 17 Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10 RFPEW August 23 November 15 September 17 December 10 Steward Department Upgrading Courses July 26 September 27 November 15 August 13 October 15 December 3 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 25 November 22 October 8 November 5 December 3 RFPNW August 23 November 15 September 10 December 3 Radar/ARPA July 26 August 6 Fast Rescue Boat June 21 August 9 June 25 August 13 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 28 September 6 July 2 September 10 GMDSS July 12 July 23 Medical Care Provider Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10 July 5 September 13 July 9 September 17 Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17 Basic Training July 26 August 9 July 30 August 13 Advanced Shiphandling June 21 July 2 Basic Training Revalidation Advanced Meteorology July 12 July 16 June 25 August 30 September 3 June 25 August 30 September 3 Advanced Stability July 5 July 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23 FOWT July 26 September 20 October 25 August 20 October 15 November 19 Junior Engineer September 6 October 29 Marine Electrician September 6 October 8 Marine Refer Tech July 26 September 3 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG Certified Chief Cook June 14 July 19 July 16 August 20 Advanced Galley Operations July 26 September 27 August 20 October 22 Chief Steward June 28 August 23 July 23 September 17 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation June 7 October 25 June 11 October 29 Government Vessels June 14 June 28 July 19 August 9 June 18 July 2 July 23 August 13 Tank Ship DL Tank Ship Familiarization DL September 20 July 5 October 18 September 24 July 9 October 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG June 28 August 23 September 27 July 2 August 27 October 1 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 6/21 June 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #868 – Graduated April 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Turin Beamon,Jr,, Georgia Bussink, Padgett Carpenter, Declan Gallager, Tevin Good, Sira-Claire Kupaianaha Hauanio, Laura Katschman, Richard Russ Jr., Isis Marangelee Vasquez-Soto and Ricky Williams. Junior Engineer – Graduated April 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Anthony Brown, Christian Cruz, Casey Frederick, Crystal Higgs, Deidra Hunter, Michael Joel, Tony King Jr., Joshua Mann and Anias Stanford. Class instructor Christopher Morgan is second from the left. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Edna Bakhos, Paul Hiapomalulani Elderts, Aurora Foster, Frank Hedge, Bernadette Hill, Ronald McCray, Temiaka McLaurin, Antonio Norflett, Victor Nunez, Norman Rodriguez, Jerren Waller and Darrell Whitaker. (Note: Not all are pictured.) June 2021 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Marine Electrician – Graduated April 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Joel Bell Jr., Terren Fields, Jean Paul Merino Lozada, Nicolae Marinescu, Kyle Miller, Robert Neff, Charlie Wescott III, Kyle Williamson and Kevin Willis. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Small Arms – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Phuoc Chau-Hue Nguyen and Abraham Dionela Tunguia. Machinist – Graduated March 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Marcus Brown, Kirk Chambers, Olivier Luc Especa, Patrick Montgomery and Dhahabi Abdulla Quraish. Class instructor William Dodd is at the far left. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated March 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Upgraders Aaron Van Burnett, Jamal Campbell, Jonah Chambly, Ryan Hatch, Kevin Hubble, Michael Kolich, Alexander Kostik, Bryce Ness and Jason Springer. 18 Seafarers LOG June 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated April 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Cameron Amir Azadi, Garry Bourgeois Jr., Dean De Vera Crisostomo, Jarrell Dorsey, Christian A. Duldulao, Ruben Haynes, Richard Jefferson, Norman Lucas II, Tony Pragosa, Jose Neil Dayal Sadaya, Mohamed Hameed Saleh, James Stanford, Steven Alborn Tatum McField and David Warner. Basic Tr a i n i n g (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated April 9 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Upgraders Cameron Amir Azadi, Howard Brooks Jr., Joseph Burke, Christian Duldulao, Wiliam Fortner, Richard Gould III, Raymond MaldonadoGarcia and Tony Pragosa. MSC Storekeeper – Graduated April 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Nathaniel Balos, Dillian Cannady, Julien Kei Charlet, Jamila King, Detrell Lambey, Steven Ariel Lopez Ferrer, Patricia Placek, Renita Walker and Nigel Williams. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated April 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Armon Rasheed Bailey, Adam Bechtold, Pauline Crespo-Guillen, Agnes Jocson Gamboa, Lordiem Victoriano Garcia, Arjay Navarro Hermoso, Anthony Jackson, Julieann Major and Derick Yanier Morales-Berly. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated April 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Torrika Devine, George Nier Egbert, Madina Lawless, Noah Schluder and Nathaniel Simmons Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) June 2021 Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated April 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Cameron Amir Azadi, Garry Bourgeois Jr., Christian Duldulao and Tony Pragosa. Seafarers LOG 19 �JUNE 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 6 Annual Funding Notices, Summary Annual Reports Pages 8-9 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Chatting at headquarters are (from left) SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Capt. Steve Sears and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. I t doesn’t take long in conversation with Steve Sears to identify what he truly treasures. Any mention of his wife of 30 years or their two adult daughters elicits genuine emotion and an unabashedly loving reaction. Yet, in reflecting on his 41-year career as an SIU member, it’s hard not to begin with the financial success he achieved. Sears, 62, who is believed to be the longestserving tugboat captain in Crowley’s fleet, is retiring with a substantial, hard-earned pension that easily could allow him to live quite comfortably the rest of the way. He also made a very good (and again well-earned) living as an active Seafarer, racking up many thousands of days at sea. But he didn’t rely solely on his full-time income, nor did he simply wait until he could collect the pension before pursuing other goals. “Steve is a great example to his fellow members of how some basic financial planning and investments outside the Seafarers Pension Plan can really make a difference,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, who takes particular interest in the long-term financial wellbeing of Seafarers. “Because SIU members don’t have to contribute to their pension plan, it frees up money that potentially can be invested elsewhere. And as Steve has shown, a combination of saving and investing can pay off in many ways.” Sears blended hard work, frugality and investments to lead a comfortable, eventually debt-free life. He is quick to credit his wife, Donna, for help with money management and working towards the same goals. He also appreciates the pension and medical benefits available through the Seafarers Plans (the latter of which limits out-of-pocket costs, thereby freeing up funds for savings and/or investments). The results are eye-popping. Sears, who grew up poor, recently paid cash for a $118,000 recreational boat. He didn’t take a mortgage on his most recent lakefront home in New Hampshire – and he also owns another boat and another house. He doesn’t flaunt any of his monetary acumen, and only agreed to discuss it when told it may help his fellow union members. While Sears followed the age-old investment guideline of “diversify or die,” his biggest windfalls came from real estate. He bought “nice properties” in Florida, New Hampshire and Gloucester, Massachusetts, paid them off early, and tripled his money on each one. “That’s what paid for college” for both of his daughters, he noted. Steve and Donna Sears have been married for 30 years. Natural Fit Sears grew up on the water, and began working on party boats at age 13. (If that sounds glamorous, know that his job mostly consisted of untangling fishing lines and otherwise assisting the paying customers.) He had no interest in, nor money for college, so he sampled life as a tub-trawling fisherman after finishing high school. The job paid well, but the physical demands – particularly in the middle of New England winter – quickly led Sears to contemplate other ways to make a living in the maritime industry. Largely by chance, an acquaintance got him into the trainee program at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in early 1979. Things didn’t start very well for him at the ‘I Was Driven’ Longtime SIU Member Sears Caps Fruitful Career Asked to offer other tips, he replied, “Watch where your money goes. I’ve seen it over the years – many people that could have a lot (of savings), but don’t. Also, be wary of paying interest, and don’t always go for that big kick. For instance, when I buy a car, I buy one that’s two years old and has 28,000 miles on it…. I don’t make payments. Everything I own, I own. I don’t owe a dime to anybody.” picturesque but isolated campus. “I’ll be the first to admit, I was as homesick as could be,” he recalled. “I did not want to be there, but I kept going and stuck with it.” Indeed, after graduating in Class 271, he became a bosun on the base. “When the new guys came in, I could tell them, ‘Look, I didn’t like it either in the beginning, but once you get into it, it’s not bad,’” Sears said. “I taught new guys every time, so it didn’t get old. We had new people arriving every week or every other week. I enjoyed it, actually.” Later that same year, he went to work for Dixie Carriers, making $56 a day. In December 1979, he switched to Crowley, where he made $88 a day. He appreciated the financial bump, but had no plans to stop there. “I was driven, and I knew that if I was going to be on that boat, I was going to do the best I could to move up and get paid,” Sears said. “I read the contract.” He also recognized the good fit at Crowley right away, and while the work certainly wasn’t easy, it compared favorably to handling fishing gear. “You do that (trawling) a couple times and then you go out on the tugs, I mean, on a rough day you didn’t even have to go outside the wheelhouse,” he said. “I liked the tugs. FishLongtime SIU member Steve Sears “grew up on the water” and plans to spend part of his ing was a lot harder.” retirement there, too, including aboard his newly purchased boat. Sears worked his way up to captain, and eventually became qualified to operate all of the company’s boats. He spent the next few decades moving various cargoes around the country, including to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. And for the record, he never once got seasick. From the Mouths of Babes Sears is in good physical shape and plans to stay active, including periodically helping Crowley with out-of-the-ordinary, part-time assignments. Though he’s been a dedicated family man all along, his perspective on life couldn’t help but change after his wife survived two different, harrowing health scares in recent years. Those experiences made him look forward to having more opportunities for family time. In fact, his only borderline regret about working so hard for so long is that he inevitably wasn’t home as often as he’d have liked. But even that consideration was at least partly allayed. “I always felt like I missed so much, because I worked all the time,” Sears said. “But when I was home, I was a (school) chaperone with my kids. I was the only dad that wasn’t working.” One year, a grade-school teacher said to one of Sears’ daughters, “Is your dad going to be home for Christmas?” The daughter said no, he usually works on Christmas. The teacher answered, “That’s so sad. I’m so sorry.” The daughter replied, “Why? When my dad isn’t home, we have two Christmases!” Sears visits the union’s headquarters building in mid-April. � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource Headlines: WHITE HOUSE ESTABLISHES PRO-WORKER TASK FORCE COMMITTEE APPROVES RECORDS VACCINATIONS SLOW GLOBAL PANDEMIC SIU CRESCENT TOWING CREWS RATIFY CONTRACTS AFL-CIO RELEASES DEATH ON THE JOB REPORT FEDERATION'S PUSH TO PASS PRO ACT CONTINUES IN EVENTS COAST TO COAST SIU, MTD URGE WHITE HOUSE TO OVERTURN CBP RULING BOOK PROGRAM DISTRIBUTES SECOND WAVE OF MATERIALS DOT FORBIDS MARIJUANA USE, PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTS ARE REPORTED TO COAST GUARD PAUL HALL CENTER MODIFIES SOME REQUIREMENTS FOR GALLEY TRAINING LONGTIME SIU MEMBER SEARS CAMPS FRUITFUL CAREER 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 06/01/2021 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Collection Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 83, No. 6 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e83f816932d7fceda5dd45a71d81a137.pdf 47b4f916c6f04d429567cfca485a0b55 PDF Text Text JULY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 7 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Houston Hall Hosts Vaccination Clinics Paul Hall Center Eases Some Restrictions for Vaccinated Students Progress continues in the effort to vaccinate individuals against COVID-19. In photo at right, Seafarers and family members gather at the Houston hiring hall for a late-May vaccination clinic conducted by a local health agency (the hall also hosted one a few weeks earlier). Meanwhile, the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, has modified some protocols for fully vaccinated students. Page 3. Stewards Complete Recertification Class In another sign of steps towards normalcy, eight Seafarers in early June completed the steward recertification course at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. They comprised the first pandemic-era recertification class. Pictured in the school’s auditorium immediately following the June membership meeting (photo at left) are (from left) SIU Assist. VP Pat Vandegrift, SREC Edwin Bonefont, SREC Francisco Madsea, SREC Jatniel “Bam Bam” Aguilera, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, SREC Mario Firme Jr., SIU VP Government Services Kate Hunt, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, SREC Dante Cruz, SREC Albert Sison, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, SREC Marlon Battad, SREC Kenneth Greenidge and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Pages 12-13. Sunshine State Provides Key Assist During Rescue Mariners from the Sunshine State on April 12 helped save two boaters who had been stranded off the Florida coast. Some of the SIU crew and American Maritime Officers members are pictured aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel. Page 3. Boatmen Approve More Contracts An exceptionally busy year on the contract front continued recently as several new agreements were ratified. Boatmen at Seabulk Towing are among the Seafarers who approved their respective collective bargaining agreement. In the photo above are SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday (left), SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick (right) and Seabulk SIU members Engineer Richard Johnson, Deck Delegate Christopher McCalip, Captain Delegate Joshua Rodrigues and Mate Delegate William Soileau. Page 4. National Maritime Day Pages 5, 6 SHBP Awards Scholarships Page 7 �President’s Report Jones Act Remains Vital The recent ransomware attack against Colonial Pipeline brought the Jones Act back into the news, relatively briefly. The worst of the fuel supply problems in parts of the eastern and southern United States lasted for a week or so. Only a single Jones Act waiver was utilized, and it is very questionable whether it made any difference. While the specific circumstances always change, the general approach of Jones Act critics during a crisis often is to take advantage for the sake of profit – and sometimes with the concurrent aim of weakening American maritime. Look no further than the Colonial situation, when two waivers were granted – and one of them wasn’t used, presumably because when the foreign-flag operator found out they could make more money elsewhere, they took the cargo and left. That’s a good illustration of why it would be crazy for our nation to solely rely on foreign Michael Sacco ships, and why we simply must maintain the Jones Act. Our predecessors learned that lesson during World War I, when we didn’t have ships and we discovered we couldn’t depend on foreign-flag vessels. That’s basically how the Jones Act became law in the first place. It’s now the bedrock of U.S.flag shipping, American shipyards and U.S. crews. For more than a century, it has helped safeguard America’s national, economic and homeland security. Giving credit where it’s due, I applaud the Biden administration for keeping maritime labor, prominently including the SIU, in the loop as the Colonial situation unfolded. We didn’t necessarily agree with every decision, but we were part of the discussions and we were treated respectfully. That’s not a surprise but it’s a great sign for the future. Further, administration officials were very deliberate in evaluating the availability of American-flag ships, and they rejected many more waiver requests than they granted. I also should mention that an erroneous interpretation of an online news article stated that our union supported the waivers. That is not the case, and while the popular outlet that made the mistake quickly corrected it, other sites copied and repeated the uncorrected blunder. What we said at the time is the same thing we’ve always said. The SIU never has and never will stand in the way of a legitimate need for a waiver. Experience has taught us, however, that those who apply for such exceptions don’t always have our country’s best interests at heart. On that note, I look forward to the strong possibility of congressional hearings about this latest chapter – specifically focusing on whether foreign companies tried to gouge the United States. Protect Yourselves All right, I steered clear of this topic last month, but I’m circling back to encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19, unless you’ve got a medical preclusion or religious objection. I realize that people have mostly made up their minds by now, but for anyone still thinking about it, I fully believe that the vaccines are the absolute best way to protect you, your families and your shipmates. From everything I’ve read and heard, the biggest consideration that makes some people hesitant is the relative speed with which the vaccines were developed. The key word, though, is “relative,” because while the scientific community indeed moved quickly to combat this pandemic, they already had lots of experience working on vaccines against other forms of coronavirus. Think back to the early coverage of COVID-19, when articles and broadcasts often used the term “novel coronavirus.” The “novel” means exactly what the word’s definition states: new. But human coronaviruses first were identified in the mid-1960s. So, doctors and scientists were not starting from scratch. As always, get the facts and go from there. I believe that an honest reading of those facts will lead you to the same conclusion I reached: Vaccines are safe and effective. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 7 July 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Colonial Pipeline Episode Reinforces Importance of Jones Act to Security America’s freight cabotage law made headlines in early May, following a cyberattack that disrupted fuel movement in parts of the United States for about a week. A maritime expert posted an editorial explaining how the Colonial Pipeline saga reinforced the importance of the Jones Act to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. The 101-year-old law helps maintain approximately 653,000 U.S. jobs, including shipboard and shipyard positions. It contributes billions of dollars to the economy each year. Colonial Pipeline, a privately held business, provides nearly half of the East Coast’s fuel, including gasoline, diesel, home heating oil and more. The company fell victim to a ransomware attack May 7; it resumed service May 12. While not central to most of the incident’s coverage, the Jones Act received attention because of waiver requests ostensibly submitted to help alleviate the crisis. Ultimately, the White House granted only two such waivers – and only one of those was used. The SIU posted a statement that reads in part, “The SIU continues to fully support the Jones Act, as we’ve done without exception since our founding in 1938. At the same time, we have never objected to waiving the Jones Act if doing so is a truly necessary response to national emergencies. Any waiver must not come at the expense of American jobs. “One point that shouldn’t be overlooked as the Jones Act appears in current headlines is that this law has successfully supported America’s national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. It’s an indispensable foundation that helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S.-citizen mariners, as well as a viable shipbuilding capability along with the vessels themselves. “Finally, the SIU supports a close examination by Congress regarding whether there has been any gaming of the system for crisis arbitrage that enriches foreign-flag interests.” Others also weighed in, including Navy League of the United States CEO Mike Stevens. He wrote, “The disruption of the Colonial Pipeline was a devastating reminder of America’s vulnerabilities in an age of rapidly evolving threats. But while this should have been a moment for unification around national security priorities, some saw this crisis as an opportunity to propagate misguided and inaccu- rate attacks on the Jones Act. “The Jones Act serves as the bedrock of American maritime law, ensuring that goods transported between U.S. ports are carried via U.S.-flag ships,” Stevens continued. “The national security implications of this law are impossible to overstate. Ever wonder why you don’t see near peer competitor foreign-flagged ships sailing up the Mississippi or Hudson rivers? It is thanks to the Jones Act.” Stevens further pointed out that the law “ensures a strong maritime fleet manned by the U.S. Merchant Marine is ready and willing to answer the call in times of emergency. When the world is at peace, it is often forgotten that the U.S.-flag fleet and U.S. Merchant Marine are essential to American war efforts as they are the ones that transport the equipment, fuel, food, troops and ammunition to active conflict zones around the world. During peacetime, it is easy to forget how vital these vessels are to our military readiness. Let’s not make that mistake again by weakening the Jones Act and depleting our flag fleet.” Additionally, he reminded readers that the U.S. is far from alone in maintaining regulations that help support a domestic fleet and crews. “Our competitors around the world see the value in such cabotage laws, which is why they have their own,” Stevens said. “According to a report published by Seafarers Rights International, 80% of the world’s coastlines of United Nations Maritime States are governed by national cabotage laws.” The coalition American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, issued a statement that read in part, “Any waiver of U.S. law, including the Jones Act, should be done with precision and demand transparency and accountability of those who seek to benefit from such waiver. The Jones Act strengthens our industrial base and readiness, supports U.S. jobs and infrastructure, and protects homeland and national security. It should not be waived unless, and only to the extent that, a waiver would respond to an urgent national security need that cannot reasonably be met with American ships. The American Maritime Partnership does not object to the targeted approach of the Administration, but strenuously encourages all policymakers to hold accountable those who seek to benefit from any waiver to avoid undermining American jobs and consumers.” New Hampshire House of Representatives Gives Thumbs Down to Anti-Worker Bill Working families scored an important win June 3 when the New Hampshire House of Representatives first rejected and then voted to indefinitely postpone S.B. 61, a bill that aimed to make the Granite State the first so-called “right to work” state in the Northeast. The final vote on the bill itself was 199-175. All Democrats voted against the bill, and they were joined by 20 members of the Republican majority who did not support the position of their leadership. Immediately afterward, the chamber voted by 197178 for indefinite postponement, effectively tabling the legislation until at least 2023. AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka congratulated New Hampshire union members on the win. “While today’s victory is a testament to the strength and will of working people, the reality is we should not have to fear that big corporations and anti-worker politicians are going to pass this legislation in New Hampshire – or anywhere else,” Trumka said. “That’s why we need the PRO Act because it would eliminate right to work, putting it in the ash heap of history where it belongs.” According to the AFL-CIO, for more than six months, “labor leaders and union members across the state have been speaking out, rallying and contacting their representatives about the dangers of this bill, which would have deprived workers of our freedom to join together and form strong unions if we choose to. Dozens of New Hampshire union leaders and members gathered outside of the New Hampshire Sportsplex in Bedford, where the House was hosting its final session, to protest right to work (for less). New Hampshire AFL-CIO President Glenn Brackett (IBEW), New Hampshire AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Dave Pelletier (UA) and New Hampshire Building and Construction Trades Council President Mike Smith (Ironworkers) were all present at the rally.” “The New Hampshire AFL-CIO applauds the New Hampshire House of Representatives for voting to indefinitely postpone S.B. 61,” said Brackett. “For more than 40 years, New Hampshire’s labor movement has been sounding the alarm on ‘right-to-work’ laws. These bills are nothing more than out-of-state corporate interests looking to take advantage of our lawmakers, our businesses and our workers. They deprive workers of their freedom to join together and form strong unions if they choose to. And they have no business being a part of how we do things here in New Hampshire.” The fight garnered national attention from corporate interests and the Virginia-based National Right to Work Committee after Democrats lost control of the New Hampshire House and Senate last November. Gov. Chris Sununu had supported right-to-work (for less) in the past and indicated he would sign it if it reached his desk. A state senate version narrowly passed (13-11). Prior to the House vote, it was announced that around 200 people from New Hampshire had signed on in support of the bill on the NH General Court website while more than 1,700 had signed on in opposition to it. “The only purpose of this bill is to increase corporate power at the expense of working people,” IBEW Local 1837 Business Manager Tony Sapienza testified during the hearing. “Obviously, wages and benefits will erode faster or grow slower if corporations are empowered and collective bargaining rights are eroded.” In addition to workers and their unions, other opponents of the bill testifying included faith leaders, economists, small business owners and larger companies that rely on union apprenticeship programs for a reliable source of skilled workers. One of the last people to testify against the bill at the House hearing was Pat Moran, a troubleshooter for Eversource NH and a chief shop steward for IBEW Local 1837. “I feel strongly that Senate Bill 61, the so-called right-to-work bill does not belong in New Hampshire. I believe this is a means to break unions,” Moran said. “The name itself is a lie. Right to work doesn’t give anyone any rights or any work. It is meant to hurt unions financially in the hope that they will wither and die.” July 2021 �Progress Continues with COVID-19 Vaccines Many Countries Open to U.S. Travelers Who are Fully Vaccinated COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United States continue to plummet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both have dropped to their lowest levels in nearly a year, and the number of people vaccinated continues to grow. As of May 27, 2021, almost 133 million people in the U.S. had been fully vaccinated and some 63 percent of all adults had received at least one vaccination. Nearly 28 million who contracted the disease have recovered. These encouraging trends come as many people are making plans to travel, gather with friends and family, and resume other activities they had avoided since the start of the pandemic. On the negative side of the ledger, active COVID-19 cases remain high at just over 34 million; nearly 611,000 Americans so far have perished from the disease. In an effort to protect themselves and their shipmates, Seafarers across the country continue lining up to get the vaccinations against the disease. As reported in the previous edition of the Seafarers LOG, the hiring hall in Houston in early May hosted a free COVID-19 vaccination drive. Working in concert with a local health care provider and a Harris County Commissioner from the second precinct, union officials helped get dozens of Seafarers vaccinated. A second free vaccination drive took place at the hall May 27 with some 60 people (active members and dependents) taking advantage of the offering and receiving the vaccine. At press time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that, until it can amend an order from earlier this year, it will “exercise its enforcement discretion to not require wearing a mask in outdoor areas of transportation conveyances or while outdoors at transportation hubs. The Coast Guard will no longer enforce mask requirements in outdoor areas of maritime transportation conveyances and hubs.” Meanwhile, officials at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland have revised and updated the school’s rules and procedures regarding COVID-19. These rules, as currently constituted, include allowing fully vaccinated individuals to leave the base. According to the updated guidance from the school, “Fully vaccinated persons are those who have received the second dose (Pfizer, Moderna) at least two weeks prior or the single dose Johnson & Johnson at least two weeks prior. Fully vaccinated persons must bring a copy (paper or digital) of their vaccination card to admissions to receive a badge. The badge will allow those who are fully vaccinated to leave campus and be allowed to return. All student badges will be checked by security prior to entering or leaving the campus.” The guidance continues, “When inside of any buildings and in common areas on campus, you must wear a protective face covering/mask which is secured behind both ears or head. You will not be required to wear face masks when in your hotel room/personal space or outside. Face coverings that are NOT acceptable include bandanas, T-shirts and any covering with inappropriate art, words and references. In the event you do not have a proper face covering/mask, they will be available for sale in the sea chest.” Campus-wide social distancing remains in place. For now, no spouses, other Sunshine State Crew Aids Stranded Boaters Timely assistance from the SIUcrewed Sunshine State off the Florida coast helped bring two stranded boaters to safety on April 12. Mariners aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel located the boaters – and what was left of their disabled craft – and stayed with them until the Coast Guard arrived. The Sunshine State shielded the boaters from wind and waves. “They had been adrift for several days after their 42-foot Grand Banksstyle cabin cruiser had her super structure ripped from the main deck during the height a violent storm off the coast of Fort Pierce,” reported Sunshine State vessel master Capt. A.J. Weis. AB Robert Gross was on the wheel when the mate on watch “noticed this boat that looked kind of funny, because it had no top, almost like the bottom of a sailboat. He noticed there was a guy waving a red garment, so he called the captain. We circled around them and called the Coast Guard for them, because they had no means of electronic communication.” Gross said this was his first time assisting in any sort of rescue. “It was pretty neat and exciting,” he said. “We stayed around them until the Coast Guard got there. This kind of thing actually happens quite a lot around the Florida Keys and Miami, where boaters end up in distress.” Weis, a member of the Seafarersaffiliated American Maritime Officers, July 2021 noted that the Sunshine State was “in the ballast leg of a routine voyage from Charleston, South Carolina, to Corpus Christi, Texas” when Third Officer Joseph Mainella saw the boater signaling with a red jacket. “The officers and crew … took immediate action to assist the stranded vessel,” Weis wrote. “The master commenced emergency maneuvers, which included slowing the engines and performing multiple round turns to calm the wind waves and seas around the stranded vessel. In the meantime, the vessel’s bridge team commenced emergency communications with USCG Sector Miami, alerting them to the vessel’s position and the condition family members or guests are allowed on campus. Assigned meal times also remain in place. Elsewhere, Bloomberg’s daily newsletter Supply Lines has reported that ports around the U.S. are extending a lifeline to thousands of seafarers (mostly foreign workers) by rolling out vaccines for them. These workers have spent the pandemic isolated aboard ships, helping ensure goods kept moving across a battered global economy. From Boston to Houston and Los Angeles, and even in smaller trade gateways like Gulfport, Mississippi, local health officials and nonprofits are boarding container ships, tankers and other cargo carriers to administer COVID-19 shots or, when possible, shuttling crews to nearby pharmacies and clinics. The preferred vaccine for maritime workers: the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot because they’re often docked for just a day or two. In Los Angeles and nearby Long of the two souls on board. The Sunshine State stayed on location directing units of the USCG, local sheriff’s department from St. Lucie County, as well as coordinating search-and-rescue operations with U.S. Navy Airborne unit 898.” He continued, “Once the large Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo arrived on scene, the Sunshine State remained windward of the stricken vessel to provide a lee for small boat boarding operations. Once aboard, the USCG found two people, both in need of medical attention…. The Isaac Mayo took the two survivors aboard and expedited their return to port for further medical attention. The drifting hull of the yacht La Sabia was then taken under tow to the nearest Florida port. USCG Lt. Cmdr. Nick Zieser, commanding officer of the CGC Isaac Mayo, then released the Sunshine State with many thanks, stating: ‘Thank you for discovering and reporting this case - fair winds and a safe rest of your voyage.’ Beach, California, home of the nation’s largest port complex, a vaccination program that began in mid-May has reached about 500 visiting sailors on 11 container ships as of late June. Similar efforts are getting under way at nearly 50 U.S. seaports, according to the North American Maritime Ministry Association. Moreover, as of June 10, at least twodozen countries have opened to U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The travel website AFAR is maintaining a one-page list of such nations at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ttm3sxf8 That post includes at least two other links, both for U.S. State Department pages, that Seafarers may want to bookmark. This web address includes the latest travel guidance for U.S. citizens: https://tinyurl.com/n9zrs2y3 This one features country-specific information: https://tinyurl.com/9cp4meep “After returning to our original track line, the Sunshine State encountered the main cabin and pilot house of La Sabia floating upside down with a capsized aluminum rowboat lashed to the superstructure amongst other wreckage. The Sunshine State investigated the wreckage to ensure there were no other persons involved in the incident who were unaccounted for. The hazard to marine navigation was reported to USCG Sector Miami, which then transmitted a continuous marine navigation warning to all the vessels in the immediate area.” In addition to Gross, SIU members aboard the Sunshine State during the rescue included Bosun Tavell Love, ABs Husein Alrayyashi, Marco Brown, Hussein Howe and Julious Mizell, QEP Michael Williams, QE3 Rodriques Carson, Steward/Baker Kenneth McHellen, Chief Cook Lizzie Robinson, SA Anthony Grant and GVA Breon Boyd. The SIU-crewed Sunshine State (background) is pictured near the rescue site. Seafarers LOG 3 �CIVMARS to the Rescue Pictured from left at Penn Terminal are Seafarers Jeff Pope, George Vazquez, Vernell Cornell, Mike Fay and John Wozunk, SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice, Seafarers John Harvey, Scott Musick and Gregorio Batista, and SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray Additional Contracts Approved Continuing with an unofficial theme of 2021, SIU officials and delegates negotiated multiple contracts recently, all of which featured gains across the board. At press time, more contracts were in the final stages of possible ratification, and will be featured in upcoming editions of the Seafarers LOG. Seabulk Towing Delegates and officials recently finalized a new three-year agreement with Seabulk Towing, which was ratified with unanimous member approval. “The delegates did an outstanding job,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Michael Russo. “We were able to sit down with the company and hammer out a good contract that works for everyone else in the fleet.” The SIU’s negotiating committee included Russo, SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick, Engineer Delegate Richard Johnson, Deck Delegate Chris McCalip, Captain Delegate Joshua Rodrigues and Mate Delegate William Soileau. The agreement included pay increases in all three years plus hurricane pay. It maintains medical and pension benefits with no losses anywhere. OSG Inland An SIU committee also recently negotiated a new three-year agreement with OSG’s inland operation. The negotiating team included SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice and AB Tankerman Ed Putro. The contract features wage gaines, increases to holiday and overtime pay, and boosts to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. It also includes increases to lightering pay and pay for additional meals, while maintaining the current Core-Plus medical benefits and top pension plan contributions. Penn Terminal The SIU has also ratified a new contract with Crowley at Penn Terminal, a threeyear agreement that features annual wage increases. The new pact also adds a holiday and personal day, as well as an increase to the Seafarers Money Purchase Plan, all while maintaining the current Core-Plus level of benefits and pension contributions The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, rescued 15 people from a sinking commercial vessel off the coast of Somalia on June 8. Mariners from the distressed runaway-flag cargo ship Falcon Line (some are pictured above) boarded life rafts before their vessel sank in the Gulf of Aden. Crew members from the Patuxent provided the rescued mariners with food, water and medical screenings. (U.S. Navy photo) Medina Makes History with IMO Election U.S. Representative Chairs Maritime Safety Committee Mayte Medina 4 Seafarers LOG A longtime advocate of U.S. mariners recently made a splash on the international scene. Mayte Medina of the U.S. Coast Guard was unanimously elected as the committee chair during the first day the 103rd session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) on May 5. She is the first woman to chair what is considered the IMO’s highest technical body. According to the Coast Guard, “As the senior technical body within the IMO, the MSC is responsible for all issues related to the protection of life and property at sea. Under Ms. Medina’s leadership and guidance, a number of significant issues were considered and positively advanced during this session, including impacts of COVID-19 on shipping, autonomous ships, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and fuel oil safety.” Medina, a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, has worked for the Coast Guard since 1997. She is the agency’s chief of the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing at Coast Guard headquarters in the nation’s capital. The agency described her as “an internationally recognized expert on mariner training and certification” who previously served as chair of the IMO’s Human Training and Watchkeeping Subcommittee. “In addition, she has been involved in the development of many other domestic and international maritime safety, security, and environmental protection standards. Well known and highly respected worldwide, her election is well-deserved and highly commended.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who also serves as chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Seafarers’ Section, applauded the election. “Working with Mayte both domestically and internationally over the last 15 years has demonstrated that her dedication and sincere concern for the health and safety of all seafarers is genuine and steadfast,” Heindel stated. “While representing United States interests at the International Maritime Organization and International Labor Organization, she has always been keen to find solutions to the problems confronting mariners. I wish her well in her new role at the IMO, and knowing Mayte will be in the chair of the Maritime Safety Committee gives me confidence that seafarers will receive a fair shake with the issues confronting us today and in the future.” IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, wrapping up the recent IMO meeting, stated, “In congratulating you all for your contributions to the success of this session, I would like to thank in particular your newly elected Chair, Ms. Mayte Medina of the United States. This has been a very demanding first session for you, Madam Chair, but you have managed very efficiently, diligently and confidently, to achieve consensus in all decisions. It is clear that the Committee took a wise decision in electing such an experienced and determined Chair. Under your able leadership, MSC 103 has concluded successfully.” July 2021 �Pete Buttigieg U.S. Secretary of Transportation Gen. Stephen Lyons Commanding Officer, U.S. Transportation Command Adm. Karl Schultz Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard DOT’s Virtual Maritime Day Observance Honors U.S. Mariners Past and Present Although the COVID-19 pandemic precluded an in-person gathering for the May 20 National Maritime Day Observance, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and its Maritime Administration (MARAD) put together an upbeat video to mark the occasion. Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education appear in the 39-minute video (they sing “Heave Ho!” near the conclusion), which is linked on the SIU website and available on MARAD’s YouTube channel. Featured speakers include DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) commanding officer Gen. Stephen Lyons, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz, Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Daniel Maffei, and Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. Numerous maritime students also were included, as was World War II mariner Billie Pennings. Buttigieg said the pandemic’s challenges “didn’t stop our merchant mariners and (other) maritime industry workers from helping to steer the entire country through the challenging waters that we’ve been in.” He also stated, “This administration is firmly committed to the Jones Act, which President Biden has called the cornerstone of our domestic industry.” Lyons noted, “Programs like the Maritime Security Program, the Jones Act and the new Tanker Security Program are important to ensure access to industry capabilities for defense needs.” These strong words of support came a week after foreignflag interests attempted to gain Jones Act waivers during the Colonial Pipeline shutdown, which affected the delivery of petroleum products across the South and Mid-Atlantic for a little longer than one week. The U.S.-flag maritime industry closely worked with the White House to make sure cargo would be delivered and the Jones Act would remain secure. In his first Maritime Day remarks as the head of the Transportation Department, Buttigieg, a Navy veteran, acknowledged the hardship incurred by those at sea during the pandemic. He said the way to thank them is “to make sure these jobs are safe and secure. It’s why the president’s plan so strongly supports measures to make sure that the goods and materials, infrastructure investments are made in America, shipped on U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed vessels.” While also saluting the efforts of those who worked at sea, on the docks and elsewhere within the industry to keep the country moving during the coronavirus fight, he praised their efforts to keep the nation secure. “As the TRANSCOM commander, I recognize the important role the U.S.-flag maritime industry plays in our nation’s defense: a Naval auxiliary in peace and in war, contributing qualified mariners, military useful vessels and access to global trade networks,” Lyons stated. “This is why TRANSCOM and [the Defense Department] remain strong advocates for a healthy U.S.-flag maritime industry.” The Coast Guard’s Schultz pointed out that the agency recognizes “all of our credentialed U.S. merchant mariners who form the backbone of the marine transportation system. Throughout this pandemic, America’s highly professional merchant mariners kept products moving to ensure our stores were stocked with medical and critical supplies. Last year, the Coast Guard made sure these marine operators were categorized as ‘essential workers’ because annually they enable $5.4 trillion of economic activity that Americans depend on.” Opening the ceremony was Lessley, who said the ceremony’s theme of America’s Maritime Workforce – Connecting the Nation and the World “reminds us how vital waterborne commerce remains and how essential the men and the women who daily face the challenges of this industry are to keeping our economy strong and to supporting national defense. The success of our economy is inextricably linked to the success of our maritime industry.” Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Daniel Maffei recalled how the “people working throughout the supply chain made sure that food, medicine, personal protective equipment, ventilators and eventually vaccines got to where they needed to be.” President Franklin Roosevelt authorized the initial National Maritime Day on May 22, 1933, to commemorate the first successful crossing of a steam-powered vessel – the U.S.-flag SS Savannah – across the Atlantic on that date in 1819. Daniel Maffei, Chairman Federal Maritime Commission (See President Joe Biden’s National Maritime Day 2021 Proclamation on next page) Lucinda Lessley Acting Administrator U.S. Maritime Administration Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, close the DOT video by singing the old U.S. Maritime Service’s official song, “Heave Ho! My Lads, Heave Ho!” July 2021 Seafarers LOG 5 �Maritime Gets Strong Support in House Hearing Speakers Stress Need for New American-Flag Tonnage Members of Congress, the administration and the armed forces recently emphasized the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine and American-flag sealift capability. They spoke during a May 18 joint hearing of the U.S. House Armed Services Subcommittees on Seapower and Projection Forces and Readiness. The hearing in part focused on the need to recapitalize the U.S.-flag fleet. Speakers also underscored the importance of the U.S. mariners, the Jones Act, cargo preference laws, the U.S. Maritime Security Program, and the new U.S. Tanker Security Program. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, stated, “I remain concerned that we are not doing enough now to recapitalize our sealift fleet to meet capacity requirements. We need a national sealift fleet of smaller, affordable, more numerous ships and we have to start this effort now. Failure to do so will place the Marines, the Army, the Navy, and anybody else that wants to fight anywhere in the world in an unacceptable risk and force projection capability beginning in 2024. Actually, today.” Ranking member U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado) said, “Given the current state of our sealift capability it would appear that we are in trouble. Almost all of our forward combat unit equipment moves by sea. But our ships are old and some near obsolete. The Army has stated that planned fleet reductions could result in, quote, ‘Unacceptable risk in force projection capability beginning in 2024,’ unquote. I know that TRANSCOM can influence but not direct service budget decisions. But I look forward to hearing concrete solutions and long-term plans, not simply relying on service-life extensions to rebuild the fleet.” U.S. Gen. Stephen Lyons, commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command, said that he and Garamendi and Lamborn “are in complete agreement on the essence of having a strong U.S.flag mariner fleet, both organic and commercial, and then the mariners that sail both of them are a critical component of our national defense and our national security. The work this committee has done on the Tanker Security Program is great work. We fully support that. We fully support the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program.” Later in the hearing, Lyons added that President Joe Biden Issues Maritime Day 2021 Proclamation May 21, 2021 Since the first days of our Republic, America has been a proud maritime Nation. To this day, the United States Merchant Marine is a pillar of our country’s prosperity, playing a vital role in the maintenance of our economic and national security. Through every period of peace and war, our merchant mariners have been dedicated to protecting our freedom and promoting commerce. On National Maritime Day, we honor the steadfast commitment and sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the United States Merchant Marine, and recognize their essential role in safeguarding and strengthening our Nation. Called the “fourth arm of defense” by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II, the Merchant Marine established itself as a cornerstone of sealift support for our Armed Forces, sailing through theaters of war to deliver troops and supplies while keeping vital ocean supply lines operating. The perseverance and dedication of the Merchant Marine contributed to the Allied victory even as they suffered one of the highest casualty rates of any of our military services. Our merchant mariners also play a critical role in times of peace. They ensure our economic security by keeping our coastal and inland waterways open to trade, while United States-flagged ships operated by American merchant mariners transport goods across our country and all over the world. United States maritime freight operations helped support $5.4 trillion of economic activity among the many non-maritime industries that depend on the Merchant Marine for access to world markets. This movement of goods domestically and internationally continues to ensure America’s economic competitiveness throughout the world – growing jobs and supporting businesses of all sizes here at home. Our merchant mariners are also critical to extending United States support and assistance to foreign nations and local communities hit hard by natural disasters and devastating crises. Even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, these brave men and women have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to fulfill their mission while keeping our Nation’s supply chains running. The operation of the United States-flagged fleet is essential in contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and landside congestion, helping provide current and future generations with a more sustainable means of freight transportation. The industry is also working to develop and implement new technologies to continue reducing emissions – an effort my Administration is supporting through new international partnerships. The maritime industry has long provided opportunity for Americans of all backgrounds – and the Merchant Marine continues to advance a more equitable industry in which barriers to entry and advancement are eliminated. On this National Maritime Day, we honor the brave merchant mariners who provide critical support to our troops stationed in warzones, and who are essential to our Nation’s economic success. Recognizing the contributions of our merchant mariners, my Administration strongly supports protecting the Jones Act – the cornerstone of our domestic maritime industry. We must protect those who protect our country. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2021, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day and to celebrate with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth. the new tanker program “is critical in my view when I look at the liquid energy value chain and what that represents – the way it operates today and the way we will need to warfit to operate under all domain persistent attack. It’s clear that we need to have a U.S.-flag capability to meet our national defense and national security needs. Today, that’s not the case (with tankers). We have a large dependency not just on commercial tankering but foreign-flag commercial tankering. I think this program will be an important step to move us to a U.S.-flag dependency which I think is critical to the national defense.” Additionally, he said that any waiver of the Jones Act “should be a rare exception.” Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley weighed in on recent requests for Jones Act waivers. She stated, “I personally and I think a lot of my colleagues continue to believe that waivers such as these should be thoroughly vetted, rare, short, and only granted in exceptional emergency circumstances…. The administration has made clear its support for the Jones Act.” She also commended the pandemicera work of American mariners. Lessley said, “The members of the U.S. Merchant Marine have gone above and beyond to ensure the continued operation of our maritime transportation system during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Moreover, Lessley reiterated the administration’s backing of the Tanker Security Program and cargo preference laws. “The newly authorized Tanker Security Program has the potential to address the need for more U.S.-flag product tankers in support of both national economic needs and DOD contingency requirements,” she said. “Cargo preference requirements keep vessels operating under the U.S. flag and create U.S. mariner jobs. MARAD is committed to ensuring compliance with cargo preference requirements and we continue outreach to federal agencies and industry to assist them in understanding and meeting these requirements.” She added, “Access to a pool of qualified mariners from a robust commercial maritime fleet is essential to maintain sealift readiness. And due to the small number of ships in the U.S.-flag oceangoing fleet, MARAD is concerned about our ability to quickly assemble an adequate number of qualified mariners should an extended mobilization occur.” Notice COVID-19: Spotlight on the Mental Health of Mariners Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard issued the following Marine Safety Information Bulletin on May 19. It is posted on the SIU website (look in the News section or search for “Spotlight on the Mental Health of Mariners”), including the links referenced in the notice. Those URLs are unwieldy in print, so they’re replaced with the word HERE in this version of the notice. Also, the original notice includes information about an online survey that ended May 31, so that segment is omitted here. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have significant impacts on the U.S. Marine Transportation System, the Global shipping industry and on mariners themselves. The risk of severe illness and death from COVID- 19 infection and the prolonged nature of the pandemic have compounded existing stressors and created new stressors on maritime personnel, including feelings of isolation, and physical and mental fatigue caused by pandemic-related restrictions on crew changes, shore leave, and repatriation of seafarers. These issues have led to humanitarian concerns as well as concerns for the physical and mental health of mariners. Mariner mental health concerns are of significant importance to the USCG as they may adversely affect vessel operations and life at sea. Mariner mental health concerns, including those stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, may include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicide. While some of these concerns arise in individuals with diagnosed mental illness, many occur in people who do not have a known mental health condition. The USCG is committed to working closely with industry partners and the National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee to identify successful strategies to promote mariner mental health. However, the USCG and its partners recognize that strategies will only be successful if mariners feel safe accessing and utilizing available mental health resources. To that end, the USCG seeks to assure mariners that seeking mental health care will not jeopardize a mariner’s medical certification. In fact, the National Maritime Center (NMC) routinely approves medical certification for individuals who have stable, well controlled mental health conditions. On the infrequent occasions that the NMC has denied medical certification to a mariner with mental health concerns, it was for mental health conditions that were not sufficiently controlled so as to pose a risk to public and maritime safety. If you are a mariner who is in need of mental health care, please: do so without fear of reprisal or punishment from the USCG; and remember that it is generally better to seek help and treatment rather than putting yourself and fellow crew members at risk because of an untreated condition. Information on the medical review process for mariners with diagnosed mental health conditions is available in the Merchant Mariner Medical Manual, COMDTINST M16721.48, which can be found HERE. Information on mariner health and wellness topics, including mental health, can be found in the Proceedings Magazine Fall 2020 Edition on Mariner Health & Wellness online HERE. R. V. Timme, RDML, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy sends. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. 6 Seafarers LOG July 2021 �SHBP Awards $112,000 in Scholarships Seafarers, Dependents Receive Aid for Ongoing Education Two Seafarers and five SIU dependents recently received good news in the form of scholarship awards from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). The SHBP Scholarship Committee (consisting of active and retired educators from various colleges and universities from across the country) in late May selected the following individuals for Charlie Logan Scholarships: Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz-Rosario, QMED Edward Williams, and dependents Brianna Alvarado, Michael Eaton Jr., Sarah Elazzouzi, Matthew McKenna and Nana Osei-Sarfo. Ortiz-Rosario and Williams each received two-year grants totaling $6,000 apiece, while the dependents each got four year, $20,000 awards. Brief profiles of the scholarship winners follow. Ingrid Ortiz-Rosario SIU Connection: Chief steward who joined the union in 2013. Notable: Already a college graduate, owned her own business for many years before getting the urge to go to sea…. Puerto Rico native who still lives in San Juan. Academic Items: Plans to major in accounting/finance and has applied to several schools. Quotable: “I have been fortunate to travel the world because of the SIU, supporting our government aboard U.S. military-contracted ships and, most importantly, I have supported the island where I grew up by working on Jones Act ships carrying much-needed supplies to Puerto Rico.” Edward Williams SIU Connection: QMED Notable: Has sailed as pumpman and electrician. Lives in Lithonia, Georgia. Academic Items: Graduated from Joppatowne High School in Maryland, attended ITT Technical Institute. Applying to San Jacinto College, Mid Atlantic Maritime Quotable: “Prior to joining the SIU, I was employed by a manufacturing company for nearly five years. It became apparent that layoffs were imminent. When we were laid off, a coworker suggested that I apply for the apprentice program at Piney Point. I invested all my time and effort into the training that was offered…. I would like to continue my education and sail as a third engineer.” ahead of time at a community college. Quotable: “I’ve ultimately learned to be a better leader for myself and others. I’ve become passionate about inspiring others in the same way I’ve been inspired by music. My future as a music educator is bright for my future students, colleagues, and those who wish to be inspired. To teach is to touch a life forever.” Michael Eaton Jr. SIU Connection: Son of Tankerman Michael Eaton. Notable: Family is from Peru. Has worked as a math tutor. Played football, chess club, cooking club, political debate team, NHS. Academic Items: Already accepted at Central Florida. Plans to be a software engineer. Graduated from Merritt Island (Florida) Christian School with a 3.82 GPA. Quotable: “My most valuable experience is when I volunteered many hours at the Veteran Memorial Park and Saint Vincent de Paul. The times I spent there assisting others helped me understand how much I like to help people. I plan to develop software that can assist people.” Sarah Elazzouzi SIU Connection: Married to QMED Mohammed Elazzouzi. Notable: Works as a patient care technician at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Academic Items: Applied to Touro College for nursing science. Has already earned a number of college credits elsewhere. Quotable: “I love helping people and I’m proud to be part of the first responders during the pandemic. My goal is to become a certified registered nurse anesthesiologist. I plan to start my career as a registered nurse in the ICU, as it will allow me to learn about critical care and to work with the most advanced technology.” Matthew McKenna SIU Connection: Son of inland AB Timothy McKenna Notable: Cleveland resident who plans to be a lawyer. Active in community service. Academic Items: Graduated from St. Ignatius High with a 4.33 GPA. Has applied to Notre Dame, Loyola College, and College of the Holy Cross. Quotable: “The thing at St. Ignatius that really made all of my passions fit together was community service…. I want to use my talents to fight for judicial representation for those who took a wrong turn. I will always remember that man-made systems are not perfect.” Nana Osei-Sarfo SIU Connection: Stepdaughter of Bosun Michael Kanga. Notable: Born in Ghana and later became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. Academic Items: Graduated from James Hubert Blake High School in Maryland with a 4.0 GPA. Has applied to High Point University, Morgan State, and Robert Morris. Plans to major in actuarial science. Quotable: “In 2015, my mother married and joined my stepfather here in the United States, and I relocated two years later. I quickly adjusted and acclimatized myself to the more complicated education system in the U.S. while maintaining straight-A grades…. I am an active member of the Minority Scholars Program, the Leo Club (which undertakes volunteer opportunities to inspire positive change in our local community), and the Black Student Union. I am honored to be a mentor, serving on the Briggs Chaney Middle School committee as well.” Brianna Alvarado SIU Connection: Stepdaughter of inland member Fernando Pacheco, a mate with G&H Towing. Notable: Graduated from Deer Park High School in Texas with a 4.19 GPA. Work experience includes being a private-lesson instructor for violin students, and providing childcare at Parkgate Community Church. Academic Items: Already accepted at Stephen F. Austin State University, her first choice. Plans to major in music. Taking classes July 2021 For the second straight year, the SHBP Scholarship Committee met online, due to COVID-19 safety measures. The committee consisted of Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Dr. Henry Toutain, Dr. Michael Glaser, Dr. Marla Kohlman, Dr. Gayle Olson and Dr. Keith Schlender Seafarers LOG 7 �Late Mariner Inspires Donations to Seafarers Disaster Aid Fund Thomas Peter Tobin only sailed with the SIU for a few years, but the union made a big impression on him. That much was obvious following his unexpected death on April 28, at age 46. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Seafarers Disaster Aid Fund (SDRF). In response, Tobin’s friends and colleagues made 35 separate donations to the fund, totaling more than $11,000. All money collected by the SDRF is used to assist SIU members and retirees living in areas affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters. (The fund is prominently linked on the home page of the SIU website.) Tobin, who went by his middle name, trained at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, off and on beginning in late 1997 until early 2000, and he sailed with the union from 1998-2000, most recently as an AB. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by an undiagnosed cardiomyopathy while exercising in his house in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, New York. A native of Teaneck, New Jersey, who grew up in Pelham Manor, New York, Tobin packed many adventures into his life. He attended the University of Colorado before joining the SIU; his time with the union included the maiden voyage aboard At left, Tobin is pictured in the late 1990s in Piney Point. The photo of him at right is recent. the USNS Bob Hope in late 1998. According to his obituary, “Peter spent time in some of the world’s most vibrant cities, including San Francisco, New Orleans, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, and New York. On his travels, he cooked and sailed, taught English, acquired tattoos, and amassed adventures that he recorded in masterfully descriptive language on the pages of his many journals. Peter’s magnetic personality and fluid adaptability made it easy for him to move among strangers, quickly turning many into friends. His curiosity, sharp wit, and intellect propelled him through the world, in any direction that inspired him.” He lived in Argentina while teaching English, then returned to New York, where he was a founding member of both Mission Capital Advisors and (more recently) a founder and partner at Three Line Capital, an “active distressed debt principal investor.” Tobin married Dr. Nora Lansen in 2006; they would actively raise their three children together. He is survived by his parents, siblings, wife and children Ella, Penny and Ryder. With Seafarers at San Juan Hall AB Carlos Diaz (left) and his wife, Katyria Calderon, are pictured at the San Juan hall following Carlos’ recently completed tour of duty aboard Crowley’s Taino. One could say Carlos found a home with the SIU. Since he started sailing in December 2018, “our lives have taken a 180-degree turn for the better,” he said. “Our kids are now in the best schools, and we take quality time off. A vote of thanks to our headquarters personnel and all SIU officials for a job well done on behalf of the membership.” SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (center) happily welcomes his friends, who are SIU pensioners, Radmaes Cosme (left) and Jose Colls (right). Chief Steward Juan Guanil (right) shows his A-seniority book. “I came to the SIU with high hopes and have had eight years of awesome work experience and great pay,” he said. “A vote of thanks to our headquarters personnel and contracts department.” SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo is at left. Pensioners Paulino Flores (left) and Jose Velez visit the hall in late May. Ricardo Valenzuela in April finished upgrading to AB. He’s displaying a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor certifying his progress. 8 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook Kenneth Cabrera Roman (right) holds his performance evaluation (top marks all the way) following a voyage aboard the Pacific Tracker. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. The chief cook noted, “After working on a dead-end job at a local mall in San Juan, joining the SIU has been a life-changing experience and a huge career opportunity for me.” Recertified Bosun Victor Nunez Pictured from left are QMED Edwin Morales, Storekeeper Steven Lopez, Chief Steward Carmelo Calderon, SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo and Chief Steward Jorge Roman. July 2021 �Union, Paul Hall Center Mourn J.C. Wiegman When J.C. Wiegman committed to something, he went all in. That proved true in his devotion to family, his career in the U.S. Navy, and his second career as a mainstay at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), where Wiegman worked from 1989 until his retirement in early 2015. And, as anyone who knew him could attest, it definitely applied to his longtime loyalty to the NFL’s Washington Redskins (since renamed). Wiegman unexpectedly passed away May 5 at his home in Piney Point, Maryland, close to the PHC. He was 72. “J.C. was always doing his very best to make sure that our membership was equipped with the proper tools to meet the ever-changing needs of our industry,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “Although their name has changed, I’m sure he’s wearing his Washington Redskins J.C. Wiegman speaks at the Paul Hall Center in 2014. jacket, arguing with the angels over their proud history. Our sympathies and condolences go out to his wife and family.” Paul Hall Center Assistant Vice President Bart Rogers worked with Wiegman throughout his career at the school, both when Wiegman was an instructor and during his tenure as director of training. “J.C. was a tireless advocate for our mariners,” Rogers said. “He was well-respected throughout the industry for his knowledge of maritime regulations, and he was at the forefront of U.S. implementation of STCW requirements. He was my friend and I will miss our Giants-Redskins battles.” Born John Clarence Wiegman, J.C. served in the Navy from 1966 until 1987, most recently as a gas turbine mechanical maintenance senior chief. He earned numerous awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Good Conduct Awards and Navy Commendation Medals. Wiegman’s connection to Piney Point began long before the school opened there in 1967. He grew up in the small town (its population today is still fewer than 1,000), and his father worked at the facility when it was a torpedo testing center. If no mention of Wiegman away from work would be complete without including both the Redskins and his acumen as a Little League baseball coach (he coached each of his three kids), no recap of his time at the PHC would be proper without crediting his encyclopedic knowledge of the maritime industry’s myriad training requirements. When Wiegman retired, Don Nolan, then the PHC’s vice president, described him as “instrumental in all phases of training throughout the school, both vocational and academic. His communications with the Coast Guard, the Military Sealift Command and other agencies was vital for us, and he also did a great job with our veterans program. Rogers added that Wiegman “kept us way ahead of schedule with new requirements all of the time, long before you were required to be compliant. He kept us abreast of all the changes, going back to the training record book and most recently the (STCW) final rule.” When he retired, Wiegman noted, “I could write a book on the changes in training that began in the 1990s. In the early 90s, oil and pollution prevention were impacting the industry. A program for tanker safety operations was put in place. This course became the industry standard before the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 came out in regulation. It was also a key event in my career because my boss, the late Wiegman (right) visits a ship to gather information for use in classes at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Bill Eglinton, tasked me with going to the Coast Guard and getting a grandfathering provision for (the) tanker assistantdangerous liquids class. Going to the National Maritime Center, I met and learned to work with them, opening lines of communication.” Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Carole; three sons; a sister; and nine grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Lee Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692. Spotlight on Mariner Health Alzheimer’s Disease Destroys Individual’s Mental Functions Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is known to have two types of proteins that form in the brain (tangles and plaques). A progressive illness, Alzheimer’s destroys memory and other important mental functions. Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important cerebral utilities. Presently, there is not one known cause for Alzheimer’s disease. In one percent of all cases, there are genes that can determine whether or not an individual will have the disease. They’re related to amyloid-beta production, which is likely to cause Alzheimer’s. Other cases may result from an individual’s lifestyle, diet, alcohol intake, stress level, etc. Healthy habits may help ward off Alzheimer’s or at least slow down its progression. These habits include: Regular Exercise - Exercise is number one in helping to prevent or slow the progression in people July 2021 who have symptoms. It is recommended that people try to exercise for 30 minutes per day, three to four times a week. Proper Diet - Eating a Mediterranean diet will also help to slow the progression in individuals who have this disease. This diet is rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, fish, poultry, eggs, limited dairy and moderate amounts of red wine and red meats. Proper Rest - There is growing evidence that proper rest also can help prevent Alzheimer’s and is linked to greater amyloid clearance from the brain. At least six to eight hours of sleep per night is recommended. Participate in New Activities - Learn new things to help stimulate the brain’s activity. Reading, playing games, going out and meeting new people all can be beneficial. Moderation - Limit alcohol intake. It is thought, however, that small amounts of wine may be helpful in the prevention and the slowing of Alzheimer’s disease. See Your Doctor Regularly - Keep appointments with your doctor and take medications as prescribed. Healthy Recipe Tacos Al Pastor (12 Servings) Achiote Paste Achiote paste is made with annatto seeds, cumin, pepper, coriander, oregano, cloves, and garlic. It can be used as a sauce, marinade, or rub in many delicious traditional Mexican dishes including Cochinita Pibil and Tacos Al Pastor. This condiment is not easily found in most grocery stores, but should be available in Latin grocery stores or online (preferred choice). Guajillo Chile Powder Guajillo peppers have a sweet flavor and mildmedium heat. They are the second most commonly used dried chili in Mexican cuisine after poblanos. 1 Guajillo Chile is equal to 1 teaspoon of Guajillo Chile powder. Like Achiote Paste, this condiment is also not easily found in most grocery stores, but should be available in Latin grocery stores or online (preferred choice). For the Pork: 3 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed 3 tablespoons canola oil 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced small 1 1/2 cups red onion, diced small 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped) 12 flour tortillas (6 inch) For Al Pastor Sauce 1 1/2 cups Pineapple juice 1 1/2 ounces Achiote paste 3 teaspoons Guajillo chile powder (ground guajillo chile pepper) 1/4 cup white vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons Dried oregano (ground) 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic 1 1/2 teaspoons Cumin (ground) 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic clove (chopped) 1/4 teaspoon cloves (ground) 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper (ground) Make Al Pastor Sauce In a blender or food processor, place all the sauce ingredients and blend until well combined and smooth. Set aside. Make Al Pastor Pork Marinate the pork with the sauce recipe overnight. Remove from marinate and discard leftover liquid. Sear the pork on a grill over high heat 2 minutes per side. Roast the seared pork in a 350-degree oven; uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Rest the meat for about 15 minutes, covered. Slice the pork thin at an angle. Place in serving pans and keep warm. Make the Sides Ready Warm the tortillas on a low heat grill for 30 seconds on each side. Place in serving pan and keep warm. Grill the chopped pineapple on a well-oiled griddle or sauté pan; for about 3-5 minutes until caramelized, but not mushy. Make the Tacos Al Pastor Place about 3oz. of meat on a warm tortilla. Add about 1 tablespoon of the caramelized pineapple.Add about 1 tablespoon of the chopped red onions. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of the chopped cilantro. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 400 Calories; 13g Fat (28.0% calories from fat); 21g Protein; 52g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 36mg Cholesterol; 682mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 Grain (Starch); 2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fruit; 1 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates. (Recipe courtesy of the Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) Seafarers LOG 9 �TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSWOMAN – SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (right) and SIU Patrolman James Bast (left) are pictured with U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-New York) following a U.S.-flag maritime roundtable gathering in New York in early May. MARITIME DAY IN ALOHA STATE – Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi (center) recently presented the Hawaii Port Maritime Council (part of the Maritime Trades Department) with a proclamation recognizing National Maritime Day. Pictured at right is SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, who also serves as the port council’s secretary-treasurer. At left is Randy Swindell, port council president. KEY APPOINTMENT FOR SIU OFFICIAL – SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (second from right) recently was appointed to the newly formed Broward County (Florida) Labor Board. He’s pictured in mid-May with county commissioners and other board members. Speaking to Mayor Steve Geller and commissioners, Hopkins gave a brief talk about the SIU and its affiliated school in Maryland, plus the MTD and the U.S. Merchant Marine in general. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU SOLIDARITY IN THE SOUTH – Seafarers in New Orleans recently took part in an informational picket supporting the Southeast Louisiana Building & Construction Trades Council. They are pictured with SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (back row, center, wearing white hat). WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – AB Willie Allen (right) receives his first pension check from SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook at the hiring hall. Allen started his SIU career in 1990 on the Delta Queen. He later transitioned to the Crowley ATB fleet. CLASS PREP – OMU Kevin Brown (left) takes a precourse test for entry into a storekeeper class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Brown was a member of apprentice class 818 in 2017 and recently signed off the Horizon Pacific. He’s pictured at the Oakland hall, with SIU Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli. BOOKS IN PINEY – Chief Cook Christopher Richardson (right in photo above) and AB Christopher Hart (right in photo below) receive their respective full B-books in Piney Point, Maryland. Each is pictured with SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left in both photos). ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Vessel master Capt. T. Pham submitted this snapshot of SIU members aboard the ship in the Far East. It includes Bosun Rudy Harjanto, ABM Fernando Haber, ABW Debbie Garcia, ABW Carlos Zapata, ABM Roy Enriquez, QMED Joshua Bonita, ABW Mark Bolin, Chief Cook Hyeyoung Forrer, GVA Gene Ajoste, QMED Theodore Gonzales, Pumpman Walden Galacgac and Chief Steward Gerard Cox. 10 Seafarers LOG July 2021 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOOKS IN HOUSTON – Gathering for a photo earlier this year at the hiring hall are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, ACU Cathleen Dell, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and AB Eleuterio Lino. The two Seafarers received their respective full B-books earlier the same day. FULL BOOK IN JERSEY – Seafarer Tommy Napoli (left) receives his full B-book from Bosun Scott Smith. They’re pictured at the Watco Marine Transfer Station in Elizabeth, New Jersey. BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – During the May membership meeting, SA Nala Johnson (second from right) receives her full B-book, while Chief Cook Lordiem Garcia (right) gets his A-book. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is administering the oath. Partly visible at far left is TOTE Director of Fleet Services Lisa Gee, a guest at the meeting. SEAFARING SELFIE – Pictured from left at the Oakland hall are Recertified Bosun Antjuan Webb, SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. CHECKING IN AT TACOMA HALL – Longtime Seafarer MDR Brandon Maeda (left) stops by the hiring hall to take care of some paperwork and catch up on union news. At right is SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. AT THE SAN JUAN Hall – In photo above, Chief Cook Fernando Marques (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hiring hall in Puerto Rico. In the photo at right, Seafarer Steven Lopez (right) displays certificates of completion for three classes he recently finished at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland (MSC Storekeeper, MSC Supply Configuration Management, and MSC Ship Clip). He is believed to be the first storekeeper registered at the San Juan hall. We’ve got a good source for that info: Crespo, left in the photo. PRIDE IN PORTLAND – Thanks to Recertified Steward Michael Gramer (aboard the Pacific Tracker) for this photo of the SIU-crewed Pride of America, which is getting spruced up in Portland, Oregon. July 2021 CARTER RETURNS TO SERVICE – After a brief layup period early this year, the SIU-crewed Edward Carter Jr. is once again sailing as part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command fleet. The vessel is operated by Sealift, Inc. Seafarers LOG 11 �Eight Recertified Stewards Thankful for Opportunities for Advancement The first pandemic-era class of stewards successfully completed the highest-level curriculum available at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for their department, reaching what several of them described as the peak of their culinary careers. Eight culinary professionals on June 7 graduated from the two-week Steward Recertification Course, which was modified due to pandemic concerns: Jatniel “Bam Bam” Aguilera, Marlon Battad, Edwin Bonefont, Dante Cruz, Mario Firme Jr., Kenneth Greenidge, Francisco Madsen and Albert Sison. During their studies, they learned and furthered their knowledge of nutrition, healthy eating, baking and sanitation, and improved other skills such as computer literacy, social responsibilities and leadership. In addition, the newly recertified stewards gained insight into how the union and school operates, with courses and workshops that detail the functions of various departments, the union’s affiliated labor partners and the inner workings of collective bargaining agreements. To place a capstone on the program, each steward addressed the assembled crowd of upgrading members, apprentices and SIU officials and staff at the June membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. In their speeches, each member expressed gratitude and humility upon completing the program, and thanked the staff and instructors of the school for their help in achieving this goal. Without exception, each member thanked the union officials for their leadership and knowledge, as well as imparted words of wisdom to the future generations of mariners in attendance. The following are excerpts from each recertified steward’s speech, presented in the order in which they spoke. These excerpts were bolstered by written comments and notes provided to the Seafarers LOG. “I’m finally here, after a 14-and-a-half-month COVID delay,” he continued. “I am standing on stage, in front of an audience of my brothers and sisters, alongside my colleagues, and I can now proudly say that I am a SIU recertified chief steward. I’m honored, I’m grateful, I’m blessed to have been given this opportunity, and I’m proud to be a part of this organization.” He then praised the instructors, saying: “The knowledge that you give us is priceless. The classes here have provided me with solid information, and I can now take that knowledge and pass it along to my union brothers and sisters.” Sison also credited all of the staff at the Paul Hall Center. Kenneth Greenidge Greenidge opened with a quote from author David J. Schwartz: “Success is determined not so much by the size of one’s brain as it is by the size of one’s thinking.” He then discussed his SIU journey, saying, “The SIU has been a life-changing experience for me, and it has been a heavy journey.” A frequent upgrader, Greenidge was born in New Orleans, and began sailing in 1989 out of Piney Point. He now primarily sails out of Oakland, California. He continued: “The union has always stood by me. They have my back, and I’ve utilized all the facilities they have to offer. And I do mean all the facilities. The SIU really gave me the opportunity to be a productive citizen of the United States.” To the apprentices, he offered the following advice: “You can apply your experience in life anywhere you go. You can have they lifestyle you enjoy, and love your life. But you must stay humble, and look out for your brothers and sisters. Treat people with respect and have respect for yourself. “Go out there and work to the best of your ability, regardless of people’s attitudes. Sometimes a good attitude and energy can rub off on someone who does not have such a good attitude. Be yourself, be honest and good fortune will always come,” he concluded. Jatniel ‘Bam Bam’ Aguilera Jatniel Aguilera, who goes by the nickname Bam Bam, is a Puerto Rican mariner who joined in Piney Point in 2009 and currently ships out of the San Juan hall. He is also the proud father of another Seafarer, as his son has joined the union. Aguilera described the course, saying: “In the steward recertified class, I learned how and where to turn when you have any doubts or questions. I also learned how to be a better leader, and how to help others become better leaders. In addition, I learned the importance of supporting the Jones Act, SPAD, and the role of the Maritime Trades Department. “That knowledge is what helps us be able to guide others, both on the vessel and outside the union, on the importance of what makes the union strong,” he continued. “I would describe my experience in Piney Point as, ‘This is a factory that makes leaders, skilled merchant mariners and future officers of the SIU.’ This school gives you a firstclass education, and if you know how to take advantage of it, you will make the best of your career.” He concluded by saying to the trainees, “Be the architect of your destiny. Follow orders; it’s not so hard. And support this union. Fight for this union. This is a machine, always going forward, and what lies ahead is great success for you and your brothers and sisters.” Dante Cruz Dante Cruz spoke next. He’s a California resident who joined the union in San Francisco in 1993 and now sails out of Oakland. Cruz spoke about all he learned in the course, and touched on the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, saying, “Brothers and sisters, your safety is their safety.” He continued, “I was surprised when I met all of the union officials. They’re very friendly and approachable people.... I learned all about politics and how important it is to our union. I also learned how hard the union officials work to make sure members have a job in the future. “The school’s accommodations were very neat, and the food was both delicious and healthy,” he added. “The facility was also very advanced, in terms of their level of technology.” He concluded by encouraging the other students to study hard and stay safe. Mario Firme Jr. Mario Firme Jr., who joined the union in 1990 and sails out of Wilmington, spoke next. Firme Jr. expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, and specifically thanked several key figures. He said, “It’s an honor and a privilege that I have finally reached the goal I’ve been dreaming of becoming a recertified chief steward. The union has given me the opportunity to have a better quality of life, and hope for the future. I promise to be a good leader.... I specifically want to thank Chef Jesse Sunga, Wilmington Port Agent Jeff Turkus, and SIU Vice President Tom Orzechowski, for their help and encouragement.” He also addressed the apprentices, saying, “Listen and learn from your shipmates, and never be afraid to ask questions.” Francisco Madsen Francisco Madsen, who joined the SIU in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2004 and still ships from there, emphasized how much the union has impacted his life. After quipping that his fellow stewards had already said what he planned to say in his speech, he relayed his experiences, stating, “I said when I started, ‘I can do this job for maybe one or two years.’ Well, here I am, all these years later. The SIU changed my life, and with the help of the school’s instructors, I have been able to have the necessary tools to get where I am today.” He then offered a stark reminder to those in attendance: “Two very important words to remember: Jones Act. Without the Jones Act, we are nothing. Don’t forget, you are a union worker. That’s who we are.” After praising the school’s numerous improvements, he concluded by recognizing the future of the union, saying, “I see a lot of young people in here, and some upgraders as well. I encourage you to take every opportunity the school gives you.” Stewards get together for their graduation dinner, with officials including SIU Exec VP Augie Tellez (center) and Paul Hall Center Acting VP Tom Orzechowski (third from right). Edwin Bonefont Before Edwin Bonefont took the stage, Tellez introduced him as coming from a legacy SIU family. Historically, many mariners with the last name Bonefont have shipped out of East Coast ports ever since the inception of the union in 1938, making the name synonymous with Seafarers, according to Tellez. Edwin, who joined the SIU in Piney Point in 1992, ships out of San Juan today. “I want to say thanks to everyone who helped me live my dream,” he began. “The SIU has been a part of my family since it started. In all the years I have been coming to the school, I have always had a great experience, from the time I was an apprentice until today. I can say that the instructors and the officials help elevate the SIU to the status that it holds today.” He talked about all he learned throughout the program, saying, “I met with the officials, who explained to me how the SIU operates, and what the union does for the members. And from all angles, I have a better understanding of how the different departments work together. My experiences will help me explain how it all works to the other members aboard the ship.” He concluded by saying, “I’m excited to see what the future holds, for the future mariners and for the SIU.” Kenneth Greenidge Recertified Steward Jatniel Aguilera Recertified Steward Mario Firme Jr. Recertified Steward Marlon Battad Recertified Steward Albert Sison Recertified Steward Marlon Battad Next at the podium was Marlon Battad. Battad joined the union in Norfolk in 2004 and currently sails from Houston. He has upgraded at the Paul Hall Center seven times. “Our union has been a very important part of my life,” he began. “The union has given me the means of providing for my family and loved ones. I am thankful for this opportunity, to be one of the chosen members to become a recertified steward. This accomplishment is one of the great achievements that I will always remember.” He then praised the SIU officials, saying, “During my few weeks of staying here at the campus, I have learned how hard our union officials work to make sure that we all have a job. I am forever grateful for their hard work and dedication to our union, to ensure that every single member has the means to provide for our families.” He added, “To our upcoming members, my advice is to take pride. Take pride in what we do, so that we can protect our jobs for the next generations to come.” After urging fellow members to support SPAD (the union’s voluntary political action fund) and also participate in grassroots political activities, he thanked SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez specifically, as well as the staff of the port of Houston. Albert Sison Albert Sison, who joined the union at the Port of Wilmington, California in 1991, was the next to speak. He brought specific attention to the recent and ongoing upgrades to the school, praising the renovations as well as the all-new media center (which will open later this year). 12 Seafarers LOG Dante Cruz Recertified Steward July 2021 July 2021 Francisco Madsen Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont Recertified Steward Seafarers LOG 13 �Car Rental Discounts for Union Families Savings from loyalty programs With Union Plus car rental discounts, your next trip just got a lot cheaper. Union members can save up to 25% with exclusive deals at six nationwide car rental companies. Learn more at unionplus.org/carrental 7/21 SIU-CR-6-2-21 14 Seafarers LOG July 2021 �Notice/Reminders DOT Forbids Marijuana Use; Pre-Employment Drug Tests Are Reported to Coast Guard Seafarers are reminded that the U.S. Department of Transportation forbids the use of marijuana by employees subject to drug testing under DOT regulations. Even if marijuana use is legal in your home state, it is still illegal under federal law (federal law regulates the maritime industry). A recent report by an industry trade association representing hundreds of employers pointed out that many people trying to enter the industry hit a roadblock by testing positive for marijuana. Conversely, the percentage of active mariners who test positive for drug use is extremely low. The same article noted that maritime employers are required to report their respective yearly drug and alcohol testing data to the U.S. Coast Guard. This includes pre-employment drug tests. The bottom line for mariners – active and prospective alike – is that marijuana is still banned under federal law, and pre-employment screenings are reported to the Coast Guard. Paul Hall Center Modifies Some Requirements for Galley Training In an effort to facilitate important training for mariners while also helping promote career advancement, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has adjusted some of its requirements for steward-department coursework. Effective immediately, the path for entry-level students in the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program to advance to chief cook consists of first completing Phase 1 of the program, then accumulating at least 200 days of sea time, obtaining two letters of recommendation (one each from a chief steward and a captain), and applying for (and graduating from) the Certified Chief Cook course. Components of the Galley Operations course now are included in Phase 1 and in the Chief Cook Assessment program. For a copy of a letter sent from the school to prospective stewarddepartment upgraders, visit the News section of the SIU website. The letter is linked in a March 18 post. Questions may be addressed to the admissions department at (301) 994-0010, option 2, or at upgrading@seafarers.org. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, vaccination and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. July & August Membership Meetings Piney Point.......................*Tuesday: July 6, Monday: August 2 Algonac.....................................................Friday: July 9, August 6 Baltimore...................................Thursday: July 8, August 5 Guam.......................................Thursday: July 22, August 19 Honolulu...............................Friday: July 16, August 13 Houston...................................Monday: July 12, August 9 Jacksonville.........................Thursday: July 8, August 5 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from May 10-June 13. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of June 13. Total Registered Port A All Groups B Total Shipped C New Orleans............................Tuesday: July 13, August 10 Jersey City.....................................Tuesday: July 6, August 3 Norfolk..........................................Friday: July 9, August 6 Oakland................................Thursday: July 15, August 12 Philadelphia..............................Wednesday: July 7, August 4 Port Everglades........................Thursday: July 15, August 12 San Juan.......................................Thursday: July 8, August 5 St. Louis......................................Friday: July 16, August 13 Tacoma........................................Friday: July 23, August 20 Wilmington......................................Monday: July 19, August 16 * Piney Point change due to Independence Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m July 2021 All Groups B C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C 0 0 0 2 0 4 1 11 4 6 0 4 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 38 3 2 2 11 0 7 2 19 19 17 0 3 8 5 6 1 7 12 0 10 134 39 1 5 30 6 16 12 67 60 61 4 15 45 26 5 1 11 48 2 51 505 7 1 0 17 0 7 3 29 37 14 2 4 14 4 2 0 5 12 2 27 187 0 2 0 5 0 2 0 7 12 5 0 0 4 5 1 1 0 9 0 2 55 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 10 1 0 1 3 0 2 1 10 12 7 2 2 10 5 2 2 1 3 0 3 67 6 2 4 17 2 7 8 27 33 12 3 1 12 9 1 3 6 23 2 23 201 3 1 0 8 1 4 1 16 17 4 0 4 24 8 1 3 7 10 4 9 125 2 0 0 3 0 1 0 2 4 2 2 1 4 5 0 0 0 2 0 0 28 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 34 0 5 19 5 16 11 42 35 29 3 11 22 18 7 2 6 31 2 26 324 7 2 2 18 0 7 2 23 32 8 1 6 11 3 2 1 5 12 1 13 156 0 0 0 5 0 3 0 12 9 5 0 3 3 3 0 1 1 5 0 2 52 Deck Department 12 3 2 0 2 3 12 13 0 0 8 7 9 0 33 17 28 25 25 7 0 1 2 1 16 10 7 4 6 3 2 2 5 4 18 6 1 0 14 7 202 113 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 2 3 9 1 7 7 16 21 10 2 1 12 7 2 2 3 18 2 14 141 2 1 3 8 1 4 2 16 12 1 1 4 19 7 2 4 5 7 2 6 107 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 6 2 3 0 1 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 Engine Department 2 0 0 0 0 4 6 3 0 0 3 1 3 4 8 11 9 14 5 6 1 1 2 4 15 12 3 6 2 3 0 2 2 3 6 4 0 0 10 5 77 83 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 0 6 1 5 8 18 25 11 2 6 16 17 1 6 4 7 1 18 155 5 0 1 2 1 0 1 6 12 6 0 0 14 6 0 2 5 5 0 7 73 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 13 Steward Department 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 2 1 0 3 0 2 1 10 4 10 4 9 2 0 0 2 1 10 4 11 4 0 0 5 5 2 3 7 3 0 0 11 4 84 43 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 9 1 0 0 5 0 2 2 7 9 3 0 1 7 5 0 3 2 7 0 5 59 7 0 1 18 1 7 15 27 34 14 3 7 23 18 4 6 5 16 3 32 241 5 0 1 5 1 1 5 11 22 5 1 1 19 8 0 1 5 2 0 12 105 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 6 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 14 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 20 12 1 2 5 1 2 5 16 32 13 0 0 17 14 0 1 1 13 0 14 149 16 0 1 3 1 3 1 6 48 7 3 0 22 7 2 24 0 9 0 12 165 Entry Department 0 4 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 7 1 12 2 7 0 0 0 0 1 9 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 0 9 8 61 2 0 1 3 0 1 2 8 20 5 1 1 10 1 1 12 1 2 0 4 75 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 6 1 0 1 3 0 1 2 0 1 0 5 28 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 4 36 21 3 1 6 2 4 11 20 42 18 1 0 27 21 1 1 2 19 1 30 231 15 2 0 3 2 3 4 7 97 13 3 2 29 10 2 17 2 16 2 14 243 GRAND TOTAL: 640 485 253 132 288 983 648 340 Joliet..............................................Thursday: July 15, August 12 Mobile......................................Wednesday: July 14, August 11 A Registered on Beach 371 300 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer 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 Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 This month’s question was answered by members of the union’s annual finance committee. Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union? Earl Castain Recertified Bosun I heard about the SIU from a friend. I started doing my own research and thought it would be a great opportunity for me to explore and take advantage of the travel. I’ve enjoyed meeting different people from all walks of life and nationalities. My long-term goal was to stay with the SIU until retirement and I’m just about there. Donald Lumpkins QMED I was living paycheck to paycheck and had a lot of local friends that sailed. They helped me join. I love the travel and seeing places I wouldn’t otherwise see. Thank you, SIU! Riley Donahue III QMED I joined in 1984, after working at a steel mill the prior three years. I had relatives who lived near Lexington Park (Maryland), and they told me about the SIU. They knew I was looking for work. The traveling is a big plus. I like seeing new places. James Osborne AB I was driving a dump truck, and someone told me about the school. That was 16 or 17 years ago. Knowing that the schedule was four months on and four months off actually meant I’d spend more time with my family. The money is also good. Thomas L. Cyrus Jr. Chief Cook I wanted to travel and see the world, and get paid doing it. I’ve stayed with it because of the good pay and benefits. It’s a great way to make a living. Laura Hollar QEE I wanted a career that would be longlasting and I wanted to travel around the world. I came in through the apprentice program in 2009. One reason I’ve stayed with this career is the opportunity for advancement. JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Lionel Packnett Recertified Steward I joined the union to have a career opportunity. I remained because it is still a good way to provide for my family, and I love the traveling that I experienced early on during my career. NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 Pic From The Past PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 The SIU-crewed SS Jacksonville (Sea-Land) is pictured at a new dock in Puerto Rico in November 1972. The vessel typically sailed between the island territory and the East Coast. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG July 2021 �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 ATO AIKINS Brother Ato Aikins, 68, began sailing with the SIU in 2001. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Aikins upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the USNS Pollux and lives in Seattle. FRANCISCO ANACTA Brother Francisco Anacta, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Manulani. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2013 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Anacta’s final vessel was the Washington. He is a resident of Panorama City, California. RICKY ARROYO Brother Ricky Arroyo, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1989 when he shipped aboard the Independence. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on numerous occasions. Brother Arroyo most recently shipped on the Horizon Enterprise. He makes his home in Honolulu. AUGUST AWONG CHRISTINE CASSIE RONALD LADD Sister Christine Cassie, 70, signed on with the SIU in 1998, initially sailing aboard the USNS Watson. A steward department member, she upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Sister Cassie last shipped on the USNS Red Cloud. She is a resident of Spokane, Washington. Brother Ronald Ladd, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1991. He first sailed aboard the William R. Button and was a member of the engine department. Brother Ladd last shipped aboard the Baldomero Lopez. He makes his home in Albion, Maine. RAMADAN EDRES Brother Efren Matias, 68, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001, initially sailing on the USNS Sisler. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Matias last shipped aboard the USNS Watson. He is a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother Ramadan Edres, 65, joined the SIU in 2007 when he sailed on the Green Ridge. He sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the Maersk Pittsburgh. Brother Edres makes his home in Staten Island, New York. RONNIE HERIAN Brother Ronnie Herian, 67, signed on with the union in 1980, initially shipping on the Venture. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1983. Brother Herian last shipped aboard the Cape Farewell. He calls Dunnellon, Florida, home. JAMES ILLSON Brother James Illson, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1973 when he sailed aboard the USNS Maumee. He upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school in 1982 and was a member of the engine department. Brother Illson’s final vessel was the Westward Venture. He resides in Seattle. YURIY KHITRENKO Brother August Awong, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1982, initially shipping aboard the Constitution. Brother Awong was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Global Sentinel and resides in Honolulu. Brother Yuriy Khitrenko, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2003. He was an engine department member; his first vessel was the Cape Race. Brother Khitrenko upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career on the Maersk Kinloss and lives in Rego Park, New York. ANTHONY CARVALHO JULIAN LACUESTA Brother Anthony Carvalho, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1990 when he shipped aboard the Sealift Arctic. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Carvalho’s final vessel was the Endurance. He lives in Bonner, Montana. July 2021 Brother Julian Lacuesta, 65, joined the Seafarers in 2001, initially shipping on the Libra. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments an upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Lacuesta’s final vessel was the USNS Petersburg. He resides in El Monte, California. EFREN MATIAS KEVIN MCCAGH Brother Kevin McCagh, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1990 and first sailed on the Cape Nome. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and sailed in the engine department. Brother McCagh last shipped on the Horizon Kodiak. He resides in Copalis Beach, Washington. DAVID MOSES Brother David Moses, 68, became a member of the SIU in 2006 when he shipped aboard the Franklin J. Phillips. A steward department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Moses most recently shipped on the Maersk Kinloss. He calls Jersey City, New Jersey, home. JURI NOVOZILOV Brother Juri Novozilov, 70, started sailing with the union in 1999, on the Sea Fox. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2000. Brother Novozilov last shipped on the Samuel L. Cobb. He resides in Elkton, Maryland. EDGARDO ONG Brother Edgardo Ong, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1998, first sailing aboard the USNS Bowditch. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Ong concluded his career on the USNS Bruce Heezen and settled in Bonita, California. deck and engine departments and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Williams’ final vessel was the Ocean Atlas. He calls Mobile, Alabama, home. DEOCADIO ROMNEY DAVID BRAGDON Brother Deocadio Romney, 72, embarked on his career with the union in 1998 when he sailed on the Overseas Boston. A deck department member, he upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Romney’s final vessel was the Overseas Tampa. He lives in Anchorage, Alaska. Brother David Bragdon, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1981. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on several occasions. Brother Bragdon’s first vessel was the Manhattan Island; his last, the Dodge Island. He lives in The Villages, Florida. DWIGHT ROSS Brother Dwight Ross, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1991. He was a member of the steward department and first shipped on the Cape Edmont. Brother Ross upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Seabulk Pride and is a Houston resident. GEORGE SALTZ Brother George Saltz, 71, joined the union in 1991 and first sailed aboard the Ranger. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Saltz’s final vessel was the Santorini. He makes his home in Spring Hill, Florida. DANIEL TEICHMAN Brother Daniel Teichman, 71, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1990. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and was a member of the deck department. Brother Teichman’s first vessel was the William Baugh; his last, the Liberty Grace. He lives in Rutland, Vermont. MICHAEL WILLIAMS INLAND LUTHER BRUCE Brother Luther Bruce, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1979 when he worked with National Marine Service. He upgraded at the Piney Point school within his first year of membership and was a member of the deck department. Brother Bruce was last employed by OSG Ship Management. He is a resident of Warwick, Maryland. PATRICK CAIN Brother Patrick Cain, 64, began sailing with the union in 1978. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1982. Brother Cain was employed by Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. He calls Pass Christian, Mississippi, home. GEORGE MALONEY Brother George Maloney, 71, signed on with the Seafarers in 2004. An engine department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 2007. Brother Maloney worked with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He is a resident of Santa Fe, Texas. ROBERT SOSCIA Brother Robert Soscia, 71, began sailing with the union in 2004. He was a member of the deck department and was employed by Port Imperial Ferry for his entire career. Brother Soscia calls Hazlet, New Jersey, home. Brother Michael Williams, 65, became a member of the SIU in 2006, initially shipping aboard the Bernard F. Fisher. He worked in both the Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA MICHAEL BOLGER Pensioner Michael Bolger, 77, passed away May 8. He signed on with the union in 1967 and was a deck department member. Brother Bolger first shipped on the R.D. Conrad. He last sailed on the USNS Potomac before going on pension in 2009. Brother Bolger was a resident of Gold Beach, Oregon. DIONCE BRIGHT Brother Dionce Bright, 46, died March 3. Born in Virginia, he joined the Seafarers in 1994. Brother Bright’s first vessel was the Sealift Arctic and he sailed in all three departments. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Ray and lived in Chesapeake, Virginia. LARRY COMBS Pensioner Larry Combs, 81, passed away May 8. He began his career with the SIU in 1955. Brother Combs’ first vessel was the Alcoa Puritan. He sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the Atlantic. Brother Combs became a pensioner in 2000 and resided in Norfolk, Virginia. PASQUALE DIBIASE Pensioner Pasquale Dibiase, 66, died April 24. He started shipping with the SIU in 1982 when he sailed on the Constitution. An engine department member, Brother Dibiase concluded his career on the Green Point. He retired in 2016 and lived in Portland, Maine. MICHAEL HESTER Pensioner Michael Hester, 71, died March 15. Signing on with the union in 1991, he first sailed on the Overseas Washington. Brother Hester was a deck department member and last worked aboard the Pacific 18 Seafarers LOG Tracker. He went on pension in 2015 and resided in San Ysidro, California. BARBARA JOVANOVIC Pensioner Barbara Jovanovic, 87, passed away May 15. She began shipping with the SIU in 1989 when she sailed aboard the Independence. Sister Jovanovic was a steward department member. She continued sailing aboard the same ship until her retirement in 1999. Sister Jovanovic lived in Encino, California. MARK LAMAR Pensioner Mark Lamar, 68, died January 2. He donned the SIU colors in 1974 and initially sailed aboard the Van Defender. Brother Lamar sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the El Faro. He went on pension in 2019 and was a resident of Everett, Pennsylvania. PATRICK LYNCH Pensioner Patrick Lynch, 74, passed away May 7. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1970 when he shipped with CSX Lines. Brother Lynch was a member of the engine department. He last shipped on the Golden State before retiring in 2012. Brother Lynch lived in El Sobrante, California. MOHAMED OMAR Pensioner Mohamed Omar, 70, died May 4. He began his career with the SIU in 1987 and initially sailed on the Lurline. Brother Omar was a member of the steward department and concluded his career on the Moku Pahu. He became a pensioner in 2016 and resided in Dearborn, Michigan. LEONARDO PAPA Pensioner Leonardo Papa, 75, passed away April 13. He signed on with the union in 1985 and first worked on the Constitution. Brother Papa primarily sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Explorer. He began collecting his pension in 2013 and made his home in Shoreline, Washington. SAL DOMENIC QUAGLIATO Pensioner Sal Domenic Quagliato, 86, died December 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1987 and first sailed on the USNS Capella. Brother Quagliato was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Defender and retired in 2005. Brother Quagliato lived in Long Beach, California. JUSTIN SAVAGE Brother Justin Savage, 55, passed away March 9. Born in Honolulu, he signed on with the union in 1990. Brother Savage initially sailed aboard the Sealift Atlantic and was a member of the deck department. He last shipped on the Cape Jacob in 2005 and resided in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. GREAT LAKES CLARENCE DOAN Pensioner Clarence Doan, 78, died April 4. He signed on with the union in 1968 when he sailed on the American Seaocean. Brother Doan sailed in all three departments and concluded his career on the American Republic. He began collecting his pension in 2007 and made his home in Interlachen, Florida. INLAND EDWARD BARTHOLMEY Pensioner Edward Bartholmey, 71, passed away May 1. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1978. Brother Bartholmey was employed by G&H Towing for his entire career and retired in 2011. He was a resident of La Marque, Texas. JERRY CHAMPION Pensioner Jerry Champion, 84, died April 12. He joined the Sea- farers in 1968 when he worked for Stone Towing Line. Brother Champion worked in the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He retired in 2002 and called Wilmington, North Carolina, home. away April 4. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 when he worked for G&H Towing. A member of the deck department, Brother Self last sailed with Moran Towing of Texas. He retired in 2019 and called Pasadena, Texas, home. WILLIAM CHARNOCK Pensioner William Charnock, 72, passed away April 23. Signing on with the SIU in 1993, he was first employed by Piney Point Transportation. Brother Charnock primarily sailed in the deck department and last worked for Allied Transportation. He became a pensioner in 2013 and resided in Hampton, Virginia. MORRIS SUPERCZYNSKI Pensioner Morris Superczynski, 92, died May 9. He signed on with the union in 1956 and was a deck department member. Brother Superczynski was employed by McAllister Towing of Baltimore for the duration of his career. He retired in 1985 and resided in Bridgeport, West Virginia. JAMES DOW Pensioner James Dow, 84, died May 11. He began sailing with the union in 1969, initially working with Western Towing. A deck department member, Brother Dow continued to work for the same company for the majority of his career. He went on pension in 2002 and lived in Cleveland, Texas. NMU ORRIE ODOM Pensioner Orrie Odom, 90, passed away May 6. He joined the union in 1962. Brother Odom was employed by Dravo Basic Materials for the duration of his career. He retired in 1993 and settled in Range, Alabama. CHARLES PRUITT Pensioner Charles Pruitt, 83, died May 12. He signed on with the SIU in 1968, initially working for Steuart Transportation. Brother Pruitt sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He was last employed by Allied Transportation and retired in 1998. Brother Pruitt was a resident of Tangier, Virginia. MARCIANO DEGRACE Pensioner Marciano DeGrace, 82, passed away March 8. He joined the SIU during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother DeGrace was a deck department member. His first vessel was the Gopher State; his last, the Chesapeake Bay. Brother DeGrace became a pensioner in 2003 and resided in Yonkers, New York. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Alvira, Hipolito 93 Brown, Joseph 96 Cossette, Robert 93 Durant, Ralph 81 Engle, James 91 Forbes, David 80 Hendrick, Plummer 94 Huria, Peter 88 Johnson, Oscar 93 Logrono, Victor 94 Petrone, Joe 93 Pleas, Louis 85 DOD 05/10/2021 04/26/2021 03/29/2021 05/10/2021 09/22/2020 05/08/2021 05/03/2021 03/24/2021 05/15/2021 04/18/2021 03/23/2021 05/07/2021 ALAN SELF Pensioner Alan Self, 63, passed July 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), March 28 – Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Educational Director Tristan Brand, Deck Delegate Domingo Cazon, Engine Delegate Mark Loughman, Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. New PE for MMC renewal is not needed if medical certification is good for another year. COVID-19 tests administered prior to joining ship and vaccinations offered in Alaska. Making three trips to Cherry Point. Document extension runs through October or one year after the initial expiration date of the credential (i.e., one year after the expiration date printed on the credential), whichever is earlier, per USCG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed nonunion jobs lost due to pandemic. Members would like to increase vacation days and lower number of days required for retirement. Vote of thanks given to steward department for boosting morale by providing good food and treats. Crew was reminded to keep up with dental care. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), April 11 – Chairman Nieves Guerrero Mariano, Secretary Moses Scott. Chairman discussed restriction pay in Sudan. No TV in rooms or weights in gym. Members requested portable heaters. Deck and steward delegates reported incident involving crew and one officer. Report to be given to bosun. Crew went over Seafarers LOG and discussed new jobs, 401K and upgrading applications. Members were reminded to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), April 25 – Secre- 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. tary Johnny Sawyer, Educational Director Grant Shuman, Deck Delegate Morris Foster, Engine Delegate Abdulnaser Saeed. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. One injury reported aboard ship. Members were encouraged to support President Biden and Vice President Harris, both of whom are pro-maritime and pro-worker. Crew advised to get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Internet and SAT phone has been unavailable for three months. Members discussed retirement and vacation benefits. Crew requested a separate line of communication out side of Maersk for complaints within the company. OHIO (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), May 1 – Chairman Timothy Jackson, Secretary Louins Johnson, Educational Director Kevin Carraby, Deck Delegate Antionne Kelly, Engine Delegate Joseph Vitela, Steward Delegate Danilo Valencia. Crew discussed getting new computer up and running. Microwave and Xbox game purchased. Vote of thanks given to chairman and educational director. Chairman urged members to allow ample time to obtain renewals and discussed BT requirements when renewing MMC. Crew was reminded to practice social distancing. Good trip reported by chairman, including excellent food aboard ship. Educational director encouraged members to register for upgrading courses at the Piney Point school, as they fill up fast. Crew went over blue tickets and course of action to obtain green tickets. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read President’s Report in Seafarers LOG and discussed various topics including the importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Members requested new pillows, mattresses and Wi-Fi availability on ship. Crew voiced recommendations regarding medical, dental, vacation, and pension benefits. Next port: Portland, Oregon. With Seafarers in Jacksonville OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Shipping), May 5 – Chairman Brian Gauntt, Secretary Rene Guity, Deck Delegate Dwuan Reed. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested a coffee machine and new mattresses. Federal tax forms needed on ship. Steward department was commended for a job well done. Next port: Pascagoula, Mississippi. OCEAN FREEDOM (Crowley), May 6 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Jason Jambeter, Educational Director Jeffrey Thrash, Deck Delegate Robert O’Connell, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman. Mariners discussed global crew-change crisis and how it affects fellow seamen. Chairman thanked steward department for making great meals despite short supply of food stores. Educational director advised members to upgrade while they can, and to keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increase to 401K benefit, and satellite TV system. Next port: Sweden. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), May 13 – Chairman OMU Shawn Benosa (left) and Chief Cook Darrisha Bryant are sworn in for their respective full B-books during the June membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. Nathan Shuford, Secretary Alexander Dominguez, Educational Director Randy Slue, Engine Delegate Bobbie Gibbs, Steward Delegate Charles Sassone. Chairman reminded members to pay their dues. CHS taking more time with papers. Educational director emphasized importance of good communication between members. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed pension benefits and requested increase in pension or decrease in sea time requirements. Ship has some internet access but SIU members do not. Members asked for one hour of overtime per week for room sanitation. Crew was reminded to work together and be respectful. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), May 16 – Chairman Wilfred Maurice, Secretary Lamont Faulks, Educational Director Darrell Goggins, Deck Delegate Yoland Legaspi, Engine Delegate Syed Iqbal, Steward Delegate Sandra Vann. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. Crew requested new TVs in rooms and improved Wi-Fi. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New bedsheets and new dinnerware requested for ship. More cleaning chemicals needed. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board July 2021 by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 ACTIV- ITY 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic September 13 October 1 MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15 MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck July 26 September 27 November 15 August 13 October 15 December 3 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 25 November 22 October 8 November 5 December 3 RFPNW August 23 November 15 September 10 December 3 Radar/ARPA July 26 August 6 Fast Rescue Boat August 9 August 13 GMDSS July 12 July 23 Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10 Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17 Advanced Meteorology July 12 July 16 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23 FOWT July 26 September 20 October 25 August 20 October 15 November 19 Junior Engineer September 6 October 29 Marine Electrician September 6 October 8 Marine Refer Tech July 26 September 3 Advanced Refer Containers July 12 July 23 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Machinist October 18 November 5 Pumpman November 8 November 12 Welding August 30 October 25 September 17 November 12 Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10 RFPEW August 23 November 15 September 17 December 10 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook July 19 August 23 September 27 November 1 August 20 September 24 October 29 December 3 Advanced Galley Operations July 26 September 27 November 15 August 20 October 22 December 10 Chief Steward August 23 October 18 September 17 November 12 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 6 September 10 Medical Care Provider September 13 September 17 Basic Training July 26 August 9 August 30 July 30 August 13 September 3 Basic Training Revalidation August 30 September 3 September 10 October 22 August 30 September 3 September 10 October 22 Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation October 25 October 29 Government Vessels July 19 August 9 August 16 August 30 September 20 November 1 November 15 December 13 July 23 August 13 August 20 September 3 September 24 November 5 November 19 December 17 Tank Ship DL September 20 September 24 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 18 October 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 23 September 27 December 13 August 27 October 1 December 17 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 7/21 July 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #869 – Graduated May 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Bates, Turin Vatican Beamon Jr., Alexander Boothby, Martin Cox, Robert Cruz, Kendric Payne, Jaime Rios, Edwin Ruiz Vazquez, Francis A. Solmirano, Jose Ivan Soto-Ortiz, Tevainui Weza and Emilie Whitlow. Deck Operations (Phase III) – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): William Borders, Keon Romero Hatcher, Christian Ivezic, Christopher Nicolosi, Davner M. Rivera-Melendez , Kelvin Ivan Soto-Melendez and Woodrow Williams. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-crewed vessels. RFPEW (Phase III) – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Johnathan Bumgarner, Tyson Richardson, Julian M. Rubbo and Kameron Sims. Their instructor, Christopher Morgan, is at the far left. Each plans to work in the engine departments of SIU-crewed vessels upon the completion of their training. Junior Engineer – Graduated May 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Anthony Brown Jr., Christian Cruz, Casey Frederick, Crystal Higgs, Deidra Hunter, Michael Joel, Tony King Jr., Joshua Mann, Gabriel Santa Ramos and Anias Stanford. Sterling Cox, their instructor, is at the far right. July 2021 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated April 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Adriano T. Agostino, Shane Beall, Angel Eugenio Centeno, Zachary Eads, Shirley Jenkins, Linda M. Kluth, Milton Legendre, Kristian Lindenmuth, Joseph White and Reginald White. UA to FOWT – Graduated April 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Liam Flanagan, David Allen Hain-Mendez, Troy Hubbard, Thomas Koncul, Johnny Matthews III, Randy Jahid Slue, Calvetta Taylor, Blake Washington and Kamaul Wells. MSC Supply Configuration – Graduated April 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Nathaniel Balos, Dillian Cannady, Julien Kei Charlet, Jamila King, Detrell Lambey, Steven Ariel Lopez Ferrer, Patricia Placek, Renita Walker and Nigel Williams. Pumpman – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): David Cornelius, Patrick Dean, Rene Gregorio Hallasgo and Nat Lamb. William Dodd, their instructor is at the far left. Machinist – Graduated May 21 (above, in alphabetical order): David Cornelius, Patrick Dean and Rene Gregorio Hallasgo. Their instructor, Roy Graham, is at the far right. 22 Seafarers LOG July 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Ahmed Ismail Ali, Jason Bullen, Jessica Crockett, Daniel Fields, Hamzah Ghaleb, Hamza Ghalib, Dominique Glover, Octavio Manuel Henriques, Mohsen Muhamed Hussen, Erris Jackson, Paul Klear, Mark Nover Miranda Lata, David Quade II and Clayton Walker. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tank Ship Familiarization – Graduated May 14 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Hycienth Chuks Asagwara, Lamar Doctor, Aurora Foster, Russell Horton, Sean Jones, Antonio Norflett, Eugene Perez Jr., and Jason Springer. Small Arms – Graduated May 20 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): John Joseph Caraan Alcos, David James, Tomas Merel, Hamdanni Nurdin and Devin Zug. Chief Steward – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Randall Campbell, Reno Ibanez Duque, Joseph Kudjoe, Tyrane Savage, Jeffery Toliver Jr., and Bob Tuilaepa. (Note: Not all are pictured.) July 2021 Chief Cook Assessment Program – Jose Neil Dayal Sadaya, above, graduated from this course May 14. Seafarers LOG 23 �JULY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 7 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O White House Boosts Jones Act Protection Administration Announces Transparency Program for Waiver Requests In an effort to promote Made-in-America goods and services, the White House, through its newly created Made in America Office, released a 15-page guidance dealing with proposed waivers to federal departments and agencies. “Transparent reporting of waivers from Made in America Laws will not only build confidence that the laws are operating as intended, but also provide data to inform policy development and strategic decision making,” stated the June 11 release from the Office of Management and Budget. The initial implementation of this transparency program will include U.S.flag shipping, specifically the Jones Act and the Cargo Preference Acts of 1904 and 1954, respectively. The guidance is in response to President Biden’s Made in America executive order of January 25, in which the Jones Act was specifically mentioned. It calls for transactional reviews by federal department and agency senior accountable officials in coordination with the Made in America office. That office will create a public website to allow for public transparency to be running during fiscal year 2022. In citing the need for such a waiver review process within the U.S.-flag industry, the guidance “recognizes foreign near-peer competitors are increasingly creating and exploiting economic vulnerabilities in gaining undue influence over the global transportation system, which provides the access to worldwide supply chains that supports our national defense, vital emergency services, critical infrastructure, economy, and way of life.” It outlines that any waiver of cargo preference laws will include the nature and description of transportation required, why the department/agency cannot acquire a U.S.-flag vessel, an explanation of the national security interest needed for a U.S.-flag waiver, and any additional information. If a requested waiver does not involve cargo preference, then the transparency process calls for stating who seeks such a waiver, the determination by the maritime administrator of the availability of U.S.flag vessels to meet the national security requirement, actions taken by the maritime administrator to enable U.S.-flag U.S. Shipyards Support $42.4 Billion in Gross Domestic Product The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) on June 14 announced the release of a new report finding that the nation’s private shipyards support $42.4 billion in gross domestic product (GDP). MARAD’s new report – The Economic Importance of the U.S. Private Shipbuilding and Repairing Industry – measures the economic importance of the shipbuilding and repairing industry at the national and State levels for calendar year 2019. “Shipyards create good jobs and support economic growth – not just in the areas surrounding our ports and waterways, but across the nation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. In 2019, the nation’s 154 private shipyards directly provided more than 107,000 jobs and contributed $9.9 billion in labor income to the national economy. On a nationwide basis – including direct, indirect, and induced impacts – the industry supported 393,390 jobs, $28.1 billion of labor income, and $42.4 billion in GDP. The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the economic importance of the maritime industry and has proposed $17 billion in inland waterways, coastal ports, land ports of entry, and ferries as part of the American Jobs Plan, MARAD reported. “These investments would make our infrastructure more resilient while improving efficiency and creating new capacity to enhance freight movement in the United States,” the agency noted. Since 2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation has provided nearly $262.5 million in grant funding through its small shipyard grant program to nearly 300 shipyards in 32 states and territories to improve infrastructure at U.S. shipyards. “The report issued by MARAD confirms that shipyards are vital economic engines in addition to being essential components of our industrial base,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “The skilled jobs created by shipyards are not only essential to supporting our military and our commerce, they are contributing to the economic success of communities all over the United States.” The report states the U.S. shipbuilding industry has run a trade surplus in six out of the last 10 years, with a cumulative trade surplus of $7.3 billion over this period. From 2015 to 2020, U.S. shipbuilders delivered 5,024 vessels of all types including tugs and towboats, passenger vessels, commercial and fishing vessels, and oceangoing and inland barges, reaching 608 vessels in 2020. More than 60 percent of vessels delivered during the last six years have been inland tank and dry cargo barges. There are currently 154 private shipyards in the United States, spread across 29 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, that are classified as active shipbuilders. In addition, there are more than 300 shipyards engaged in ship repairs or capable of building ships but not actively engaged in shipbuilding. Although the majority of shipyards are located in the coastal states, active shipyards are also located on major inland waterways such as the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and the Ohio River. The final report, The Economic Importance of the U.S. Private Shipbuilding and Repairing Industry, is linked in a June 14 news post on the SIU website. vessel capability, information from other departments and/or agencies, any notices from the Department of Homeland Security prior to granting or denying such a waiver, and any additional information to understand why a waiver is needed and how it would be consistent with the law. The Made in America Office will work with relevant agencies to review how best to ensure agency compliance with cargo preference requirements to maximize the utilization of U.S.-flag vessels, in excess of any applicable statutory minimums, to the greatest extent possible. While U.S.-flag shipping will be among the first to be covered by this guidance, it eventually will apply to construction and purchases of goods and materials used throughout the federal government. Charter Member Turns 101 Retired Bosun Sylvester Furtado turned 101 on June 20. A charter member of the SIU (he joined in 1939), Furtado sailed until 1982. The Maryland resident sailed on many different vessels, including ones operated by Sinclair Oil, Mayflower Steamship, Waterman, Calmar, Delta Lines and others. Reminder About MMC Renewals Pete Buttigieg U.S. Transportation Secretary Lucinda Lessley Acting Maritime Administrator According to the latest pandemicera guidance on merchant mariner credentials (MMC) from the U.S. Coast Guard, those documents “may only be extended for up to one year from their date of expiration. Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) (National Endorsements only) that expire between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 are extended until the EARLIER of October 31, 2021; OR one (1) year after the initial expiration date of the credential (i.e., one year after the expiration date printed on the credential).” So, for example, a mariner whose credential expired on April 15, 2021, has until October 31 of this year to secure a renewed document. A mariner whose MMC expired in March 2020 should have renewed that document by March 2021. Keep an eye on the National Maritime Center website for the latest guidance. Notices that may affect Seafarers also are posted on the SIU website, both in our news section and in our COVID19 Safety Updates area. � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource HOUSTON HALL HOSTS VACCINATION CLINICS STEWARDS COMPLETE RECERTIFICATION CLASS SUNSHINE STATE PROVIDES KEY ASSIST DURING RESCUE BOATMEN APPROVE MORE CONTRACTS COLONIAL PIPELINE EPISODES REINFORCES IMPORTANCE OF JONES ACT TO SECURITY NEW HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GIVES THUMBS DOWN TO ANTI WORKER BILL PROGRESS CONTINUES WITH COVID-19 VACCINES SUNSHINE STATE CREW AIDS STRANDED BOATERS ADDITIONAL CONTRACTS APPROVED MEDINA MAKES HISTORY WITH IMO ELECTION DOT'S VIRTUAL MARITIME DAY OBSERVANCE HONORS U.S. MARINERS PAST AND PRESENT MARITIME GETS STRONG SUPPORT IN HOUSE HEARING PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN ISSUES MARITIME DAY 2021 PROCLAMATION COVID-19: SPOTLIGHT ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF MARINERS SHBP AWARDS $112, 000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS LATE MARINER INSPIRES DONATIONS TO SEAFARERS DISASTER AID FUND UNION, PAUL HALL CENTER MOURN J.C. WIEGMAN EIGHT RECERTIFIED STEWARDS THANKFUL FOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT DOT FORBIDS MARIJUANA USE; PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTS ARE REPORTED TO COAST GUARD PAUL HALL CENTER MODIFIES SOME REQUIREMENTS FOR GALLEY TRAINING WHITE HOUSE BOOSTS JONES ACT PROTECTION U.S. SHIPYARDS SUPPORT $42.4 BILLION IN GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT CHARTER MEMBER TURNS 101 REMINDER ABOUT MMC RENEWALS 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 07/01/2021 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. 83, NO. 7 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/1292740cd0a1be4e9f7e243c9b47e513.pdf 3ea1aba693f2d2a0e3396b9e5316779b PDF Text Text AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 8 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Crews Step Up During Exercise Seafarers from the USNS Bob Hope (photo at left) and USNS Yuma (above) earlier this year did their parts to help ensure the success of Defender-Europe 21, a large-scale exercise involving numerous countries. The Bob Hope (operated by U.S. Marine Management) is pictured in late March in Jacksonville, Florida, in preparation for the exercise (U.S. Army photo by Kimberly Spinner). The Yuma, crewed by CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division, is shown in early May in Albania, during the deployment (photo courtesy U.S. Military Sealift Command). Page 7. More Contracts Ratified This has been an exceptionally active year for the union’s contracts department, and that pattern continued with the recent ratifications of three more collective bargaining agreements. New pacts are in place at Matson, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, and Argent Marine. Without exception, the new contracts boost wages and maintain or improve benefits. Pictured above are Seafarers aboard the Matson ship Matsonia (from left): Steward/ Baker Raymond Lackland, Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova and ACU J. Recaido. All voted in favor of the new Matson contract. Page 4. Great Grub on Maersk Michigan AB Fernando Haber appears pleased with the July 4 offerings aboard the Maersk Line, Limited, vessel. Additional photos of the crew and holiday spread are on Page 4 (and on the SIU Facebook page). Pandemic Coverage Page 3 SAB Action 484 Page 6 �President’s Report Excellent Opportunities Although the global COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, there’s a lot of discussion about what various workplaces will look like when it’s finally, fully behind us. Employers and employees alike have seen the benefits of telework – and, if they’re being honest, they’ve seen the drawbacks, too. I’m sure there won’t be a one-size-fits-all answer, simply because there are so many variables. Some jobs flat-out require hands-on, in-person work. Others could mostly be done without a traditional office, while many more are somewhere in between. Since I got vaccinated, I’ve taken advantage of several chances to informally chat with workers from outside the maritime industry. Those conversations help me get a real-world feel for how our shipboard jobs compare to Michael Sacco others that are out there. While we’re always striving for improvement, I believe – more strongly than ever – that we’ve got a lot to offer. With very few exceptions, our contracts steadily boost wages and help ensure safe working conditions. Our benefits are secondto-none. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, for instance, processed nearly 11,000 claims for members and dependents in June alone, and those claims were worth millions of dollars. The Seafarers Pension Plan is in fantastic shape, and eligible members can also take advantage of vacation benefits. Best of all in my view, Seafarers can upgrade at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland: the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The school is an open gateway for higher-paying jobs. We fought hard to make the school a reality, and I hope you share my pride in it. Upgrading takes sacrifice, but in the long run it pays off. And I don’t think you can find a similar opportunity in other industries, no matter where you go. Take advantage of the opportunities to increase your knowledge and make more money. Brothers and sisters, that’s a winning formula, and it’s a big part of what the SIU and the school offer. You Delivered The pandemic in some ways may feel like one big blur, but I want to point out that Seafarers delivered throughout this ordeal – and you continue getting the job done today. Going back to when this all started, we haven’t had a single ship lay up due to lack of manpower. On that note, I thank our rank-and-file membership, our port agents, patrolmen and staff, and our area vice presidents and assistant vice presidents. As always, it has taken a total team effort to get the job done. And as always, you’ve come through. Eye-Popping Numbers If you’ve read these columns for any length of time, you know I pick my spots when it comes to tossing out statistics. They can be a little too convenient at times, and context is very important. (You may have heard the very old saying that there are three kinds of lies: lies, darn lies, and statistics.) Nevertheless, this data hits like a sledgehammer, and I don’t think it’s open to misinterpretation. A closely estimated 99.5 percent of all COVID-19-related deaths in the United States occur among unvaccinated people, while 0.5 percent (half of one percent) of COVID deaths occur among vaccinated people. As you let that sink in, consider it part of my monthly plea to anyone who’s able to take the vaccine but hasn’t yet done so. I got vaccinated and I believe the vaccines are safe and effective. They’re essential to our continued ability to deliver. More importantly, they are proven life-savers. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 8 August 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Shipbuilders Honor U.S. Legislators Association Bestows ‘Maritime Leadership Awards’ to Industry Stalwarts Two legislators with long, steady histories of backing the United States maritime industry were honored recently in the nation’s capital. The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national association representing the U.S. shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair industry, on June 17 presented U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) and U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) with the SCA Maritime Leadership Award. According to the association, “The award is given annually to national leaders who demonstrate exemplary dedication and support for the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry.” “The American maritime industry is fortunate to have had Sen. Shelby as a strong advocate in the U.S. Senate throughout his impressive career,” said SCA President Matthew Paxton. “With this award, we recognize Sen. Shelby and his significant contributions and unwavering support for the industry, maritime workers, and the defense sector as he completes his final term.” As the vice chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Shelby has been instrumental in support for naval shipbuilding as a critical component of the U.S. defense industrial base. He has also been a strong advocate for the domestic maritime industry as a whole, by voicing his support for the positive impact of U.S. shipbuilding on jobs and the economy throughout the country. Shelby stated, “I am honored to receive this award on behalf of the Shipbuilders Council of America. The security of the nation must be our top priority, and the maritime industry is a critical part of our national defense. Our shipbuilders provide significant and essential support in the maintenance and modernization of our naval forces, our Coast Guard, and our commercial industry – creating thousands of good-paying jobs and driving economic growth in the process. I look forward to continuing to prioritize the work of our nation’s shipbuilding industry.” After presenting Garamen- U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) di’s award, Paxton said, “Rep. Garamendi has been a strong champion of the Jones Act and U.S. shipbuilding throughout his entire time in Congress. He understands the breadth of the domestic maritime industry and how the industry’s success is critical to our economic and national security, which can most recently be seen in his efforts to ensure the domestic maritime industry has a leading role in the development of offshore wind.” “I’m honored to receive the 2021 Maritime Leadership Award,” Garamendi said. “Supporting the U.S. maritime industry is critically important for our economy and national security. That’s why I’ve spent my tenure in Congress fighting to end Congressional neglect of our maritime industry by introducing my ‘Energizing American Shipbuilding Act,’ which would recapitalize America’s domestic shipbuilding and maritime industries by requiring increasing percentages of liquified natural gas (LNG) and crude oil exports to be transported on U.S.-built ships. As a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I will always fight to support our vital maritime industry.” Garamendi has been a strong proponent of the nation’s shipyard industrial base and American maritime industry as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and four of its subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transporta- U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) tion. In these roles, he advances his “Make it in America” agenda to create new middle-class jobs and rebuild infrastructure using American materials and workers. His role in developing legislation for the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) helped reaffirm Congressional support for the Jones Act and resulted in significant funds being put into the domestic maritime industry. Garamendi has also been a champion of the defense industry, as well as the country’s veterans and active duty members of the military, during his time serving as the Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, which oversees more than one-third of the Department of Defense’s authorization. Both legislators were given the awards during the SCA annual membership meeting. SCA members “constitute the shipyard industrial base that builds, repairs, maintains and modernizes U.S. Navy ships and craft, U.S. Coast Guard vessels of all sizes, as well as vessels for other U.S. government agencies. In addition, SCA members build, repair and service America’s fleet of commercial vessels,” the association noted. “The Council represents 40 companies that own and operate over 82 shipyards, with facilities on all three U.S. coasts, the Great Lakes, the inland waterways system, Alaska and Hawaii. SCA also represents 87 partner members that provide goods and services to the shipyard industry.” Union Wins Major Arbitration Award The SIU in late June won an arbitration decision that is expected to result in thousands of dollars’ worth of overtime being paid to eligible Seafarers employed by Crowley Maritime and its subsidiaries. New York-based arbitrator Jay Nadelbach on June 25 sided with the union in its efforts to secure compensation for mariners who were restricted to ship in domestic ports at any time from July 12, 2020 through August 25, 2020. It is unknown when payments will begin. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker stated, “I truly believe that this case was nothing more than an honest difference of opinion about interpreting contractual language. It has been obvious throughout the pandemic that the company has the members’ safety and best interests at heart. Nevertheless, I obviously agree with the arbitrator’s decision, and look forward to eligible members being compensated.” As noted both during the March 23 hearing (conducted online) and in the ruling, this grievance proved unique. It centered on a pandemic-induced circumstance that simply hadn’t been considered before last year – namely, that American mariners could be restricted to ship in U.S. ports. Representing the SIU during the hearing were Tricker and, from the union’s legal department, Leslie Tarantola, Stan Dubin and Zachary Chase. The union and the company are in the process of identifying all unlicensed mariners who were aboard the company’s vessels during that specific time, while the vessels were in domestic ports. The union will forward settlement checks to the respective ports where the mariners are registered, for distribution. August 2021 �Health care professionals board a foreign-flag ship near New Haven, Connecticut, earlier this summer to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to crew members who want them. (Photo courtesy Hill Health Center) AB Patricia Placek gets vaccinated while upgrading at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland Recent Cases Remind All: Pandemic Not Done CDC Continues Strong Advocacy for COVID-19 Vaccinations Worldwide progress against the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, but the union recently got some unwelcome reminders that it’s definitely not finished. Six Seafarers from the Maersk Montana, two from the Millville (Keystone) and three from the USNS Curtiss (Crow- ley) tested positive for the novel coronavirus while aboard the respective vessels (as did some officers from each ship). All of them bounced back, but three from the Maersk ship had been hospitalized in Bahrain, including two who spent time in the intensive care unit. Perhaps as if to underscore the im- Presidential Encouragement SIU President Michael Sacco addresses Seafarers, apprentices and other attendees July 6 at the membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. He encouraged people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and also stressed the importance of taking advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated school. August 2021 portance of vaccines, four of the five relief crew members sent for the Montana tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding. All had been vaccinated. The lone individual who wasn’t vaccinated, tested positive (and therefore didn’t sign onto the ship). Across the United States, more than 159.3 million people had been fully vaccinated around press time, and nearly 25 million others had received the first dose of a two-shot regimen against the virus. Within the SIU, most (though not all) personnel at union headquarters, the hiring halls and the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, had been fully vaccinated before Independence Day. As previously reported, recently updated rules at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education allow fully vaccinated individuals to leave the base, though numerous safeguards remain in place. The school also continues working with local health agencies to facilitate vaccinations for students and staff who want them. Two other pandemic-related topics dominated recent headlines: the delta variant, and the question about whether vaccine boosters are needed. On July 9, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a joint statement that rules out any current need for booster shots. The statement reads, “The United States is fortunate to have highly effective vaccines that are widely available for those aged 12 and up. People who are fully vaccinated are protected from severe disease and death, including from the variants currently circulating in the country such as Delta. People who are not vaccinated remain at risk. Virtually all COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are among those who are unvaccinated. We encourage Americans who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their community. “Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time,” the statement continued. “FDA, CDC, and NIH (National Institutes of Health) are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary. This process takes into account laboratory data, clinical trial data, and cohort data – which can include data from specific pharmaceutical companies, but does not rely on those data exclusively. We continue to review any new data as it becomes available and will keep the public informed. We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed.” Also on July 9, the CDC updated its “Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools,” essentially advocating for a return to in-person instruction this fall. In part, the updated guidance reads, “Vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Promoting vaccination can help schools safely return to in-person learning as well as extracurricular activities and sports. Masks should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated. Consistent and correct mask use by people who are not fully vaccinated is especially important indoors and in crowded settings, when physical distancing cannot be maintained.” Moreover, as of mid-July, delta variant of COVID-19 was present in all 50 states and already had become dominant in many parts of the country. It had grown in prevalence by a factor of five in less than one month. “Although we expected the delta variant to become the dominant strain in the United States, this rapid rise is troubling,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said during a White House news briefing in early July. Elsewhere, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) continues spearheading efforts to improve vaccine access for mariners around the world. That work has proven successful in the U.S., where at least 20,000 foreign crew members had been vaccinated in 72 American cities as of early July, according to SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who also chairs the ITF Seafarers’ Section. Seafarers LOG 3 �Three New Contracts Undergo Ratification Seafarers could be forgiven for wondering if there’s a calendar somewhere that lists 2021 as the year of the contract. Three more SIU agreements recently were ratified, on top of a half-dozen that were finalized earlier in the year – and more are on the way. The most recent pacts cover members at Matson Navigation, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning (Crowley ATBs), and Argent Marine, respectively. Matson A new five-year agreement between Matson Navigation and the SIU has been reached. The new contract took effect July 1. Highlights include yearly increases in wages and wage-related items, plus increased pension contributions and a conditional cost-of-living adjustment. In addition, members will receive increases to meal allowances, and gain the newest federal holiday, Juneteenth, which occurs on June 19 every year. Representing the SIU on the negotiat- ing committee were Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and Port Agent Nick Marrone II. Also involved in their own respective negotiations were two SIUNAaffiliated unions: the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, represented by President Dave Connolly, and the Marine Firemen’s Union, represented by President/Secretary Treasurer Anthony Poplawski. Intrepid/Crowley ATB SIU boatmen have ratified a new three-year agreement covering more than 250 Seafarers employed by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning aboard company-operated articulated tug and barge units. The contract includes wage gains plus boosts to maternity leave benefits, subsistence and the reimbursement for safety shoes. Modifications to work schedules have been incorporated along with the consolidation of work rules. The agreement maintains Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan medical coverage at the top level (Core Plus), along with pension benefits. The SIU negotiating team included Assistant Vice President Michael Russo, Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins, Captain Larry Soulier, Chief Mate Coronado Hickman, AB Chad Cunningham and Engineers Chris Surehoffer and Jimmy Broussard. Russo said, “It was a difficult negotiation, but the committee stood fast and we were able to hammer out a deal that was beneficial to all the members.” Argent Marine The SIU also recently secured a new three-year contract with Argent Marine. The contract, negotiated by SIU Vice Pres- ident of Contracts George Tricker and SIU Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins, includes wage increases all three years, and maintains pension contributions throughout. Hopkins described the bargaining as “tough but successful.” He added, “Any time we can negotiate gains for our members, it is a good thing, and shows the company wants to do right by their employees.” Earlier in the year, the union secured new contracts with Inland Lakes Management, American Steamship Company, Crescent Towing, Seabulk Towing, OSG (inland), and Penn Terminal, among others. Aboard Maersk Michigan The Independence Day spread aboard the Maersk Line, Limited vessel was a big hit, as reflected by these photos (submitted by vessel master Capt. T. Pham). Visit the SIU Facebook page for additional snapshots. QMED Joshua Bonita, QMED Fontanos Elllison, Capt. T. Pham Tolan is pictured near a Sea-Land ship many years ago (above) and, in the other snapshot, more recently. Industry Pioneer Tolan Dies at 88 David J. Tolan, a longtime Sea-Land executive who helped modernize the American maritime industry, died July 6 in Cary, North Carolina. He was 88. A former mariner, Tolan came ashore in 1957 to work for Alcoa Steamship Co., and became an industry stalwart for decades. His tenure included serving as senior vice president of labor relations at SIU-contracted Sea-Land from 1985 until he retired in 1999 (he subsequently opened a consulting business). Tolan’s other posts with Sea-Land included executive vice president of the Americas Division and vice president of human resources. Tolan also headed up organizations that negotiated key agreements with shipboard and shore-side labor unions, including the U.S. Maritime Alliance, the Carriers Container Council, and the American Maritime Association (which includes companies that are signatory to the SIU’s standard contracts). He is also considered one of the pioneers of containerization. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez worked with Tolan many times. “He was an honest guy,” Tellez said. “He didn’t play games and you always knew where he was coming from. I thought he was fair and he understood that a contract had to be a winwin.” Former Horizon Lines CEO Chuck Raymond told the Journal of Commerce (JOC), “Dave was able to achieve incredible results through his creativity, energy and strong and compassionate understanding of the workplace and the special role laborers played in shipping worldwide.” Tolan received the Admiral of the Ocean Seas award from the United Seamen’s Service in 2000. During the ceremony, he stated, “I’ve been involved with labor at every level for a long time and I have learned that the most important message we can give to the unions is 4 Seafarers LOG Chief Steward Gerard Cox, GVA Gene Ajoste that real job security could only come from their ability and willingness to adapt to change.” One online remembrance of Tolan credited him with being “especially influential in building positive longshore labor relations on the East and Gulf Coasts after decades of strife.” A New York City native, Tolan sailed as a deck officer for six years. He graduated from the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler. Anthony Scioscia, who also worked as a senior labor relations official with Sea-Land, told the JOC that Tolan “was instrumental in aligning the union activities to the new container movement, including not just the longshore labor unions, but the seagoing unions as well. His efforts brought the labor movement and management into sync in terms of containerization and in doing so, he was very effective. The unions … might not have agreed with him, but they certainly respected him.” AB Carlos Zapata August 2021 �Trumka Underscores PRO Act’s Benefits The head of America’s largest labor federation recently said it’s time to enact pro-worker legislation that would reshape the country for the better. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, a longtime friend of the SIU, spoke June 29 during an online meeting organized by Jobs With Justice, a workers’ rights organization. He recalled his own experience as a coal miner, and then explained the urgency of passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which is the labor movement’s top legislative priority. The U.S. House of Representatives already passed the bill, and President Biden is an outspoken advocate of it. However, support in the Senate has been stuck at slightly less than a majority, and the threat of a filibuster also looms. Trumka said the AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated, believes that “the single best agent for change is the PRO Act. We must pass the PRO Act so that the 60 million workers who want to join a union right now can do so freely and fairly. We also recognize that the majority of working people are women and people of color. And when working people organize, the power of our unity eclipses the differences between us. That’s why passing the PRO Act is not just about rising wages, it’s about racial justice and gender justice, immigrant rights and LGBTQ rights. Collective action and collective power would lift more families and communities to a better life, in urban centers and Appalachia, in big tech and the American south. Like the New Deal and the civil rights movement, the PRO Act will have a multiplying effect, boosting efforts to fight climate change, win racial justice and fix our democracy.” But, he added, the labor movement can’t do it alone. “We need a broader coalition to win – one as big and broad as the hopes and aspirations of the American people,” Trumka stated. “You can’t change America if you don’t change our labor laws…. What we do in these next AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (left), pictured in a file photo, gave an impassioned speech earlier this summer about the value of the PRO Act. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) utilized one of his recent LOG editorials to strongly back the pro-worker legislation. weeks and months and over the next year may well set the table for decades. And I am absolutely convinced that we have the public’s support, the president’s support and the resources and brainpower in each of our organizations to come together and shock the world.” Despite skepticism about the bill’s prospects, Trumka said he’s optimistic. “Let me say this as clearly as I can,” he de- Aboard Cape Intrepid Pictured aboard the Ocean Duchess vessel during a shipyard activation period (June 25-July 2) in Portland, Oregon, are (from left in each photo) (above) Chief Steward Ingra Maddox, Chief Cook Keesha Holloway and SA Abduljalil Ahmed; (below, left) GVA Ahmed Kassem and OS Malek Ahmed; and (below, right), (a Seafaring selfie) AB Antoinne Kelly, GVA Ahmed Kassem, OS Malek Ahmed and Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa. August 2021 clared. “We passed the PRO Act in the House. The president has urged Congress to send it to his desk. And for that we need 50 votes in the Senate. Fifty real votes. Fifty senators that are not playing procedural games or looking to run out the clock. That’s all we need. It’s written right there in the Constitution plain as day – the Senate runs by a simple majority. “This is not the time for excuses or equivo- cation,” he continued. “We need consistent, relentless forward motion…. Though on any given day we will have targets, this fight has to be a national fight in every state. Though we have a calendar, we must commit to fighting until we win. And we must be ready to lift up those who join us and hold those who stand in our way accountable, no matter which political party they come from.” He reminded attendees that the federation scheduled an action week for late July and encouraged broad participation. Earlier in his speech, Trumka said the collective strength available through unions is what sold him on membership. He saw the benefits of a union contract in his own home and in his community in Pennsylvania. “But in the years since, those rights have been hacked away,” he said. “Workers who try to improve their lives are far too often met with retaliation, intimidation, loss of employment, and the list goes on. And this silencing of working people has profoundly hurt our country and threatened our democracy.” The erosion of workers’ rights that has corresponded with drops in union membership harms America, Trumka said. Such deterioration has led to “wages held down for decades as profits skyrocket, and runaway inequality. Inequality of income, opportunity and most of all, power. Our democracy is hanging on by a thread as private equity billionaires fund legal attacks on voting rights and inspire actual terrorist attacks on our Capitol. “This must change,” he said. “America must build a future based on democracy – political democracy and democracy at work. We must make big, structural change that empowers all working people…. The stakes are as high as they could be: our economic future, our democracy. The PRO Act is the path to a brighter day, a stronger country and a future worthy of our children.” Week Highlights Need for Mariners, Ships In early May, the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) announced it was partnering with the Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) to solicit articles on strategic sealift. These articles were posted online during what was dubbed “Strategic Sealift Week” in late June, and included insights from eight different subject matter experts. They examined different components of the American maritime industry, but concluded – without exception – that U.S. mariners and American-flag bottoms remain crucial to protecting national, economic and homeland security. Salvatore R. Mercogliano focused on the history of the merchant marine, and the importance of civilian crews operating militarily-useful ships. Mercogliano, a former merchant mariner and an adjunct professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, pointed out, “Following the Vietnam War, the fleet of troopships and government-owned freighters were largely eliminated, with movement of personnel shifting to aircraft and contracts awarded to American shipping companies to handle cargo. [The Military Sealift Command] also rediscovered an old mission when the oiler Taluga was transferred to their control and the Navy crew replaced by merchant mariners. Civilian crews on Navy supply ships date back to the age of sail, and in the modern Navy to 1899, when the fuel ship USS Alexander received a merchant marine crew. That mode of crewing ended at the start of the First World War. But with the Navy facing personnel issues and the priority to crew warships over auxiliaries, the Navy resurrected this concept. “Over the span of decades, civilian crewing of auxiliaries grew with MSC operating not only shuttle ships – those that provide fuel and supplies from shore facilities – but to station ships providing underway replenishment to strike groups,” he continued. “The first MSC station ship went online in 1991. By the time of the Iraq War in 2003, half of the oilers, store and ammunition station ships supporting strike groups were operated by MSC. In 2010, the last Navy auxiliary transitioned over to civilian merchant marine crews. This change, along with a realignment of missions in the mid-1990s that transferred container operations to U.S. Transportation Command, oriented MSC to more of a Navy fleet support vice cargo mission.” James Caponiti addressed the importance of civilian mariners. Caponiti, a 37-year veteran of the Maritime Administration, said, “The availability of a trained and qualified mariner pool sufficient to support the activation and operation of the U.S. Government’s surge sealift assets is a key element of U.S. strategy and planning. This organic lift includes the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Ready Reserve Force (RRF) which currently numbers 41 ships and the Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) 19 Large MediumSpeed Roll-on Roll-off ships (LMSRs). These vessels are maintained by commercial ship managers in prescribed levels of readiness and outported in reduced operating status (ROS) in commercial berths or in government facilities, available to be activated when crises arise. To promote readi- ness and to enable rapid transition to operational capability, ROS vessels are partially crewed while idle. Once activated and fully crewed, all of these assets, RRF and LMSR alike, fall under MSC’s operational control. The surge sealift capabilities comprised from these vessels enable deployment of combat forces in the early stages of a conflict. Of course, the vessels themselves are essentially useless without trained civilian crews to maintain and operate them. “The government relies on a partnership with U.S.-flag operators and maritime labor organizations to assure access to commercial sealift capability and civilian merchant mariners,” he continued. “The investment also works to ensure the continued viability of both a U.S.-flag fleet engaged in international trade and the pool of seafarers to crew those vessels. Without a viable U.S.-flag commercial fleet, and the American merchant mariners this fleet supports, the United States would be unable to deploy and effectively sustain its military forces on a global basis.” Dan Gouré, Ph.D., a vice president at the public-policy research think tank Lexington Institute, described the importance of recapitalization. “Over the past several decades, the number of hulls in the government-owned portion of the strategic sealift fleet (the RRF and MSC) has declined and those that remain are aging badly,” he explained. “In testimony, the then-MARAD Administrator (Mark) Buzby warned the House Armed Services Committee that the RRF and MSC surge sealift fleets, about half of the total strategic sealift capability available to the military, are aging severely and in need of recapitalization. To underscore the problem, MARAD and MSC conducted a ‘turbo activation’ exercise designed to test their ability to surge for a major contingency in September 2019. Of the 39 vessels that were called on to support the exercise, only 25 were ready for tasking and just 16 were able to operate at the expected level of performance. (Seafarers LOG editor’s note: None of the perceived shortfalls during the activation involved the crews, but instead the vessels themselves.) “This test simulated what is possibly the most serious vulnerability the U.S. military faces in preparing for a highend conflict,” he continued. “The lack of adequate strategic sealift could outright negate the billions of dollars the U.S. military is investing in next-generation platforms and weapons systems. The military will not be able to get these ‘wonder weapons’ to the fight or support them if they are deployed. According to the U.S. Army’s G-4 logistics directorate: ‘Without proactive recapitalization of the Organic Surge Sealift Fleet, the Army will face unacceptable risk in force projection capability beginning in 2024.’” He concluded, “It should seem obvious that the recapitalization of the strategic sealift force should be at the top of the Pentagon’s list of modernization objectives. If DoD truly desired to fully secure its strategic sealift capability, it would actively work to do so by recapitalizing the U.S. sealift fleet with ships designed and built in the United States.” Maj. John Bowser stressed the importance of the nation’s sealift capabilities, citing potential conflict with China. Seafarers LOG 5 �UMWA President Cecil Roberts (left) and MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan rally with striking Mine Workers in Alabama USW Local 13-423 Secretary-Treasurer Karla Konning (left) and President Darrell Kyle (center) receive the MTD strike fund donation from Fr. Sinclair Oubre. MTD Stands in Solidarity with Union Strikers The Maritime Trades Department (MTD) recently expressed its support for 1,100 striking Mine Workers (UMWA) in Brookwood, Alabama, who have entered their third month on the picket lines against Warrior Met Coal. The SIU is an affiliate of the MTD, which is a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO. SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as MTD president. MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan joined several picket sites, then participated in a solidarity rally on June 23 just west of Birmingham, Alabama. He told the Mine Workers (an MTD affiliate) that the department, its affiliates and its port councils would stand with them until they return to work. In addition to the words and action, the MTD presented UMWA President Cecil Roberts with a check for the strike fund. The miners have been on strike since April 1, seeking better pay and benefits. The UMWA negotiated a contract with Warrior Met five years ago that reduced wages and benefits in order to keep the mines operating when that company took over for bankrupt Walter Energy. The coal is used for steel production in Asia, Europe and South America. The union noted on its website, “While upper management was getting New SAB Allows For Extended Tours As announced during the July membership meetings, the Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) recently took action that extends the maximum tour of duty for A- and B-seniority Seafarers above entry ratings. This step was taken due to ongoing effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Full text of the new regulation follows. SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD Action Number 484 (Setting Specific Parameters for Action 481) WHEREAS, Article IX entitled Shipping Rules, Sections 7. and 9. grant the sole and exclusive authority to administer and/or amend the shipping rules to the Seafarers Appeals Board; and WHEREAS, by prior action the Seafarers Appeals Board has amended the Shipping Rules to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various U.S.-flagged vessels, in particularly Action Number 481 which suspended Shipping Rules 2, 4 and 5 to be in sync with established Coronavirus Precautionary Protocols; and WHEREAS, pursuant to this grant of authority and in accordance with the current state of emergencies declared by the Federal Government and by the majority of U.S. States and taking into account world-wide conditions and emergencies resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic the Seafarers Appeals Board has decided, while adhering to the provisions of Action 481, to implement specific altered tours of duty within suspended Shipping Rules 2, 4 and 5. NOW THEREFORE, with the afore- 6 Seafarers LOG mentioned in mind the Seafarers Appeals Board hereby takes the following additional actions regarding specified “A” Seniority Permanent & Trip Reliefs and “B” Seniority.  Amend Article IX, Rule 2. Shipping Procedure, G. (17.), (a) to provide for the following specific extension of “B” Seniority maximum employment as specified below. (17.) (a) Except as specifically provided for herein or by SAB action, seamen with Class “B” seniority ratings, shipped pursuant to these Rules, may retain such jobs for three hundred and sixty (360) days and shall request a relief before their one hundred and eightieth (180th) day of employment. At the termination of such round trip or on the first opportunity following the three hundred and sixtieth (360th) day on the job, such seamen shall sign off their vessels and the vacant job shall be referred to the Union hiring hall. Such retention may be extended sixty (60) days when mutually agreed to between the Union and the Company. The remainder of this rule shall remain in full force and effect within the alterations of SAB Action 481  Amend Article IX, Rule 5 Preference and Priority, A., (13.) Trip Reliefs and Permeant Ratings to extend the maximum tour of duty for “A” Seniority Seamen. This Action shall not amend the seventy-five (75) day criteria for designation as “Permanent” nor the list of those that may be deemed as permanent. (a) The following specified ratings enumerated in this subsection (a), possessing Class “A” seniority, upon completing a tour of duty aboard a specified vessel of no less, or as close to, seventy-five (75) bonuses, UMWA miners took pay and benefit cuts.” Just a day before Duncan was in Alabama, about one dozen of the strikers marched in front of three hedge fund headquarters along Wall Street in New York City. Dressed in the union’s camouflage logo T-shirts, they were joined on those lines by Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson and Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union President Stuart Applebaum. (Applebaum was returning the solidarity shown by the Alabama UMWA members during the recent effort to organize an Amazon distribution center in nearby days and no more, or as close to, one hundred and eight (180) days, shall be designated as having permanent status for such vessel and shall request a relief of no less, or as close to, forty-five (45) days and no more, or as close to, sixty (60) days depending on the vessel’s schedule of operations, upon the vessel’s arrival at a port in the Continental United States or Puerto Rico or other mutually agreed to port. Subsequent tours aboard the vessel for permanent personnel shall be between seventy-five (75) and one hundred and eighty (180) days duration as agreed by the seaman and the Company at time of their sign-on for each tour. Transportation expenses for the seaman requesting a relief and the seaman providing a relief shall be borne by the Company. The remainder of this rule shall remain in full force and effect within the alterations of SAB Action 481  Amend Article IX, Rule 5 Preference and Priority, A., (13), (r), (2) & (4) Tanker Employment (2) [“A” Seniority] During the specific period of employment their tours of duty shall be scheduled at approximately a two-to-one employment ratio with time on of no less, or as close to seventy-five (75) days and no more, or as close to one hundred and eighty (180) days of employment between periods of time off of no less, or as close to forty-five (45) days and no more, or as close to sixty (60) days of time off. Work schedules may be modified subject to the vessel’s operational necessities, and as mutually agreed to between the Union and the Company. Transportation expenses for the seaman requesting a relief and the seaman providing a relief shall be borne by the Company. (4) Seamen possessing Class “B” employment seniority employed above the Entry Level aboard tanker class vessels in the domestic trades upon mutual consent may request a relief of forty-five (45) days upon completion of no less than ninety (90) days employment. Subsequent tours of duty shall be no less than Bessemer.) UMWA District 20 International Vice President Larry Spencer announced during the rally that talks would resume in July. Meanwhile, 650 United Steelworkers (USW) from Local 13-423 have been walking picket lines since May 1 when ExxonMobil locked them out of its Beaumont, Texas, refinery. The MTD also sent support to the local’s strike fund as the USW is an affiliate. Father Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member who is the Diocesan Director for the Apostleship of the Sea in Beaumont, presented the MTD donation to Local 13423’s officers. ninety (90) days and no more than one hundred and eight (180) days, based on vessel necessity. The remainder of this rule shall remain in full force and effect within the alterations of SAB Action 481  Amend Article IX, Rule 5 Preference and Priority, A., (13), (t), (2) & (4) Freightship Employment (2) [“A” Seniority] During the specific period of employment their tours of duty shall be scheduled at approximately a two-to-one employment ratio with time on of no less, or as close to seventy-five (75) days and no more, or as close to one hundred and eighty(180) days of employment between periods of time off of no less, or as close to forty-five (45) days and no more, or as close to sixty days (60) of time off. Work schedules may be modified subject to the vessel’s operational necessities, and as mutually agreed to between the Union and the Company. Transportation expenses for the seaman requesting a relief and the seaman providing a relief shall be borne by the Company. (4) Seamen possessing Class “B” employment seniority employed above the Entry Level may request a relief of fortyfive (45) days upon completion of no less than ninety (90) days of employment. Such relief will only be provided in a domestic port and subject to the vessel’s operational necessities. Transportation if any shall be borne by the seaman requesting and the seaman providing relief. Subsequent tours of duty shall be no less than ninety (90) days and no more than one hundred and eight (180) days, based on vessel necessity. The remainder of this rule shall remain in full force and effect within the alterations of SAB Action 481 This action will be reviewed every fourteen days and will be kept in place until such time that the parties have determined that the current emergency no longer exists. July 2021 �SIU Crews Help Ensure Success of Military Exercise A pair of SIU-crewed vessels, the USNS Bob Hope and USNS Yuma, played key roles in the recently completed Defender-Europe 21, an annual, large-scale U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led, multinational, joint exercise. Conducted from March through June, Defender-Europe 21 was designed to build strategic and operational readiness and interoperability between U.S. and NATO allies and partners by testing America’s ability to move troops, cargo and vehicles overseas. The exercise involved some 30,000 U.S. troops (members of the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve included) along with allied and partner forces from 27 nations. The Bob Hope, a large, medium-speed, roll-on, roll-off ship (LMSR) operated by U.S. Marine Management, in early March sailed out of the Pacific northwest before loading in the Ports of Jacksonville, Florida, and Portsmouth, Virginia, on its way across the Atlantic to the Adriatic Sea in Durres, Albania. The vessel’s cargo comprised more than 700 pieces of Army light infantry brigade equipment including Humvees, trucks, and light artillery. The USNS Yuma, an expeditionary fast transport vessel crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, also participated in the exercise. Once the Bob Hope and its cargo arrived in Europe at its predetermined location, crew members aboard the vessel and personnel from several other deployed military units took part in a Joint Logistics Over the Shore Operations (JLOTS) exercise. Such exercises test and hone the Army’s and Navy’s capabilities to conduct ship-to-shore logistics and open a strategic port to support surge forces and equipment. JLOTS maneuvers allow U.S. strategic sealift ships to anchor near coastlines and download combat equipment and forces for transport to shore when existing ports are inadequate or damaged, or if access is denied. JLOTS watercraft can also be used to reposition units and materials within a theater. The Bob Hope prepares to discharge military equipment onto floating platforms during Defender-Europe 21. During this JLOTS exercise, the Bob Hope discharged more than 800 pieces of equipment using Navy floating causeway ferries and Army Logistics Support Vessels to deliver cargo to the shore. Equipment was also transported by the UNSN Yuma and a British roll-on/roll-off ship to Zadar, Croatia, demonstrating distributed logistics as part of the JLOTS exercise. The Navy also used the Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System to stream fuel from a barge to a tank on shore, the Army’s Fuel System Supply Point. Personnel from the U.S Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) also participated in the JLOTS, and the role they played was vital. Essentially, USTRANSCOM was tasked with assessing the capability and interoperability of the Army and Navy in delivering this critical capability to a geographic combatant commander. “Our ability to integrate the Army and Navy for ship-to-shore logistics is essential, and JLOTS is one way we exercise and improve this capability,” said U.S. Army Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, commander of USTRANSCOM, in a command new release on Defender-Europe 21. “We must be ready to respond to crisis on a moment’s notice and project the Joint Force anywhere across the globe.” With 85 percent of U.S. forces based in the United States, nearly 90 percent of military equipment is expected to deploy via sealift in a major conflict. JLOTS exercises test the Joint Force’s ability to move from the U.S. to various locations around the world and open a logistics hub to provide vital supplies, equipment, and forces to support military operations or humanitarian assistance during disaster relief missions. “The strategic significance of exercising a port opening alongside our allies and partners in southeastern Europe and surging forces and equipment onward underscores USTRANSCOM’s mission to provide a large-scale response anywhere in the world, in order to assure our allies, deter our adversaries, and ensure our national leaders always have options,” added Lyons. SIU members aboard the Bob Hope just before, during and just after the exercise period included: Bosun Bryan Hayden; ABs Joseph Eaton, Harsono Saratoga, Rommel Ines Martinez-Arriola and Damon Zschoche; Ordinary Seamen Xavier Brown, Elbert Irvine III and Tomesha Wood; QMED Ryan Palmer, QEE Terrell Cuffee, QE4s Gabriel Freeman and Jason Fuller, Wiper Abdulrehman Shayef, Chief Cook Joseph Huls, ACU Brandy Griffin, SAs Raenell Brewster, Kaberlyn Daniel, and Arkala Williams; SB Kenneth Epps and Storekeeper Joedy Lee. Heartfelt Gift from the Crew of the MV Capt. David I. Lyon While the MV Capt. David I. Lyon (Sealift) was in Palau earlier this summer, the crew chipped in and had a local “storyboard” made for Jeannie Lyon, mother of the vessel’s namesake. The wooden board is 18 by 27 inches and depicts the story of the breadfruit tree. Capt. David Lyon, a logistics officer from Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, was killed in action in Afghanistan Dec. 27, 2013. The ship was named in his memory in January 2015. August 2021 Seafarers LOG 7 �Artist’s rendering (above) of future USNS Robert F. Kennedy. In photo at right, longtime shipyard employee Francisco Medina (right) oversees the ceremonial cut of the first piece of steel for the new ship. (All images courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO) Construction Starts on USNS Kennedy New jobs for CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division are on the horizon following the recent start of construction on the USNS Robert F. Kennedy in San Diego. The Kennedy is being built at General Dynamics NASSCO, a union shipyard, for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). It’s the fourth in a series of six John Lewis-class fleet oilers. The others are the USNS John Lewis, USNS Harvey Milk, USNS Earl Warren, USNS Lucy Stone and USNS Sojourner Truth. Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, the 742-feet vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, with the capacity to carry 162,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and up to a speed of 20 knots. Each ship will have accommodations for up to 125 individuals. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the shipyard hosted a hybrid online/in-person ceremony to kick off construction. Francisco Medina, a longtime NASSCO employee, initiated the first cut of steel that will be used to construct the vessel. “Today, we celebrate a time-honored tradition that marks the beginning of production for the ship and to celebrate the life and service of the ship’s namesake Robert F. Kennedy,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “This ship represents the thousands of men and women who have worked hard to make this ship class a success.” Kennedy was a Navy veteran, former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Senator from New York. “USNS Robert F. Kennedy will provide significant contributions to the fleet, serving as the primary fuel pipeline to refuel ships at sea. The building of the John Lewis-class ships marks an important milestone in enhancing our Navy’s fleet capabilities and providing critical support to our Sailors,” said John Lighthammer, a program manager for the Navy. According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, “Although the role of fleet oilers might not be considered as glamorous as that of other Navy ships, fleet oilers are critical to the Navy’s ability to operate in forward-deployed areas around the world on a sustained basis. The U.S. Navy’s ability to perform UNREP operations in a safe and efficient manner on a routine basis is a skill that many other navies lack. An absence of fleet oilers would significantly complicate the Navy’s ability to operate at sea on a sustained basis in areas such as the Western Pacific or the Indian Ocean/Persian Gulf region.” The USNS John Lewis was launched earlier this year, while the USNS Harvey Milk and USNS Earl Warren are under construction. General Dynamics NASSCO President Dave Carver joins the ceremony virtually. Spotlight on Mariner Health Hypertension: Know the Risks Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. There are several important considerations about blood pressure that can help individuals avoid related problems. Remember that blood pressure is more than just a number that is written in one’s medical chart. Hypertension is one of the most pressing public health challenges around the world. It is clearly recognized as the biggest contributor to the burden of disease in society today. A person’s blood vessels are like a series of pipes in a home. These pipes/blood vessels deliver needed blood, nutrients, and oxygen to all the organs in the body. If the pressure in the vessels becomes too high, it can damage that vessel or what it connects to – such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Blood pressure must be controlled to maintain the health of the body and the organs in that body. High blood pressure is a big deal! Blood pressure tends to increase as people age. It rarely causes any symptoms until it is too late. Keeping a check on one’s blood pressure is key to maintaining his or her overall health. Hypertension affects about 121 million adults in the United States, per the American Heart Association. It is defined as a systolic blood pressure (top number) of 130 or higher or a diastolic pressure (bottom number) of 80 or higher that stays high over a period of time. It is recommended that people who 8 Seafarers LOG have a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease pay very close attention to their blood pressure and follow up with their doctor for any treatments. People can reduce the risk of hypertension by maintaining a healthful body weight, exercising, not smoking, and avoiding stressors. Managing hypertension will protect a person’s brain and reduce the risk of stroke. It also decreases the likelihood of dementia and boosts cognitive function. Limiting one’s fat and sodium intake are very important in a person’s diet. Balancing sodium and potassium intake is crucial to help in the regulation of blood flow through the blood vessels and cells in the body. The DASH or Mediterranean diet offers a healthy balance of nutrients, potassiumrich foods, and low-fat dairy products. Little changes in one’s daily routines can make a big difference in a person’s life. Control body weight, and get some type of exercise daily. Walking will increase heart rate and cardiac output to help nourish the vessels and organs of the body. It also helps to relieve stress. Moreover, smokers have higher blood pressure, on average, than non-smokers. There are many new medications on the market today to help with the control of hypertension. Follow your doctor’s advice and keep appointments so that he or she can monitor you and adjust medications as needed. Stay active and be informed on your blood pressure so that you can be healthy! Healthy Recipe Baked Cod with Coconut Basil Sauce Servings: 25 Main Ingredients 7 1/2 pounds cod fillet 1/4 cup gallic pepper seasoning 1 tablespoon kosher salt 3 tablespoons olive oil Sauce Recipe 1/4 cup garlic, minced fine 3/4 cup onion, small chopped 3/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1 quart coconut milk 1/4 cup chili paste 2 tablespoons ginger root, peeled and grated 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/4 cup green onion, sliced 1/2 cup basil, fresh, chopped To Make Sauce: Preheat sauce pan over medium heat. When several drops of water sprinkled in pan skitter and dissipate, add garlic, onions and peppers. Saute for 3-4 minutes until softened. In a bowl, mix coconut milk, ginger, chili paste, lime juice and salt. Add to pan and cover. Then reduce heat to low and cook sauce for 5-7 minutes. Reduce sauce slightly and thicken. Turn off heat. Add scallions and basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. To Cook The Cod: Cut the cod into 5oz. fillets. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the cod. Season with garlic pepper and kosher salt. Place the seasoned cod into 2” hotel pans. Bake in a 350° F oven for 15 minutes, uncovered. Internal temp. of 145° F. Pour off any excess liquid from the cooked fish. Sauce each fillet with the coconut basil sauce. Serve hot. Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 229 Calories; 12g Fat (46.1% calories from fat); 26g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 59mg Cholesterol; 435mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 3 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 Fat. (Recipe courtesy of Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) August 2021 �Notice from U.S. Coast Guard Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea REC New York Closes Doors for Relocation Regional Exam Center (REC) New York’s historical location in the Battery Park building is undergoing a major renovation that is expected to last a minimum of 12 months. During the renovation, REC New York is being relocated to an alternate office space in lower Manhattan. To affect this move, the REC examination room was closed on Monday, June 28, 2021, and is expected to reopen in the new location on Monday, July 26, 2021. During this closure, mariner applications may still be e-mailed to RECNY@uscg.mil. Mariners seeking to complete examinations during this period should consider testing at another REC. Additional REC locations and application submission information can be found on the National Maritime Center (NMC) website. The new location for REC New York is 201 Varick St., 9th Floor, Suite 904, New York, NY 10014. The NMC will issue additional information and update the NMC website confirming the reopening date, examination room hours, how to schedule an exam, and building access provisions for the new facility. The NMC Customer Service Center remains open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Mariners may reach our call center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) and IASKNMC@uscg.mil. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, vaccination and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. August & September Membership Meetings Piney Point.............Monday: August 2, *Tuesday: September 7 “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 11-July 12. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 12. Total Registered Port A All Groups B Total Shipped C A Registered on Beach All Groups B C Trip Reliefs 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 3 6 2 1 2 1 1 0 2 0 3 0 1 28 4 1 0 9 0 3 3 19 16 8 1 5 5 1 0 2 4 11 2 9 103 All Groups B C 33 1 5 40 7 19 13 72 66 57 3 13 36 26 9 2 14 39 8 46 509 11 3 0 17 0 4 3 28 35 12 0 4 21 5 2 0 5 14 2 11 177 3 1 0 5 0 5 0 10 8 5 1 0 8 5 1 0 0 7 1 6 66 A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 19 2 5 28 2 13 9 45 33 38 2 8 19 14 3 1 8 24 6 30 309 9 3 0 10 0 4 2 22 19 11 2 3 11 3 1 2 2 10 3 8 125 3 1 0 4 1 3 0 9 8 4 2 0 7 2 0 1 0 3 1 4 53 Deck Department 14 4 2 1 3 0 12 9 1 0 7 4 6 3 25 21 17 15 21 7 4 3 8 5 16 5 9 1 0 1 1 2 3 3 21 6 1 1 22 13 193 104 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 1 4 7 0 4 2 17 18 7 4 3 16 7 3 0 6 15 1 9 129 0 0 0 9 0 2 3 11 11 6 0 2 11 1 0 2 3 4 1 10 76 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 2 0 0 2 3 1 0 1 4 1 1 23 Engine Department 4 1 0 0 1 0 6 4 0 0 3 0 2 1 16 4 16 12 7 3 1 0 1 4 7 4 1 0 1 0 1 3 1 2 8 4 0 0 9 6 85 48 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 11 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 10 14 4 1 1 4 1 0 1 1 8 0 6 57 6 3 5 11 2 7 9 25 33 11 5 3 18 10 3 2 9 25 3 15 205 2 1 0 9 1 4 4 21 15 7 0 2 25 7 1 4 7 10 4 12 136 2 0 0 5 0 2 0 3 4 2 2 1 4 4 1 0 1 3 0 1 35 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 1 0 10 2 7 9 15 17 8 0 0 15 13 2 2 5 9 0 21 141 2 0 0 9 0 3 2 8 12 2 0 3 14 6 0 1 3 2 0 9 76 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 Steward Department 2 2 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 2 0 8 1 13 7 16 9 5 3 2 0 2 1 9 6 5 3 4 0 2 1 3 3 10 1 1 0 10 8 98 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 0 0 4 0 0 1 6 17 1 0 2 3 2 2 1 0 3 0 10 54 8 1 2 19 3 9 12 29 39 15 1 4 26 20 1 5 6 13 2 28 243 4 0 1 9 1 3 5 9 15 4 1 3 20 8 0 2 6 3 0 10 104 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 10 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu1 Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 1 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 0 2 16 9 1 0 2 2 2 3 7 18 19 0 0 8 16 1 2 2 12 0 14 117 6 2 2 3 0 1 0 6 52 8 1 1 14 4 1 22 4 8 1 8 147 Entry Department 1 9 0 1 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 8 0 15 4 8 0 1 0 0 2 11 0 5 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 8 0 0 2 8 12 85 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 38 3 2 1 3 0 1 22 1 8 0 4 89 7 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 15 1 2 0 4 0 1 7 1 5 0 3 49 2 1 0 0 0 2 7 5 5 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 9 0 3 31 15 2 0 3 3 4 5 19 37 20 1 0 16 29 1 2 3 20 0 29 211 12 2 2 5 1 4 7 83 11 1 1 27 8 3 18 4 11 2 14 221 GRAND TOTAL: 595 394 230 135 263 988 628 332 Algonac.........................................Friday: August 6, September 10 Baltimore............................Thursday: August 5, September 9 Guam................................Thursday: August 19, September 23 Honolulu...............................Friday: August 13, September 17 Houston...................................Monday: August 9, September 13 Jacksonville.........................Thursday: August 5, September 9 Joliet.......................................Thursday: August 12, September 16 Mobile...............................Wednesday: August 11, September 15 New Orleans.....................Tuesday: August 10, September 14 Jersey City..............................Tuesday: August 3, September 7 Norfolk...................................Friday: August 6, September 10 Oakland..........................Thursday: August 12, September 16 Philadelphia.......................Wednesday: August 4, September 8 Port Everglades......................Thursday: August 12, September 16 San Juan................................Thursday: August 5, September 9 St. Louis...............................Friday: August 13, September 17 Tacoma.............................Friday: August 20, September 24 Wilmington...............................Monday: August 16, September 20 * Piney Point change due to Labor Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD SPAD Works For You. August 2021 388 284 Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU STEPPING UP FOR COMMUNITY – Seafarers in Oakland are participating in a months-long collection and drop-off for Covenant House California, a self-described “non-profit youth homeless shelter that provides sanctuary and support for homeless and trafficked youth, ages 18-24.” Some of the volunteers are pictured at the Oakland hiring hall in late June. The drive runs through August. ABOARD TUG PATRIARCH – Pictured aboard the Crowley boat in Jacksonville, Florida, are (seated, from left) Second Mate Jose LeBron, Chief Engineer Ruben Ortiz, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, (standing) AB Raymond Petterson, Barge Maintenance Peter Bondarenko, AB Ronald Boatwright, Barge Maintenance Owen “Rick” O’Keefe, Chief Mate Angel Ayala and Capt. Charles Williams. ABOARD FREEDOM – Steward department personnel have made extra efforts aboard the TOTE Services ship, including a Father’s Day menu featuring eggs Benedict (above, left), lamb chops, purple cabbage, dinner rolls, jambalaya, double-layer coconut cake and much more. Later in the month, Chief Steward Pauline Crespo (second from left) prepared homemade Shrimp Empanadas. Chief Cook Steve Laubach is pictured second from right, while the remaining photo shows SA Mahfoud Alesfoor. ABOARD GRAND CANYON STATE – Seafarers are pictured aboard the Pacific Gulf Marine vessel July 1 on the West Coast. The ship was decommissioned later in the week. Snapshot includes mariners from the Gem State, Keystone State and Grand Canyon State, as follows (from left): front row, SB Abdullah Falah, GUDE Sari Alkarnoon, GVA Ahmed Hussain, GVA Ali Naser, (second row) SIU Safety Director Adrian Fraccarolli, GVA Greg Tojong, QEE Jessie Turner, (third row) Bosun Michael Carvalho, SB Charlito Aseberos, GUDE Emmanuel Nuez, (fourth row) Bosun John Young, SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II, Bosun Gheorghe Savencu and QEE Sukhbir Bains. BOOKWAVES PROJECT CONTINUES – At the San Juan hall in late June, SIU members took action, unloading another Crowley Maritime Corporation container packed with books as part of the ongoing BookWaves operation, a joint effort between the SIU, American Federation of Teachers and Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico, among others. In the photo: SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo, Bosun Raul Colon, QMED Edwin Morales, Chief cook Jesus Pacheco, ABM Jorge Corrales, SA Eliezer Estremera, ABW Edwin Pagan Jr., SA Ricardo Ramos, SA Juan Santiago, AB Carlos Diaz and AB Edwin Pagan. SIU TRADITIONS – It’s no exaggeration to say the SIU runs in the family for these gents, pictured in Piney Point, Maryland. From left are Recertified Steward Jatniel “Bam Bam” Aguilera, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont. Tellez’s and Bonefont’s respective familial predecessors were charter members, while Bam Bam’s son also has joined the union. 10 Seafarers LOG AT SAN JUAN HALL – In photo above, Seafarer Emir Omar Quinones (right) – better known to some as Bam Bam Jr. – displays certificates of completion for certified chief cook along with his registration at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) helps with photo op. In the photo below, Seafarer William Munoz (right) proudly displays his full B-book. He is also pictured with Crespo. RECONNECTING WITH RETIREE – The SIU delivers in more ways than one. Asst. VP Mike Russo (left) brings a pension application to former Chief Cook Davie Guyton, who sailed with the union from the early 1990s until 2008. Guyton was at a VA Hospital but was hopeful of an imminent discharge. WITH OSG INLAND CREWS – AB/Tankerman Ed Putro (left) and STOS Daryl Ballance pose for a snapshot with their favorite publication in Philadelphia. OSG inland crews recently ratified a new three-year contract. August 2021 �WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILLY – Longtime member Robert Ott (left), who started sailing with the SIU in 1974, is pictured at the Philadelphia hall, receiving his first pension check from SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice. Ott most recently sailed as a QEE, and he also spent time as an instructor in Piney Point. ABOARD LURLINE – Pictured from left aboard the Matson ship in late June following a servicing on the West Coast are ACU Majed Alsunbahi, Chief Cook Richard Walker, Recertified Steward Donald Spangler and SIU Safety Director Adrian Fraccarolli. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINAL – Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman submitted these photos (below and top right) and the following note from the SubCom vessel: “We recently crossed the Equator laying cable and had a shellback ceremony for all the polywogs. There were a lot of them. Fun was had by all after a long mission.” He also commended the steward department for a tasty Independence Day spread. BACK ON RECRUITING TRAIL – More signs of life slowly getting back to normal: SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday (left) recently attended a recruiting event at a San Jacinto College facility in the Houston area. He’s pictured with G&H Inland Captain Chris Bartholmey (Piney Point Class #624). (If you know anyone who’s interested in the apprentice program and/or anyone who already sails and may be interested in joining the union, please direct them to https://mymaritimecareer.org/ SHIPYARD PERIOD – The SIU-crewed Pride of America earlier this year spent time in a shipyard in Portland, Oregon, for routine work. Crew members are pictured next to the NCL America vessel. At press time, it wasn’t known when the ship would resume offering cruises around the Hawaiian Islands. (Thanks to Engine Storekeeper Tanya Awong for the photo.) August 2021 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer 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 This month’s question was answered by Seafarers who were enrolled in the chief cook class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Question: What are some things you like about your job? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Emir Quinones I like feeding people and seeing them happy. The steward department is really the heartbeat of the ship, and that’s what I like the most.. Arielle Collier I like the chance to meet new people and to learn different skills. It’s enjoyable to be around other people and still be independent. I also get to travel for free. Kristine Lacy I enjoy learning, and there’s a lot of learning to do. I also enjoy seeing other countries and meeting many different people. Jenell Jones I have a passion for cooking. Growing up, that was a way to stay out of trouble. Now, it’s also a way to get to travel the world. I recently had a daughter, and I want to give her a better life. This career will enable me to do so. 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 Laura Davies I really like the money – if I’m ever having a bad day, I just think about all the money piling up at home. Also, it’s the scenery. I don’t think I will ever get enough pictures of all the incredible sunrises, sunsets and ever-changing cloud formations. Zarya Ward Gaining new life experiences and being able to satisfy other people on the ship – because without us, they don’t eat. JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Kenisha Neal I like the diversity and I like the travel experience. And of course, it’s also a very lucrative business. NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic From The Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 Then-Senator Joe Biden (center) and others endure 95-degree heat and lots of humidity on June 19, 2007, during a pro-worker rally in the nation’s capital. SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift (a port agent at that time) is pictured at right, along with students from the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG August 2021 �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 KASIM AHMED Brother Kasim Ahmed, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1981, initially sailing aboard the Santa Mariana. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in all three departments. Brother Ahmed’s final vessel was the Indiana Harbor. He is a resident of Palos Hills, Illinois. ROGELIO AGUSTIN Brother Rogelio Agustin, 71, began sailing with the SIU in 2003. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Maersk Alaska. Brother Agustin upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Maersk Kensington and lives in Norwalk, Connecticut. GABRIEL ARHIN Brother Gabriel Arhin, 70, donned the SIU colors in 1996 when he shipped aboard the USNS Capella. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on numerous occasions. Brother Arhin most recently shipped on the Cape Texas. He makes his home in Alief, Texas. ALLAN CONATSER Brother Allan Conatser, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2001, initially sailing on the Lawrence Gianella. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Black Eagle. Brother Conatser lives in Pahrump, Nevada. RICARDO ELLIS Brother Ricardo Ellis, 65, joined the union in 1984 when he sailed with Orgulf Transport. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Ellis most recently shipped aboard the Pennsylvania and settled in the Bronx, New York. August 2021 PATRICIA GERAS Sister Patricia Geras, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1994, initially shipping aboard the Independence. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Sister Geras last sailed on the National Glory and resides in Clifton, Colorado. ANTHONY HULSEY Brother Anthony Hulsey, 64, started his career with the Seafarers in 2001 and first shipped aboard the Tonsina. He sailed in the engine department, most recently aboard the Overseas Martinez. Brother Hulsey lives in Springfield, Oregon. RAFAEL IRIZARRY Brother Rafael Irizarry, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2001. He initially sailed aboard the Maersk Vermont and was a steward department member. Brother Irizarry upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Safmarine Ngami and is a resident of the Bronx, New York. ment member and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1978. Brother Seratt’s first vessel was the Long Lines; his last, the Overseas Boston. He lives in Trout Creek, Montana. JOSE PAQUITO VALENTON Brother Jose Paquito Valenton, 66, began his career with the SIU in 2006 when he sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha. He was a member of the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Global Sentinel. Brother Valenton resides in Elk Grove, California. STEVEN WASCH Brother Steven Wasch, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991. He first sailed on the USNS Wilkes and primarily sailed in the steward department. Brother Wasch upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career on the Overseas Los Angeles and lives in Redding, California. GREAT LAKES JAMES MAY Brother James May, 72, joined the SIU in 2010 when he sailed on the Pride of America. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hal Center on multiple occasions. Brother May last shipped on the Independence and makes his home in Pensacola, Florida. ROBERT OTT Brother Robert Ott, 65, signed on with the union in 1974, initially shipping on the Jacksonville. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center (in addition to teaching there). Brother Ott last shipped aboard the Cape Mohican. He calls Woodbury Heights, New Jersey, home. ROBERT SERATT Brother Robert Seratt, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1975. He was a deck depart- CLAYTON CHURCH Brother Clayton Church, 68, joined the Seafarers in 1978. He initially shipped on the John Boland and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Church’s final vessel was the St. Clair. He resides in Lenoir, North Carolina. ERIC JOHNSON Brother Eric Johnson, 76, signed on with the union in 2005 when he sailed aboard the Detroit Princess. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Johnson was most recently employed by Great Lakes Towing. He calls Sylvania, Ohio, home. WAYNE ROBITAILLE Brother Wayne Robitaille, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1998. He was employed with Upper Lakes Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Robitaille lives in Gladstone, Michigan. INLAND CRAIG AMACKER Brother Craig Amacker, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1994. A deck department member, he was employed by Westbank Riverboat Services for the duration of his career. Brother Amacker makes his home in Madisonville, Louisiana. JOSEPH BLANKS Brother Joseph Blanks, 63, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1977 when he sailed aboard a Hudson Waterways boat. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Blanks was last employed by American Marine. He resides in Oceanside, California. MILBURN BUCKLER Brother Milburn Buckler, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1995. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1996. Brother Buckler worked for the Association of Maryland Pilots for his entire career. He resides in Lusby, Maryland. Initially working for National Marine Services, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Fowler was last employed by Port City Marine Services. He lives in Courtland, Mississippi. JOHN HITCHCOCK Brother John Hitchcock, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1990. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1997. Brother Hitchcock worked for Moran Towing of Maryland for the duration of his career. He calls Seward, Alaska, home. STEPHEN KIDD Brother Stephen Kidd 63, donned the SIU colors in 1978, first working for Interstate Oil. He sailed in the deck department and was last employed by OSG Ship Management. Brother Kidd makes his home in Bridgeton, New Jersey. WILLIAM KILLIAN Brother William Killian, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1975 when he worked with Steuart Transportation. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1978 and primarily sailed in the deck department. Brother Killian last worked for Mariner Towing. He is a resident of Bristol, Rhode Island. DOMINIC LASENNA Brother Elijah Collins, 66, signed on with the union in 1998 and first sailed with Penn Maritime. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1999. Brother Collins was last employed by Harley Marine. He makes his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother Dominic Lasenna, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1978, initially working for Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Lasenna was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. NATHAN ELDRIDGE RICHARD PITRE Brother Nathan Eldridge, 57, joined the SIU in 1983. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Brother Eldridge most recently worked on the Liberty Island and resides in Moss Point, Mississippi. Brother Richard Pitre, 69, signed on with the Seafarers in 1970. He worked with Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. Brother Pitre lives in Kissimmee, Florida. ELIJAH COLLINS WILLIAM FOWLER Brother William Fowler, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1975. ARNAZ STAMPLEY Brother Arnaz Stampley, 62, began his career with the union in 1986. He was a member of the deck department and was first employed by Dravo Basic Materials. Brother Stampley last worked with Martin Marietta. He is a New Orleans resident. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA THOMAS BONNER Pensioner Thomas Bonner, 88, died May 31. He became a member of the SIU in 1952, initially sailing aboard the Alcoa Pegasus. Brother Bonner was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Eugene A. Obregon before retiring in 1992. Brother Bonner made his home in Eight Mile, Alabama. FLAVIO CASTILLO Brother Flavio Castillo, 64, passed away December 26. Born in Honduras, he joined the Seafarers in 1990. Brother Castillo’s first vessel was the Independence and he sailed in all three departments. He most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Wisconsin and lived in Houston. DANIEL ECKERT Pensioner Daniel Eckert, 70, died April 9. He signed on with the union in 1978 and was a deck department member. Brother Eckert first shipped on the Overseas Aleutian. He last sailed on the Achiever and went on pension in 2015. Brother Eckert was a resident of Webster, Texas. JOHN GALLAGHER Pensioner John Gallagher, 97, passed away May 26. He began his career with the SIU in 1951. Brother Gallagher’s first vessel was the Walker D. Hines. He sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the USNS Regulus. Brother Gallagher became a pensioner in 1991 and resided in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. ORLANDO GONZALEZ Pensioner Orlando Gonzalez, 93, died May 22. He started shipping with the SIU in 1959 when he sailed on the Corsair. An engine department member, Brother Gonzalez concluded his career on the Discovery. He retired in 1992 and lived in New Orleans. KAYED HRBY Pensioner Kayed Hrby, 78, passed away December 15. He joined the SIU in 1967 when he sailed with 14 Seafarers LOG Isthmian Lines. Brother Hrby sailed in all three departments. He last shipped on the Overseas Juneau and retired in 2007. Brother Hrby lived in the Bronx, New York. was an engine department member and last worked aboard the Baldomero Lopez. He went on pension in 2015 and resided in Lakewood, Washington. OREN PARKER JEROME KEBBELL Pensioner Jerome Kebbell, 77, died June 19. Sailing in the steward department, he began his career with the SIU in 1990 when he shipped on the USNS Stalwart. Brother Kebbell’s final vessel was the USNS Bold. He became a pensioner in 2008 and resided in Virginia Beach, Virginia. JAMES KEITH Pensioner James Keith, 68, passed away June 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he sailed on the Overseas Ohio. Brother Keith primarily sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Bellatrix. He retired in 2018 and was a New Orleans resident. FORTAN MARTINEZ Pensioner Fortan Martinez, 67, died June 8. He joined the Seafarers in 1992, initially shipping on the Independence. Brother Martinez sailed in all three departments and most recently shipped on the Ocean Crescent. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Houston. JOSE MARTINEZ Brother Jose Martinez, 40, has passed away. He started his career with the SIU in 2007 when he sailed aboard the President Adams. Brother Martinez worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last shipped on the Maersk Hartford and resided in Honduras. LAWRENCE MILLER Pensioner Lawrence Miller, 73, died May 22. Signing on with the union in 2005, he first sailed on the Pride of America. Brother Miller Pensioner Oren Parker, 85, passed away June 4. He began shipping with the SIU in 1993 when he sailed aboard the USNS Regulus. Brother Parker was a steward department member. He retired in 2006 after concluding his career on the Liberty Glory. Brother Parker lived in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. ROGER PHILLIPS Pensioner Roger Phillips, 75, died May 16. He donned the SIU colors in 2000 and initially sailed aboard the Global Sentinel. Brother Phillips sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Ocean Atlas. He went on pension in 2011 and was a resident of Rosenburg, Texas. PHILEMON QUITORIANO Pensioner Philemon Quitoriano, 69, passed away June 15. He was a deck department member and joined the SIU in 1992 when he sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Quitoriano’s final vessel was the Horizon Reliance. He became a pensioner in 2020 and made his home in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. and lived in Smithfield, Virginia. SANTOS VELASQUEZ RUIZ Brother Santos Velasquez Ruiz, 56, died February 25. He began his career with the SIU in 2020 and initially sailed on the Green Ridge. Brother Velasquez Ruiz was a member of the deck department and most recently sailed on the Patriot. He resided in Kenner, Louisiana. MARTIN ZEIDENBERG Pensioner Martin Zeidenberg, 71, passed away January 11. He signed on with the union in 2001 and first worked on the Patriot. Brother Zeidenberg sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Horizon Reliance. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and made his home in the Philippines. GREAT LAKES JAMES SORENSON Pensioner James Sorenson, 66, died June 5. He signed on with the union in 1973 and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Sorenson shipped with Arnold Transit for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2013 and was a resident of St. Ignace, Michigan. Pensioner Jeffrey Lee, 66, died May 30. He began sailing with the union in 1977, initially working with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. A deck department member, Brother Lee continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2016 and lived in Cypress, California. RAYMOND MCMULLEN Pensioner Raymond McMullen, 94, passed away June 4. He joined the union in 1961 when he sailed with P.F. Martin. Brother McMullen was last employed by McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He retired in 1986 and settled in Woodbury, New Jersey. DONALD OAKLEY Pensioner Donald Oakley, 71, died May 5. He signed on with the SIU in 1972, initially working for Steuart Transportation. Brother Oakley sailed in the deck department. He was last employed by STC Little Curtis and retired in 2011. Brother Oakley was a resident of Bartow, Florida. NMU EDWARD BALAJEWSKI Pensioner Edward Balajewski, 94, passed away February 20. He signed on with the SIU in 1966 when he was employed by Meyle Towing. Brother Balajewski last worked with Taylor Marine Towing and retired in 1988. He resided in Philadelphia. STEVIE ELLIOTT Pensioner Leon Scott, 87, died May 19. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1978 when he shipped on the Santa Mariana. Brother Scott was a member of the steward department. He last shipped on the President Roosevelt before retiring in 2002. Brother Scott lived in Cordova, Tennessee. Pensioner Stevie Elliott, 65, died April 25. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 when he worked for Higman Barge Lines. Brother Elliot worked in the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He retired in 2018 and called Wiergate, Texas, home. Brother David Sexton, 67, passed away June 1. He started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 2005, initially shipping aboard the Florida. Brother Sexton was an engine department member. He most recently shipped on the Cape Washington JEFFREY LEE INLAND LEON SCOTT DAVID SEXTON Transportation for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2015 and lived in Norris, Tennessee. JAMES GILSON Pensioner James Gilson, 70, passed away May 20. He signed on with the SIU in 1997. A deck department member, he worked for Crowley Towing and JOSEPH BROWN Pensioner Joseph Brown, 94, passed away April 26. He began sailing with the NMU in 1943, prior to the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Brown’s first vessel was the Francis Scott Key; his last, the American Lark. He retired in 1969 and settled in Philadelphia. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Bush, Fred 93 Carrasquillo, Angel 97 Carter, Emmett 91 Cole, Darrell 82 Donato, Miguel 86 Garcia, Jose 90 Jones, Vernon 95 Larkin, Thomas 87 Payton, Hirbry 103 Perez, George 87 Powell, Darryl 74 Tatum, Mitchell 84 Terry, Necho 92 Torres, Luis 92 DOD 04/03/2021 05/01/2021 05/28/2021 03/17/2021 04/19/2021 05/13/2021 06/13/2021 04/16/2021 05/07/2021 02/23/2021 06/04/2021 12/04/2020 05/19/2021 06/03/2021 August 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MONTFORD POINT (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), April 16 – Chairman Kenneth Steiner, Secretary Jean Favreaux, Educational Director Jose Encarnacion, Deck Delegate Jon Sunga, Engine Delegate Montree Nakwichet, Steward Delegate Joseph Arigo. Crew still waiting for email access and satellite TV parts. Members reviewed upcoming vessel schedule. Chairman reminded crew to stay on top of documents. Secretary praised everyone for a job well done and suggested a shoreside barbecue at next port of call. Educational director urged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Piney Point school and to sign up for classes early. Major portion of ship’s fund will go towards entertainment system. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew went over relief guidelines applying during the pandemic. Members discussed vaccine opportunities and inquired about pension benefits. GOLDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 28 – Chairman Philip McGeoghegan, Secretary Michael Carello, Educational Director Juan Castillo, Steward Delegate Jeffrey Phillips. No Wi-Fi aboard ship. Laundry items have been ordered. Crew discussed latest President’s Column in Seafarers LOG. Secretary reiterated the importance of the Jones Act and encouraged members to contribute to SPAD (Seafar- 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. ers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Educational director recommended upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He advised members to check for courses early, as class space may be limited. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Repairs needed on A-deck flooring. Pantry and crew lounge also in need of repairs. Crew requested new mattresses, refrigerators in all rooms and Wi-Fi availability. Members want increases to vacation days and a day’s pay in leu of days off. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), May 16 – Chairman Darryl Smith, Secretary Antoinette Amato, Educational Director Jason Powell. Members went over old business including reimbursement for safety shoes. Members are to take receipts to union for reimbursement if such is denied on board. Unlicensed laundry room access expanded to 24 hours. Chairman reminded members to keep current on union dues and to contribute to Maritime Defense League and Seafarers Political Activities Donation. Members are to ask for tour of duty slip before disembarking the vessel. Chairman advised crew to register for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Vaccines will be administered on board to those who want them while in Tacoma. Educational director reminded crew to check for upgrading courses well in advance as they may fill quickly. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read and discussed President’s Report. Members requested electronic access to physical paperwork, satellite TV in crew lounge, 60-day minimum reliefs or 30-45 vacation checks and an increase to vacation days. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and clean house. Deck department praised for dedication to plankton tow, which contributes to ship’s fund. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska. EMPIRE STATE ( Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), June 3 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Troy Smith, Educational Director Mohsen Mohamed. Crew members are awaiting Wi-Fi availability. Chairman read the latest LOG column from SIU President Michael Sacco. Everything going well as reported by secretary. Educational director recommended crew to upgrade and take any and all classes needed. No beefs or dispute OT reported. Members requested 90-day reliefs be made optional to those who are permanent. Crew was encouraged to donate to SPAD. Among current shipboard personnel, 85 percent are vaccinated. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited), June 13 – Chairman Sergio Gonzalez Lopez, Secretary James McLeod, Educational Director Steven Miller. Chair- man thanked crew for a safe voyage and job well done. He encouraged everyone to continue working safely and to stay on top of documents. Votes of thanks given to all departments. Members were reminded to leave clean rooms and fresh linen for oncoming crew. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were advised to regularly read the Seafarers LOG and were reminded how to find it online. Crew requested increases in vacation time as well as pension and health benefits. Next payoff scheduled for Norfolk, Virginia. Restrictions to ship have been lifted and members can now go to shore. Special thanks to the steward department for good food and an overall job well done. Next port: Norfolk. OCEAN FREEDOM (Crowley), June 17 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Jason Jambeter, Educational Director Daryl Hicks, Deck Delegate Robert O’Connell, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman. Ship received new linen and a new dryer. Chairman advised mariners to continue practicing social distancing and to wear masks when going ashore. He thanked the steward department for their hard work. Educational director reminded crew to keep documents current and to continue upgrading. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Doctor to come aboard ship June 21 to offer Johnson and Johnson vaccine to members who want it. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. OHIO (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), June 21 – Chairman Paul Narro, Secretary Louins Johnson, Educational Director Melvin Ratcliff, Deck Delegate Rafael Cortina Tuells, Engine Delegate Kevin Johnson. New microwave and XBOX game purchased. Ship computer is up and running. Chairman encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to renew documents prior to expiration. Crew should continue to practice social distancing. Special thanks given to the steward department. Secretary reminded everyone to make sure laundry machines are emptied after each use and thanked crew for keeping house clean. He discussed vaccines and thanked the bosun and his day worker for food waste buckets. Educational director urged crew to keep an eye on expiration dates and to make sure they request upgrading classes early since they are filling up fast. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman discussed the President’s Report in the Seafarers LOG and emphasized the importance of vaccinations. Crew requested new mattresses and Wi-Fi aboard ship. Members would like to purchase produce and milk every two weeks and asked for a new TV in crew lounge. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board August 2021 by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 ACTIV- ITY 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses September 27 November 1 October 29 December 3 Advanced Galley Operations September 27 November 15 October 22 December 10 Chief Steward August 23 October 18 September 17 November 12 Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses Safety/Open Upgrading Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic September 13 October 1 MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15 MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 6 September 10 Medical Care Provider September 13 September 17 Basic Training August 9 August 30 August 13 September 3 Basic Training Revalidation August 30 September 3 September 10 October 1 October 22 November 15 December 3 December 10 August 30 September 3 September 10 October 1 October 22 November 15 December 3 December 10 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck September 27 November 15 October 15 December 3 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 25 November 22 October 8 November 5 December 3 RFPNW August 23 November 15 September 10 December 3 Fast Rescue Boat August 9 August 13 Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10 Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17 Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation October 25 October 29 Government Vessels August 9 August 16 August 30 September 20 October 4 October 25 November 1 November 15 December 13 August 13 August 20 September 3 September 24 October 8 October 29 November 5 November 19 December 17 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT September 20 October 25 October 15 November 19 Junior Engineer September 6 October 29 Tank Ship DL September 20 September 24 Marine Electrician September 6 October 8 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 18 October 22 Machinist October 18 November 5 Tank Ship Familiarization LG Pumpman November 8 November 12 August 23 September 27 December 13 August 27 October 1 December 17 Welding August 30 October 25 September 17 November 12 Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10 RFPEW August 23 November 15 September 17 December 10 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook August 23 September 24 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ 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 #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 8/21 August 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #870 - Graduated June 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Ackerman III, Donovan Armstrong, Brandon Coleman, Quinn Duarte, Johncarlo Garibaldi, Carlos Ruben Gomez Hernandez, Jason Mananga Nsuami, Colin Sabitsky, Brandon Santiago Escobar, Jason White and Sean Wilson. Government Vessels – Graduated June 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Gregory Crowder, Patrick Dean, Porcia Johnson, Joseph Eligino Lacaden, Yoland Vina Legaspi, Mohamed Ali Noman, James Osborne, Angela Porter, Reymond Potofsky and Tyrane Savage. (Note: Not all are pictured.) FOWT – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Brianna Ashley, Nicholas Banks, Thomas Bateman, Toren Bolden, Darnel Bruno, Erl Jan Encina, D’mitri Hill, Dequan Jamez Markell Joe, Kenneth Kauffman, Tyler Maddox, Timothy McDonald, Zeke Alec Pasquarelli, Shannon Peterson and Oscar Jan Bonite Vencer. Tank Ship Familiarization – Graduated July 2, above, in alphabetical order: Adewale Isaac Adiat, John Billington, Jose Luis Borrero Rodriguez, Rudy Cesar, David Connelly, David Denizac, Andrew Gronotte, Robert Haggerty, Deidra Hunter, Julio Cesar Ibanez Kunz, Loretta James, Alfredo Catha Nieto, Carlos Alberto Parrilla and Zeke Alec Pasquarelli. August 2021 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated July 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Bradley Albert, Xavier Burgos, Arlando Espin, Christopher Ferguson, Garrett Hargis, Emerson Jones, Salvatore Macaluso, Joseph Marino, Andrea President, Kyunjre Randall, Darian Riddle, Christian Sucher, Kenneth Townsend Jr., and Joel Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Julian Javier Abreu, Guy Butler Jr., Douglas Cash Jr., Elizabeth Remotigue Ibanez, Nala Johnson, Sean Jones, Norasith N. Phetphommasouk, Alicia Plunkett, Keith Steele, Tyler Willette, Nathan Williams, Paris Williams and Hans Guenther Winkler. Advanced Shiphandling – Graduated July 2 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Lindsey Austin, Myles Cameron, Robert Christiansen, Jonathan Hendrickson, Earnest Paulk III, Jared Waferd Smith, Chirel Thornton, Kevin Vogt and Emmanuel Wilson. Importance Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. 18 Seafarers LOG August 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated July 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Mark Canada, Derek Chestnut, Randall Craig, John Daunoras, Scott Fuller, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Joseph Nicodemus, Javonne Simmons and Kevin Tyson. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated June 25 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Aurelio Dela Cruz Esperanza, Paisami Gay, Solymar Herrera Carreras, Rondell Richardson, Brittany Steward and Sheneisha Thompson Certified Chief Cook – Graduated June 11 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Brandon Bradley, Arielle Collier, Laura Davies, Brice Jackson, Jemell Jones, Kristine Lacey, Kenisha Neal, Emir Omar Quinones Torres, Zarya Ward and Hans Guenther Winkler. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated June 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Bradley Albert, Xavier Burgos, Arlando Espin, Andrea President, Kyunjre Randall and Joel Williams. August 2021 Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated June 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Julian Abreu, Douglas Cash Jr., Norasith N. Phetphommasouk, Tyler Willette, Nathan Williams and Paris Williams. Seafarers LOG 19 �AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 8 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 17-19 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Unions Welcome Ever Given’s Release Officials Sound Alarm for Mariner Rights Worldwide Maritime unions on July 7 applauded the release of the MV Ever Given from detention in the Suez Canal by Egyptian authorities, but warned that more must be done to safeguard seafarers’ rights and welfare during the pandemic. Stephen Cotton, general secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) (to which the SIU is affiliated), said the release “will be an enormous relief for the crew on board and their families. But while we celebrate this outcome, our attention is still on the 200,000 seafarers trapped working on vessels unable to go home due to the worsening crew change crisis.” He continued, “Thankfully the crew of the Ever Given have been well-cared for and well-represented by their unions – the National Union of Seafarers of India, and the Maritime Union of India – who have worked closely with the shipowner and ship manager to support the crew during this trying time. From the moment that the Ever Given ran into trouble in the Suez Canal, the crew’s unions have been by their side. The crew have been furnished with supplies, support, and had their unions standing up for them nationally and internationally.” Cotton concluded, “By being unionized, the crew have been supplied with provisions, legal representation, crew change opportunities, and counselling support for them and their families. If this hadn’t been a case of a ship with a union agreement, we could have seen a very different outcome.” The Panamanian-flagged ship got stuck in the Suez Canal earlier this year and blocked it for nearly a week, generating worldwide headlines. National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) General Secretary-Treasurer Abdulgani Y. Serang emphasized that there were no charges or negative findings about the crew’s professionalism, but expressed disappointment that Egyptian authorities used the crew as leverage in financial negotiations with the ship’s insurer. “We are pleased that this ordeal is finally over for the crew,” he said. “Their professionalism has been confirmed by a lack of adverse findings. Like all seafarers, it is through their passion and commitment that they are able to rise to the challenge and make the sacrifices required to move the world. This has been a very stressful time for the crew and their families, who have had to suffer the uncertainty of whether their loved ones would become … human pawns in a wider game being played over compensation.” Serang added, “Society needs to reflect on how so much attention was placed on the commercial aspects of this incident – on the possible impacts on prices and supply of consumer goods – and so little attention paid The flag-of-convenience cargo ship Ever Given (photo above) in late March became wedged inside the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most important shipping waterways. to the sacrifice, pain and uncertainty faced by the seafarers whose welfare ought to be at the center of the story.” During the ship’s time at anchorage, unions and employers secured access to crew change for those on board so they could be replaced on the vessel at conclusion of their contracts, as per normal practice in the industry. Eight of the original crew signed off during that time, and 17 of the original crew remain on board in line with their contracts. ITF Seafarers’ Section chair David Heindel (who is also secretary-treasurer of the SIU) said the Ever Given was an important reminder about the fragility of the international shipping system, which carries 90 percent of world trade, and the people at the heart of it: the mariners. “I think I speak for all seafarers when I say it is a relief that the Ever Given crew are being released and allowed to continue their lives, but it shouldn’t have taken this long,” said Heindel. “It’s fortunate that the crew have had the strong backing of their shipowner, ship manager and of course their unions and the global ITF family. Many seafarers aren’t that lucky. “Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Union representatives and Ever Given crew members meet aboard the ship earlier this year. are one of the better companies in the industry and should be commended for their sustained advocacy for the crew,” he continued. “But so too should the crew. The tale of the Ever Given shows the value of workers standing together and being active in their unions.” Heindel and other ITF officials pointed out that while the Ever Given case made the news, there’s an ongoing problem with crew changes that often remains out of the spotlight. “Right now, more than 200,000 seafarers’ rights are being disregarded by many of the world’s governments as the crew change crisis drags on,” Heindel said. “Most governments still have not restored the pre-pandemic exemptions from travel and border restrictions, and increasingly fatigued seafarers are languishing at sea working beyond their contracts with little hope of relief. Seafarers are being stretched to the limit because of the government-made crew change crisis. We still urgently need exemptions for seafarers from border restrictions, and still urgently need a global roll-out of life-saving COVID vaccines.” He concluded, “Frankly speaking, if governments don’t take action to ease the Abdulgani Y. Serang NUSI General Sec.-Treas. mounting pressure on seafarers, the risk of events like the Ever Given happening, or worse, will become more and more likely. As the Ever Given shows, it doesn’t take a lot to stop global trade.” Stephen Cotton ITF General Secretary David Heindel ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource SIU CREWS STEP UP DURING EXERCISE MORE CONTRACTS RATIFIED GREAT GRUB ON MAERSK MICHIGAN SHIPBUILDERS HONOR U.S. LEGISLATORS UNION WINS MAJOR ARBITRATION AWARD RECENT CASES REMIND ALL: PANDEMIC NOT DONE THREE NEW CONTRACTS UNDERGO RATIFICATION INDUSTRY PIONEER TOLAN DIES AT 88 TRUMKA UNDERSCORES PRO ACT'S BENEFITS WEEK HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR MARINERS, SHIPS MTD STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH UNION STRIKERS NEW SAB ALLOWS FOR EXTENDED TOURS SIU CREWS HELP ENSURE SUCCESS OF MILITARY EXERCISE CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON USNS KENNEDY REC NEW YORK CLOSES DOORS FOR RELOCATION UNIONS WELCOME EVER GIVEN'S RELEASE 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 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. 83, NO. 8 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/2021 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/8cd73562b191698a13046b3ec8d6640f.pdf 6f5238ed4c025228d7d2f71087fbccf7 PDF Text Text SEPTEMBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 9 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Labor Movement Loses a Giant Richard L. Trumka 1949-2021 The SIU is mourning the loss of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, who unexpectedly passed away Aug. 5. Trumka, 72, led the federation as its top official since 2009. He’s pictured at left and in the foreground of the photo above, right, with President Barack Obama at the 2009 AFL-CIO convention. Page 5. Vaccination Requirements Ramp Up Across Country As the U.S. grapples with COVID-19 variants, many private-sector employers have mandated vaccinations for their respective workers. Numerous unions, including the SIU, support vaccinations themselves but believe they should be a point of negotiation. Pictured below, QE3 Reynaldo Lacayo gets vaccinated in Piney Point, Maryland. Page 3. AB Continues Family Tradition Second-generation Seafarer AB Richard Palacios (right) receives his full book at the hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His dad, AB Fabian Palacios, is at left, while SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins is in the middle. USNS John Lewis Christened Page 2 SIU Exec. Board News Pages 4, 6 �President’s Report Remembering Rich Trumka Whether you’re reading this column online or in print, you know that the entire labor movement is mourning the unexpected passing of our friend and leader, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. As someone who worked with and knew Rich since the 1970s, I want each of you to know that all of the tributes written and spoken about him are accurate and wellearned. He was one-in-amillion, and I’m blessed to have been not only his colleague, but his friend. If you met Rich even once, you know that when it came to personal energy, he was an 11 on a scale of 1-to-10. For that reason, I hesitate to describe him as rejuvenated following last year’s presidential election, The SIU is mourning the loss of AFLbut there’s no doubt he CIO President Richard Trumka (right) had taken his work and who unexpectedly passed away Aug. his leadership to another 5. Trumka, 72, led the federation as level. He was exceptionits top official since 2009. He was a longtime friend of SIU President Mially fired up about the very real opportunities we chael Sacco (left); the two are pictured above in 2017, during the AFL-CIO have before us for laborconvention in St. Louis. law reform and for growing our movement. There’s a decent chance you saw him on television in recent months, promoting workers’ rights and trade unionism. Be 100 percent certain that those appearances were exclusively about the work at hand, rather than having anything to do with personal publicity. Rich was all about workers and their families. In practical terms, you cannot say that someone is one-in-amillion and then expect our movement to not miss a beat. That’s just not realistic. Throughout the AFL-CIO – from headquarters to the affiliate unions like the SIU, to the state labor federations and central labor councils to individual locals – we all have to step up to help fill that void. It’s a tall order. Nevertheless, I am completely confident in new AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, who, like Rich, came up through the ranks and earned everything she got. Liz is the one who reminded us that we’re allowed and expected to mourn, but we’re not permitted to slack off. As she said, Rich wouldn’t allow it. Please take the time to read our coverage of Rich, and also know that he absolutely had a special affection for the SIU. Whenever we asked for help or invited him anywhere, he made it happen. I’ve got a framed photo of him in my office with a bunch of our officials playfully grabbing him during the 1999 AFL-CIO convention. Rich signed it, “8 Seafarers against 1 Mine Worker. Seems about right!” Even when he was kidding, his fighting spirit came through. And those odds wouldn’t have been fair, anyway – to us. Rich could overcome any challenge. Rest in peace, my dear friend. You are missed. The official party pose for a photograph at the commissioning ceremony in San Diego for the USNS John Lewis on July 17. (U.S. Navy Photo) Newest Replenishment Oiler Christened The newest ship to enter the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet was christened at General Dynamics NASSCO – a union shipyard – on July 17. The fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis, which will carry CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division as part of its crew, was celebrated in a ceremony attended by family of the ship’s namesake, the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis. The event marked the first anniversary of Lewis’ death from pancreatic cancer. The christening also saw a bipartisan congressional delegation made up of 30 members including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), Rep Maxine Waters (D-California), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Rep. Jackie Speier (D-California), and Rep. Nikema Williams (D-Georgia), Lewis’ successor. Other dignitaries included former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus; Vice Adm. Ross Myers, commander, Fleet Cyber Command and commander, Tenth Fleet; Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander, Naval Surface Forces; MSC commanding officer Adm. Michael Wettlaufer; and actress and social activist Alfre Woodard Spencer, the ship’s sponsor. Lewis served 17 terms as a congressman and was known as the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation. A civil rights activist, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his long service in government by then-President Barack Obama in 2011. “How perfect the motto of this ship: unbreakable perseverance,” said Pelosi in her keynote address. “Everyone who sees this ship will be reminded of John’s perseverance…. God truly blessed America with the dedication and leadership of John Lewis.” The 746-foot Lewis is the first of the new John Lewisclass previously known as the TAO(X). This class of oilers has the ability to carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, aviation fuel and dry-stores cargo. The upgraded oiler is built with double hulls to protect against oil spills and strengthened cargo and ballast tanks, and will be equipped with basic self-defense capabilities. The Lewisclass of oilers will replace the current Kaiser class fleet replenishment oilers as they age out of the MSC fleet. “As the global maritime environment is increasingly crowded and contested, the John Lewis will continue to support our national security strategy in building partner- Ship’s sponsor Alfre Woodard Spencer christens the USNS John Lewis in San Diego. (U.S. Navy Photo) ships with our friends and allies, and enable Naval forces to rapidly respond to crises, deter adversaries, and maintain forward presence to protect the homeland,” said Wettlaufer. “USNS John Lewis, with current and future ships that make up our combat logistics force, are absolutely fundamental to that mission as they provide fuel, parts, provisions, and mail for Naval forces around the globe.” Six more Lewis-class oilers are on order for the Navy. In July 2016, US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus that he would name the Lewis-class oilers after prominent civil rights activists and leaders including Harvey Milk, Earl Warren, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone and Robert F. Kennedy. “We miss John on this platform, but we will never be without him,” said Woodard Spencer. “May this ship inspire and free the spirit of those who serve on her and those of us on land!” O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 9 September 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. SIU Vessel Hosts Sec. Buttigieg DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg (right) tours the SIU-crewed Cape Washington July 30 in Baltimore, with SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left). Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley is directly behind them. SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins also was on the scene. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG September 2021 �Arbitrator’s Ruling Mandates Vaccinations Other Businesses, DOD Also Begin Requiring Preventive Shots An arbitrator on July 30 ruled in favor of the American Maritime Association’s (AMA) insistence that they can require all mariners sailing aboard the companies’ respective vessels be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The SIU challenged the AMA’s mandate by demanding expedited arbitration, primarily because they unilaterally imposed it rather than bargain over its effects with the union. AMA companies are signatory to the union’s standard freightship and tanker agreements. Those contracts specify that with these kinds of grievances, “the matter shall be referred to an impartial arbitrator whose decision shall be final and binding,” which means the union cannot appeal the decision. In an Aug. 2 web post, the union said, “While we are disappointed in the arbitrator’s ruling, we aren’t necessarily surprised. Earlier in the week, the U.S. Department of Justice released an ‘opinion letter’ saying there’s nothing in federal law that prevents private-sector employers from requiring vaccines. That is consistent with other court decisions and developments across the country, both in the public and private sectors.” At press time, details about how the AMA vaccine mandate will be implemented were still being worked out. Members are asked to keep an eye on the SIU website. Among other points, the arbitrator said he based his decision on the unique nature of the maritime industry, including the fact that crews live together on the vessels. He cited the danger of the Delta variant, plus other recent legal rulings and opinions that support vaccination mandates. He emphasized that his decision aims to maximize safety, and also noted the complications and costs of having vessels quarantine when positive cases occur aboard ship. He acknowledged the sacrifices of mariners and their important roles as part of the essential workforce. Many other companies – plus the U.S. Defense Department – also have either started enforcing vaccine mandates or informed employees that the requirements are imminent. Among others, the following businesses were requiring vaccines as of early August: Anthem (health insurance), Cisco Systems (tech company), DoorDash (corporate employees), Equinox (gym brand), Facebook, Frontier Airlines, Google, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, the New York Times, Tyson Foods, Uber (corporate), United Airlines, Walgreens (corporate), Walt Disney, Walmart, and the Washington Post. On Aug. 9, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III issued a “memorandum for all Department of Defense employees.” In part, the memo read, “As many of you know, President Biden asked me to consider how and when we might add the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines to the list of those required for all Service members. So, over the last week, I have consulted closely with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretaries of the Military Departments, the Service Chiefs, and medical professionals. I appreciate greatly the advice and counsel they provided. “Based on these consultations and on additional discussions with leaders of the White House COVID Task Force, I want you to know that I will seek the President’s approval to make the vaccines mandatory no later than mid-September, or immediately upon the U.S. Food and Drug Agency (FDA) licensure, whichever comes first,” he continued. “By way of expectation, public reporting suggests the Pfizer-BioNTech FOWT Frankinns Joseph displays his vaccination document after receiving an injection at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, administered by a local health care professional. Labor Board Hearing Officer: Amazon’s Law-Breaking Should Lead to Vote Rerun Amazon’s labor law-breaking during the widely watched unionization vote at its giant Bessemer, Alabama, warehouse earlier this year should lead to a rerun of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union’s (RWDSU) election try there, a National Labor Relations Board hearing officer ruled. According to a report by the Press Associates union news service, details of the Aug. 3 decision were not released, but RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum announced its bottom line. Amazon promptly said it would appeal the ruling to the board’s regional director in Atlanta. That office covers Bessemer and the Birmingham area. “Throughout the NLRB hearing, we heard compelling evidence how Amazon tried to illegally interfere with and intimidate workers as they sought to exercise their right to form a union,” Appelbaum said. “We support the hearing officer’s recommendation the NLRB set aside the election results and direct a new election. As President Biden reminded us earlier this year, the question of whether or not to have September 2021 a union is supposed to be the workers’ decision and not the employer’s. Amazon’s behavior throughout the election process was despicable. Amazon cheated, they got caught, and they are being held accountable.” Press Associates further reported that the RWDSU’s complaint to the NLRB, and evidence at a hearing in May, showed 23 company violations of labor law, including illegal threats to lay off 75% of the 5,600 workers, cut health benefits, and even close the warehouse. The firm, owned by Jeff Bezos, one of the three richest people in the U.S., spent millions of dollars a day on union-busting after the RWDSU’s drive began. The RWDSU also cited Amazon’s successful pressure on outside agencies for aid against the union. In one case, Amazon got Bessemer authorities to shorten traffic light timing at the parking lot exit outside the warehouse so union advocates had less time to approach workers sitting in their cars waiting for the light to change. Additionally, Amazon convinced the Postal Service to put a mail ballot drop vaccine could achieve full FDA licensure early next month.” The secretary added, “To defend this Nation, we need a healthy and ready force. I strongly encourage all DoD military and civilian personnel – as well as contractor personnel – to get vaccinated now and for military Service members to not wait for the mandate. All FDA-authorized COVID19 vaccines are safe and highly effective. They will protect you and your family. They will protect your unit, your ship, and your co-workers. And they will ensure we remain the most lethal and ready force in the world.” During the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, SIU President Michael Sacco continued encouraging Seafarers to get vaccinated. It’s a position he has stood by since the vaccines received emergency-use authorization. “It’s the safe way – the only way – to be in this industry,” Sacco stated. “I won’t steer you wrong.” As of Aug. 9, nearly 36 million cases of COVID-19 had been reported in the United States since February 2020. Almost 617,000 Americans had died from the coronavirus during that same period. SIU President Michael Sacco, speaking at the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, encourages Seafarers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccine mandates are on the way for military personnel, but many from the armed forces already have taken the shots. Here, Spc. Tyler Boyer administers the COVID-19 vaccine at Fort Carson, Colorado, in early August. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andrew Greenwood) box under a tent, emblazoned with the company logo and erected in the parking lot. That prompted one tweeter replying to the RWDSU’s announcement to wonder how Amazon achieved that feat after Postmaster General Louis DeJoy had yanked thousands of blue mailboxes from mostly Democratic central cities nationwide the year before, especially from majorityminority neighborhoods. The Bessemer workforce is majority Black. Regardless of the ultimate outcome at Bessemer, where the multimillion-dollar company campaign beat the RWDSU, the drive there has set off interest in unionizing among other Amazon workers. Leading the charge: Workers at Ama- zon’s warehouse on Staten Island, New York, where the firm fired worker Christian Smalls, who led a brief lunch-hour walkout last year over company failure to protect workers from the coronavirus. New York Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James is probing whether Amazon broke state labor law by firing Smalls. Amazon also fired fellow Staten Island worker Christian Bryson after he got into a dispute with a non-walkout worker. In December, an NLRB administrative law judge ruled that firing was illegal. The national publicity also prompted the Teamsters, to announce a multi-year plan to unionize the giant warehouse, product distributor and retailer. Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (right) is pictured at an industry event in New York in 2019, with his predecessor: the recently retired SIU VP Kate Hunt. SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (third from right) already has met with numerous CIVMARS, including aboard the USNS Miguel Keith on the West Coast. Among those also pictured are SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (right) and SIU Government Services Representative Jesse Ruth (second from left). Celona Appointed as SIU VP Gov’t Services Former Port Agent Crespo is Union’s Newest Assistant VP The union’s executive board has announced the appointments of two longtime officials to new positions following the recent retirement of SIU Vice President Government Services Kate Hunt (see story, page 6). Nicholas Celona succeeds Hunt as vice president, while Amancio Crespo fills Celona’s former spot as an assistant vice president. Both Celona and Crespo are well acquainted with the union. Celona is a 1977 graduate of Paul Hall Center Trainee Class 229. Crespo graduated from the trainee program in 1990. Both sailed for several years before coming ashore to work for the union. “My goals are to promote, protect and defend the U.S. Merchant Marine and the SIU Government Services Division, which in turn will help ensure our national security,” Celona said. “We have to make sure that supplies get through to our troops.” Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Celona graduated from Lafayette High School in 1976 and soon thereafter found a home with the SIU. After completing the trainee program, he sailed in the engine department until 1982, upgrading several times along the way (most recently to chief electrician). He sailed on vessels operated by Sea-Land, Maritime Overseas, Delta Line, American Hawaii Cruises, Bay Tankers and others. “The sense of adventure from shipping out was life-changing as a young man,” he recalled. “I fell in love with it right away. When I was called ashore to work as an official, I did everything possible to help the membership and our union to grow.” Celona worked as a patrolman in New Orleans from 1983-88 and was involved in multiple inland beefs. He spent 1989 serving as the port agent in Piney Point before what turned out to be a long-term move to the West Coast. Celona was the union’s San Francisco port agent from 1990-94; he became an assistant vice president in 1994. Among other activities, he served as a Newly appointed SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo 4 Seafarers LOG delegate on the San Francisco-Alameda Labor Council, secretary-treasurer of the local port council, and a governor-appointed member of the board of directors of the Cow Palace (a popular, multi-purpose arena in Daly City, California). Always politically active, Celona organized the union’s annual Thanksgiving gatherings in San Francisco and Oakland, which ran for 29 straight years before temporarily being derailed due to the pandemic. Those feasts evolved into a Who’s Who of politics, with regular appearances from Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, John Garamendi, Eric Swalwell, Jackie Spier and many others. Based on his extensive work with the military, Celona in 2002 was sworn in as an honorary U.S. Marine, a rarity. He will be based in New Orleans. Crespo sailed for six years, both in the deck and steward departments, and also worked on a shore gang before serving as a patrolman beginning in 1997. A Brooklyn native (he is good-natured about not having the accent), he became the union’s port agent in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2005 and has held that post ever since. Crespo played a major role in helping open the new hiring hall in Puerto Rico in 2018, and he also has stepped up on numerous occasions to spearhead local relief efforts following storms that have battered the island territory, including in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in September 2017. He plays a leading role in the union’s participation in “BookWaves,” a joint effort between the SIU, American Federation of Teachers and Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico, among others, to provide free educational reading material to school-age children. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Caribbean University and is a U.S. Army veteran who never misses a chance to promote the union and the maritime industry. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work on behalf of our union members and the industry,” Crespo stated. “It’s all about family – every time I can do something for our members, it’s worthwhile.” SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (kneeling, center) has led the union’s participation in a philanthropic outreach benefiting schoolchildren in Puerto Rico and elsewhere. He’s pictured with Seafarers who also volunteer in the effort. September 2021 �Trumka (left) and SIU President Michael Sacco in 2008 Pictured at a 2012 Maritime Trades Department meeting (from left) are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. SIU Mourns Loss of Richard Trumka AFL-CIO President Had ‘Soft Spot for Seafarers’ Somehow, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka managed to be simultaneously largerthan-life and eminently approachable. Likely due to the former quality, the initial reaction among SIU officials and staff to unofficial news of Trumka’s death on Aug. 5 primarily consisted of disbelief. Trumka’s high-energy personality and regular appearances on television (promoting workers’ right) as recently as that same week seemingly precluded his departure, and there had been no hints of health problems. Unfortunately, confirmation soon followed: Trumka, 72, succumbed to a heart attack while on a camping trip with family. Outpourings of sympathy began the same day, including comments from President Biden, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-New York), and fellow labor leaders from throughout the movement. SIU President Michael Sacco enjoyed a genuine friendship with Trumka. “Rich and I worked together for decades, going back to the 1970s, when we were involved in labor disputes in Missouri, Kentucky and Illinois,” Sacco stated. “Throughout his entire career, no one worked harder for America’s working families. “Rich was fearless and down-to-earth, and even though he had plenty of formal education, at his core he remained a working-class union guy and a family man,” Sacco continued. “He never forgot his roots with the Mine Workers. Those of you who were lucky enough to hear Rich give a speech in person know that he commanded a room like few others. His passion and intelligence and foresight always came through loud and clear.” He concluded, “The labor movement that Rich led and loved will move forward with heavy hearts – but we will move forward…. That’s how we honor his legacy.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said, “If you ever heard Rich address a crowd, you immediately knew what this man was about. His passion, fervor and compassion for the working men and women of this country was the hallmark of his being. Little doubt was left as he bared his soul in the struggle for equality both economically and socially. He was truly an American hero. He had a soft spot for the Seafarers going back to his Mine Worker days in the 70s, and many of us got to know him personally. The world has a lost a good man, but there is no doubt at all that his legacy will be carried on by millions.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel stated, “With heavy hearts, we learned of the passing of Brother Trumka. Rich was a true leader and inspiration to many. Our heart goes out to Rich’s family as well as the 12 million brothers and sisters in his extended family of the Federation. He will be missed.” President Biden described Trumka as “a dear friend, a great American, and a good man. I will miss him as will the countless workers whose lives he made better, and the labor movement he led with daring vision. As I told his family after we heard the news, Jill and I send our love –today and always.” On the Senate floor the morning of Aug. 5, Schumer said, “The working people of America have lost a fierce warrior, at a time when we needed him most. Just yesterday, Rich was lending his support to the striking miners in Alabama. Following in his father’s footsteps, he worked in the mines. He went to Penn State, earned his law degree – but he didn’t practice, didn’t go to some fancy place, he went right to work for the United Mine Workers, which he led for so many years. “He had in his veins, in every atom of his body, the heart, the thoughts, the needs of the working people of America,” Schumer continued. “He was them. Rich Trumka was the working people of America. He never had any airs, he never put it on, and he cared about his fellow workers so. He was a great leader, and he knew that the labor movement and working people had Longtime friends SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka share a laugh in 2015 before the start of an MTD meeting. September 2021 This photo was taken in 1991 at the Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Port Council dinner. Trumka (right) was president of the Mine Workers at that time. He’s with U.S. Air Force Gen. Hansford T. Johnson, one of the other honorees. to expand and be diverse. One of his passions as a leader was immigration reform, which I talked to him about repeatedly, because they were working people, too. No matter where they came from, or what they look like…. We have just lost a giant, and we need him so. We will remember him forever, and his memory will, I know, importune all of us to do even more for the working people of America who Rich Trumka so dearly and deeply loved.” Trumka served as president of the federation since 2009. In 1982, at age 33, he ran on a reform ticket and was elected the youngest president of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). There, he led one of the most successful strikes in recent American history against the Pittston Coal Company, which tried to avoid paying into an industry-wide health and pension fund. Trumka was elected AFL-CIO secretarytreasurer in 1995, and held that post until 2009, when he was elected president. His commitment to improving life for working people began early. He grew up in the small coal-mining town of Nemacolin, Pennsylvania. Nearly all the men in his family, including his father and grandfather, were coal miners. Trumka followed them into the mines, working there as he attended Penn State and Villanova University Law School. Acting AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “Rich was a legend, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement. Rich loved workers. And he knew there was nothing more powerful than workers standing together for a better life. “If you ever watched Rich at a rally or on a picket line, his face would light up with excitement and hope,” she continued. “He never forgot who he was working for. He never forgot who he was fighting for. America’s working people were his guiding light for more than 50 years…. We are not done yet. Rich would never allow it. Now more than ever, we must come together, as one federation, to carry out the mission Rich devoted his life to.” UMWA President Cecil Roberts said Trumka “was more than the leader of the American labor movement, he was an unequaled voice for the workers around the world…. Richard and I were partners in leadership at the UMWA for many years, but we were more than that. He was my brother, he was my friend, he was my confidant.” American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten stated, “Rich Trumka was our brother in the truest sense of the word. His sudden passing is a tremendous loss for the entire labor movement, and for working families across the country. From his first mining job in the late 1960s, to joining the staff of the United Mine Workers of America and eventually becoming president, to his fierce and courageous leadership of the AFL-CIO for more than a decade, Rich fought his entire life for dignity and respect for American workers. He practiced what he preached, and he brought the voices of working people to the forefront of our nation’s consciousness with deep humility and an abiding belief in the power of collective action. President Trumka was a beloved colleague and friend, and his legacy will endure for generations.” Seafarers LOG 5 �‘We are Losing Our Tiger Mother’ Groundbreaking SIU VP Hunt Retires, Caps Dedicated Career The maritime industry proved a natural fit for Kathleen “Kate” Hunt, but that doesn’t mean her career was easy. She played pioneering roles along the way, including service as the first female patrolman for the National Maritime Union (NMU) and the first female member of the SIU executive board. She weathered a rocky stretch (not of her doing) at the NMU and later handled major responsibilities for two SIU-affiliated unions. Hunt happily declared herself “finished with engines, my friend” when describing her decision to retire as vice president of the SIU Government Services Division, effective Aug. 1. She had been a vice president since 2018. “I’ve worked since I was 14 years old,” Hunt said. “I’ve never not worked. But initially, I will be sitting on a beach in Rhode Island, just looking out on the horizon. After that, I’m looking forward to a lot of family time. We’ve got lots of toddlers and babies in my family; I’d like to help my nieces and nephews, and just hang out with them. I’d also like to travel a little when the time is right.” Hunt comes from a maritime family (her father was an NMU port agent, and many other relatives sailed), so it wasn’t shocking that she landed a job with a steamship authority in the 1970s. But her next move – sailing in the deck department of ferries in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, beginning in 1976 – was very uncommon for women in that era. She came ashore as a patrolman four years later and continued serving as an NMU official until that union merged into the SIU in 2001, at which time she wasn’t sure about her future. “God bless (SIU President) Mike Sacco. He let me keep working,” Hunt recalled. “He just wants people that like to work and do their jobs, so I did.” After the merger, Hunt was assigned as a representative for the SIU’s Government Services Division, working with the SIU crews aboard Military Sealift Command vessels, NOAA research vessels and other governmentowned ships. She’d done similar work for the NMU. Hunt also worked as a representative of the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU), serving members employed in the Northeast while being based at the SIU’s New York-area office. In August 2016, Hunt was appointed by the SIU’s Executive Board to serve as the national director of the United Industrial Workers (UIW). In this capacity, Hunt oversaw dozens of UIW shops in the continental United States and Alaska and in the United States Virgin Islands. She held that post until her appointment (and subsequent reelection in 2020) as a vice president. “Kate is one of the hardest-working officials we’ve ever had,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “She’s been a tremendous asset to the members, and she did a great job representing them aboard the ships.” “Kate is a complete professional,” said SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. “Whatever task she took on was handled thoroughly and with the membership’s inter- est in mind. She fought with vigor and usually came out with a win. Fitting into a male-dominated industry never distracted her. If anything, it played to her advantage. I would like to wish her a well-earned retirement and best wishes in her next phase of life. I’m betting she will be following Bruce Springsteen around the country while he’s on tour.” Nicholas Celona, Hunt’s successor as vice president, said, “It’s an honor and a privilege to have known Kate and to have been a colleague. I hope she enjoys her next chapter of life, with fair winds and following seas.” SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Division Joe Vincenzo stated, “Well done and a welldeserved retirement, Kate. It was a pleasure and privilege working with you over the years on UIW and Government Services contracts, issues and membership services. Enjoy that margarita on the beach!” Capt. Andrew M. Lindey, vessel master aboard the USNS Comfort, included this succinct message when forwarding Hunt’s farewell email to the crew: “We are losing our Tiger Mother.” Capt. Keith A. Walzak of the USNS Grumman described Hunt as “always on our side and at our call.” In a written communication to Hunt, Chief Steward Valerie McCaskill said, “I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for being such an inspiration to the industry and myself. In the short time I was able to spend with you at the NOAA union contract negotiations, I learned so much from you. But the thing that truly captivated me was how you walked in the room with such authority, humility, and grace that commanded presidential respect and admiration from all. I was blown away. I had never seen that before and yet I loved every minute. From that day forward you have changed my perspective on how to represent women in the industry. Own who you are, command respect with humility, and never settle for their best offer but demand they give you what you deserve! Thank you for being such a phenomenally fierce powerhouse!” Looking ahead, Hunt said she has “full faith and confidence that Nick and the team that’s already in place will be member-service oriented and do great things.” She cited the successful resolution of the “gangways up” beef as one of her biggest accomplishments (it involved prolonged restriction to ship during the pandemic), and also commended the work of former SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Chet Wheeler and counsel Deborah Kleinberg (both are retired) for helping improve shipboard habitability standards. “I think we led the way on that front,” Hunt said. “We were and still are the lead on making sure that the standards aboard the ships are fair and equitable and decent, and that’s also true of the hotels (where CIVMARS stay). You can’t negotiate wages in the federal sector, so it’s working conditions that we always focused on.” She added that while there are some differences in the federal maritime sector as compared to the private sec- In this file photo from 2019, Hunt (center) stands with SIU Government Services Division members aboard the Joshua Humphreys in Norfolk, Virginia. 6 Seafarers LOG Hunt addresses Seafarers at the July membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. tor, “Seamen are seamen. And it always makes me happy when I go aboard a ship and you see someone you helped. I’d see guys years later who had redeemed themselves and had a decent career. I was always really proud we helped guys hold onto their jobs and maintain their careers.” Asked what advice she’d give to people entering the industry, Hunt provided a twofold answer. First, she said, “Join the union!” Second, “Just do your job.” Hunt said she will miss her colleagues, including fellow officials, members, and personnel from the government and the military. “I really have been very blessed,” she said. “All I ever wanted to do was be a good shipmate, and I think I’ve been that. I’m really at peace with my decision to retire. My only regret is that it’s been a year since I’ve been on a ship.” Hunt in 2018 became SIU VP Government Services Division. Prior to that, she served as National Director of of one of the SIU’s affiliated organizations, the United Industrial Workers. In photo above, Hunt (left) is pictured with SIU/UIW President Michael Sacco (center) and her UIW National Director successor Karen Horton-Gennette. September 2021 �Crowley Wins Vessel Acquisition Management Pact A recent contract award should mean ongoing job security for SIU members. In late July, SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime announced that it had received a “multi-year, $638 million contract for vessel acquisition management by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD).” The company will assist the agency “in the enhancement of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), helping reduce the overall age of the fleet and increase ship reliability,” Crowley reported. That means acquiring newer ships – and, after those vessels enter the fleet, Crowley will maintain and operate them for MARAD. “To carry out the contract, Crowley will use a new, proprietary information technology system to assess, research and make purchasing recommendations,” the company noted. “Once the vessels are acquired, Crowley will oversee any required re-flagging, re-classification, modification and maintenance to ensure they are fit for service in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, and Defense Department requirements.” “A successful vessel acquisition management program is important to the U.S. as a maritime nation, the maritime industry and Crowley as we mutually invest in the strength of our nation,” said Mike Golonka, vice president, government ship management in Crowley Solutions. “We want to share our innovative, successful approach to vessel ownership and lifecycle engineering with the U.S. government.” MARAD describes the RRF as “a subset of vessels” within the agency’s National Defense Reserve Fleet “ready to support the rapid worldwide deployment of U.S. The SIU-crewed Cape Wrath (left) and Cape Washington, both operated by Crowley, are pictured in Baltimore. The vessels are part of the Ready Reserve Force. military forces. As a key element of Department of Defense strategic sealift, the RRF primarily supports transport of Army and Marine Corps unit equipment, combat support equipment, and initial resupply during critical surge periods – the period of time before commercial ships can be secured for similar support. The RRF provides nearly 50% of government-owned surge sealift capability and has rightfully been called ‘America’s Sea Power Reliant Partner.’” The program began with a half-dozen vessels in 1977 and now consists of more than 40, most of them roll-on/roll-off ships. RRF ships “are expected to be fully operational within their assigned fiveand 10-day readiness status and then sail to designated loading berths,” according to MARAD. “Prior to being activated, commercial U.S. ship managers provide systems maintenance, equipment repairs, logistics support, activation, manning, and operations management by contract. The RRF is periodically tested by DOD-driven activations of ships for military cargo operations and exercises.” Spotlight on Mariner Health Updated News about Type 1 Diabetes Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which immune cells attack and destroy the insulin-producing cells (beta cells) of the pancreas. The loss of insulin leads to the inability to regulate blood sugar levels. Patients are usually treated by insulin-replacement therapy. Type 1 diabetes may occur at any age and in people of every race, shape, and size. In Type 1, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the carbohydrates you eat into blood glucose that will be used for energy. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs in order to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes. There is strong evidence that Type 1 happens when an individual with a certain combination of genes comes into contact with a particular environmental influence. Scientist are still working on this theory. September 2021 Remember that in Type 1 diabetes, the immune system is unable to tell the difference between harmful germs and the body’s cells, so the immune system attacks the body’s own insulin-producing beta cells. Studies are underway to identify methods for persuading an improperly functioning immune system to accept the beta cells as part of the body, rather than attacking them. When the pancreatic beta cells (the cells that make insulin) have been destroyed, one solution may be to replace the beta cells with new ones. There are potential obstacles to this approach, though. For example, a patient would require that islets be received from more than one donor. Patients also would have to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their lives. Related financial costs can be substantial. Meanwhile, insulin can be delivered by daily multiple injections, insulin pens, and by portable insulin delivery devices called pumps. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 30 million people in the U.S. have some form of diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may include frequent urination, thirst, weight loss, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, fatigue, dry skin, blurry vision, increased infections, and sores that heal slowly. People who have Type 1 diabetes may also experience nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains. Type 1 diabetes symptoms can develop in just a few weeks or months and can be severe. Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood or teenage years, but can happen at any age. Seafarers are encouraged to see their respective health care providers for appointments, prescriptions, newest treatments and testing products to help make life easier with diabetes. Healthy Recipe Grilled Grouper with Pesto Drizzle Servings: 25 Ingredients 10 pounds grouper fillet 4 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning 1 tablespoon granulated garlic 1/4 cup smart balance, melted Pesto Recipe: 1 1/2 ounces Toasted pine nuts, or almonds 3 each garlic cloves, minced 1/2 ounce salt 10 1/2 fluid ounces olive oil 3 ounces basil leaves, washed and dried well 2 ounces parsley 2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated To Make Pesto: Place nuts, garlic, half of the salt, and half of the olive oil into a blender or food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Blend to a paste, about 1 minute. Begin adding basil leaves and parsley gradually and blend on and off to incorporate the greens into the emulsion. Add the additional oil gradually until the paste is thoroughly combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Add the parmesan cheese and blend just before serving. Pesto should be stored under refrigeration with a layer of oil across the surface. To cook the Fish: Cut the fish into 5 6-oz. filets, season the fish on both sides with the Mrs. Dash and granulated garlic. Grill the fish 1-2 min. on each side on a well-oiled med-high temped grill or in a sautee pan; place in 2-inch hotel pans, drizzle with olive oil and put 1/4 cup water in each pan. Cook in a 325° F oven for 10 min. or until flaky and an internal temp of 145° F is reached.Drizzle the prepared pesto over top of the cooked fish. Serve. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 288 Calories; 15g Fat (46.7% calories from fat); 37g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate. Trace Dietary Fiber: 69mg Cholesterol; 360mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 5 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 2 1/2 Fat. (Provided by Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) Seafarers LOG 7 �Mississippi Legislature Backs Jones Act Mississippi’s State House and State Senate recently adopted pro-Jones Act resolutions. The statements are basically identical and read as follows: WHEREAS, Mississippi’s access to over 1,000 miles of the Mississippi River, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway makes it a critical hub in the nation’s transportation system; and WHEREAS, the current global pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services to the citizens and workforce of Mississippi; and WHEREAS, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act and codified in Title 46 of the United States Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo between locations in the United States be owned by American companies, crewed by American mariners, and built in American shipyards; and WHEREAS, America’s ability to project and deploy forces globally, and supply and maintain military installations domestically, depends on the civilian fleet of Jones Act vessels and mariners; and WHEREAS, mariners aboard Jones Act vessels strengthen America’s homeland security as added eyes and ears monitoring the nation’s 95,000 miles of shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable inland waterways; and WHEREAS, Mississippi is home to 13,460 maritime jobs supported by the Jones Act, the sixth-highest per capita among all states, that generate $728.8 million in labor income; and WHEREAS, maritime industry jobs create ladders of opportunity through high-paying, family-wage careers that offer significant career advancement without generally necessitating advanced formal education and extensive student loans; and WHEREAS, the more than 40,000 vessel-strong Jones Act fleet supports nearly 650,000 family-wage jobs and over $154 billion in economic output nationally and $3.05 billion to the Mississippi economy: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That the House of Representatives affirms its resolute support for the Jones Act and celebrates the centennial anniversary of its passage which has fostered a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to Mississippi’s and the nation’s economic prosperity and national security. (Editor’s note: The next paragraphs are from the Senate’s version.) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- The Mississippi State Capitol is located in Jackson. SOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Mississippi affirms its resolute support for the Jones Act and celebrates the centennial anniversary of its passage which has fostered a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to Mississippi’s Defense Expert Cites Urgent Need To Revitalize U.S. Shipbuilding The situation isn’t hopeless, but the United States had better get moving if it wants to reclaim its status as a leading shipbuilder. That’s the conclusion reached by Loren Thompson, a highly regarded national defense expert who runs the non-profit Lexington Institute. Thompson’s commentary appeared on the Forbes website in late July. He began with a quick recap of America’s maritime history, then said that modern-day “U.S. shipbuilding and maritime trades … have virtually collapsed over the last generation. A nation that led the world in commercial shipbuilding at key junctures in its history today builds less than 10 vessels for oceangoing commerce in a typical year. China builds over a thousand such ships each year.” Those weren’t the only sobering statistics offered by Thompson, who holds doctoral and master’s degrees in government from Georgetown University and who has taught at Harvard. “The entire U.S.-registered fleet of oceangoing commercial ships numbers fewer than 200 vessels, out of a global total of 44,000,” he wrote. “And despite trade flows to and from America exceeding a trillion dollars annually – the vast preponderance of which travel by sea – U.S.-registered ships carry barely 1% of that traffic. That is quite a decline from the year I was born, 1951, when the U.S. Merchant Marine transported a third of all global trade.” The writer then pointed out that China possesses the world’s largest fleet of warships (around 350), while the U.S. Navy is “struggling to get above 300…. The Navy’s request for ship construction funds next year envisions building only four combat vessels (out of eight total), a level of effort that if sustained would guarantee Chinese maritime dominance by 2030.” Ironically, he added, the largest exporter of containerized cargo to the U.S. “is a shipping company owned outright by the Chinese government.” Thompson also touched on the shipboard manpower crisis in the U.S. Merchant Marine before returning to the subject of China. “We know that Beijing’s long-term goal 8 Seafarers LOG is to dominate global supply chains for vital industrial goods, so the fact China is outproducing America in large commercial vessels 100-to-1, that it increasingly dominates traffic, and that it is securing control of ports along key trade routes, should have elicited a policy response from Washington,” he wrote. “So far, it has not. Meanwhile, Beijing’s ability to dominate the future naval balance in its own region – the industrial heartland of the new global economy – is increasingly evident.” Thompson identified the decline of domestic shipbuilding as “just one facet of America’s broader deindustrialization, a process that has seen the land of Edison and Westinghouse gradually abandon the production of every industrial product from smartphones to aluminum since the Cold War ended.” For example, he said, the nation has only a single manufacturer of large aircraft. He also criticized former President Ronald Reagan’s decision to eliminate shipbuilding subsidies “without seeking reciprocal action from other nations. That move was never revisited, even though the shipbuilding industry lost 40,000 workers during the Reagan years. Time will tell whether the Biden administration has the sense to revise naval shipbuilding plans, which at the moment could spell doom for some of the surviving U.S. shipyards.” Moreover, Thompson said the Trump administration’s last industrial-base report to Congress correctly stated that the largest contributing factor of declining U.S. competitiveness in global shipbuilding has been state intervention from competitor countries. “In other words,” Thompson wrote, “China and other shipbuilding nations subsidize their industries, at the expense of America’s shipbuilders. So, what is Washington going to do about it?” He concluded by identifying three options: “institute expanded cargo preferences for U.S.-built and -manned vessels, directly subsidize U.S. shipbuilders, or persist in our current dream-like state until the destruction of U.S. maritime supremacy is complete. I’m not holding my breath waiting for an effective policy response from Washington.” and the nation’s economic prosperity and national security; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to each member of the Mississippi congressional delegation. USA Maritime Coalition Letter To Congress: Reverse ‘Disastrous Reductions in Cargo Preference’ A major American maritime coalition has urged Congress to shore up support for vital cargo preference laws. USA Maritime, to which the SIU is affiliated, sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) in late July. DeFazio chairs the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The coalition, which also includes vessel operators, other unions, and related associations, asked DeFazio to push for inclusion of cargo preference requirements “in any future infrastructure programs enacted into law. For example, the Biden Administration’s American Jobs Plan represents a significant investment in infrastructure across the United States. By adding U.S. flag cargo preference shipping requirements, Congress will ensure that cargoes shipped for the infrastructure programs authorized and funded through the American Jobs Plan will be carried by American ships with American crews. As such, the program would not only rebuild America’s critical infrastructure, but it would also ensure that American taxpayer dollars benefit working families and their communities by providing cargo to U.S.-flag vessels and jobs to U.S. citizen mariners.” Next, USA Maritime asked Congress to consider “reversing the disastrous reductions in cargo preference that were enacted during the 112th Congress. Those reductions had a catastrophic impact on the U.S.-flag internationally sailing fleet. In the years following the enactment of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the U.S.-flag international fleet saw a reduction in size of over 25%. The commensurate loss of jobs was significant, and the impact on American national security and readiness has been serious.” That law also reversed time-tested agreement among various stakeholders that facilitated reimbursement to the U.S. Maritime Administration for certain costs related to cargo preference. The agreement helped ensure “that the increased U.S.-flag cargo preference shipping requirements will enhance commercial sealift readiness without negative consequences to international aid programs,” the coalition pointed out. “By repealing the changes made by MAP- 21, and potentially increasing cargo preference requirements to 100%, Congress can undo the damage caused by MAP-21 while working to strengthen and expand the U.S.-flag international fleet,” the letter concluded. According to the Maritime Administration, “Just as many other seafaring nations have learned, history has taught us that cargo preference, the reservation of certain cargoes to U.S.-flag ships, is necessary for our national defense and a key driver of domestic and foreign commerce.” There are multiple cargo preference laws and regulations. Collectively, they require that all U.S. military cargo and all cargo generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank is carried aboard American-flag ships, while at least half of governmentimpelled agricultural cargo and civilian-agencies cargo is transported on those vessels. September 2021 �NMC Releases Notices Covering Email Renewal Exams, REC Appointments Editor’s note: The National Maritime Center posted both of the following notices in July. Seafarers are reminded that they may renew their respective merchant mariner credentials without any loss of valid time on the current documents (meaning the new credential becomes valid upon the original expiration date of the old one). Also, the links mentioned in these notices are available both on the SIU website and on the NMC site. Email Renewal Exam Update The National Maritime Center (NMC) launched a centralized electronic delivery process (via e-mail) for renewal examinations in May 2020. Over 1,200 mariners have completed more than 3,000 examination modules using this process, and the feedback regarding the improved communications and significant reduction in processing time is overwhelmingly positive. The process allows mariners to request, complete, and submit renewal examinations for grading by e-mail. The NMC discourages requests to mail hardcopy examinations. These requests introduce significant delays in processing that are beyond our control. Approval to test (ATT) letters for renewal examinations issued on or after May 1, 2020, include directions on how to obtain an electronic examination, which are also found on the NMC Examinations Page website. E-mail process for renewal examinations: After receiving an ATT letter, mariner requests their examination by e-mail to NMCRenewalExams@uscg.mil or by contacting the NMC Customer Contact Center. If the examination fee was not previously paid, mariner must provide a Pay.Gov payment receipt withthe request. NMC e-mails the mariner an Adobe PDF copy of the examination module(s), a fillable answer sheet for each module, and directions for completing the process. Mariner completes the answer sheet for each module and returns via e-mail in accordance with thedirections. NMC receives the answer sheets, scores them, and notifies the mariner by e-mail of the results, including required retests or re-examinations, routinely within 2 business days. Mariners may be approved for both original and renewal examinations on one ATT letter. They may only use the e-mail process for the renewal examination and must schedule original examinations at a Regional Examination Center (REC). See the REC webpage for instructions on scheduling original examinations. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this process, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Continued on Page 19 September & October Membership Meetings Piney Point............ *Tuesday: September 7, Monday: October 4 Algonac...................................Friday: September 10, October 8 Baltimore............................Thursday: September 9, October 7 Guam................................Thursday: September 23, October 21 Honolulu...............................Friday: September 17, October 15 Houston..................Monday: September 13, *Tuesday: October 12 Jacksonville.........................Thursday: September 9, October 7 Joliet....................................Thursday: September 16, October 14 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from July 8 - Aug. 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Aug. 9. Total Registered Port All Groups A B Total Shipped C C Trip Reliefs 1 0 2 2 0 2 0 6 6 1 3 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 28 4 0 1 12 0 7 2 17 27 8 1 2 5 4 1 1 1 6 0 2 101 Jersey City..............................Tuesday: September 7, October 5 Norfolk...................................Friday: September 10, October 8 Oakland..........................Thursday: September 16, October 14 Philadelphia.......................Wednesday: September 8, October 6 Port Everglades......................Thursday: September 16, October 14 San Juan................................Thursday: September 9, October 7 St. Louis...............................Friday: September 17, October 15 Tacoma.............................Friday: September 24, October 22 Wilmington...............................Monday: September 20, October 18 * Piney Point change due to Labor Day observance. * Houston change due to Columbus Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m September 2021 All Groups B C 35 2 6 37 8 24 11 67 69 57 2 16 39 25 6 1 14 36 8 57 520 14 5 1 16 0 5 4 35 34 9 0 5 18 9 4 1 6 16 1 18 201 4 1 0 6 0 1 0 9 11 8 0 1 10 4 0 0 1 6 1 5 68 A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 20 1 4 16 5 14 3 42 43 24 0 10 24 12 3 1 7 15 3 24 271 7 2 1 7 0 2 4 26 17 3 0 4 20 3 1 1 3 4 1 10 116 3 0 2 5 0 1 0 6 10 5 1 1 3 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 41 Deck Department 12 1 0 0 1 0 18 8 2 0 9 3 6 3 31 13 30 19 16 4 0 0 5 2 17 13 9 0 3 0 1 0 5 1 15 6 1 1 11 4 192 78 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 8 1 5 4 0 2 4 10 21 11 2 1 17 8 3 1 1 6 1 10 116 1 0 7 11 0 4 2 11 10 5 1 2 11 5 1 3 1 7 2 7 91 1 0 1 3 0 1 1 1 1 2 0 1 8 2 1 0 0 5 1 4 33 Engine Department 4 1 1 0 2 6 8 6 0 1 4 1 4 1 10 8 16 7 5 3 1 1 0 2 9 10 2 4 1 0 3 2 3 0 5 0 2 0 6 4 86 57 1 0 0 2 0 2 1 2 0 1 1 0 5 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 19 4 1 3 7 0 1 3 6 8 1 2 0 11 2 0 0 0 4 0 6 59 7 2 6 8 1 6 6 28 30 16 6 4 20 14 3 1 6 22 2 21 209 1 1 1 13 0 5 4 20 15 3 0 2 19 8 2 3 4 12 5 16 134 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 4 3 0 2 6 2 1 0 1 4 1 3 32 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 0 3 9 0 5 7 9 14 8 1 1 13 15 2 3 2 14 4 24 139 4 1 1 7 1 2 3 11 14 3 1 8 11 8 0 2 6 3 0 15 101 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 8 Steward Department 0 2 0 0 2 0 4 3 0 1 2 0 2 1 10 5 12 11 5 1 2 0 1 2 8 6 15 2 0 0 3 2 3 1 7 1 0 0 13 5 89 43 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 1 2 0 2 0 6 14 3 0 1 4 10 0 2 1 1 0 12 61 10 1 1 17 3 8 12 25 35 16 1 4 33 17 2 4 2 19 6 34 250 5 1 1 12 2 3 3 13 16 3 1 7 19 10 0 1 5 7 0 19 128 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 12 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 2 15 8 4 0 3 1 2 3 10 25 13 1 0 16 13 0 2 2 13 0 18 134 6 1 1 4 0 0 3 14 55 9 3 2 24 4 0 11 3 8 0 1 149 Entry Department 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 4 1 7 1 13 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 4 0 0 2 7 10 70 1 0 1 1 1 1 2 2 33 6 1 0 11 3 0 16 0 4 0 3 86 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 4 14 3 0 0 4 4 0 4 1 7 0 1 48 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 4 4 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 7 0 4 30 15 5 0 6 3 5 5 15 39 20 1 0 25 26 0 2 3 26 0 31 227 14 3 2 5 0 2 3 16 85 11 0 2 29 10 3 13 3 11 1 8 221 GRAND TOTAL: 541 442 231 137 269 1,009 690 333 Mobile...............................Wednesday: September 15, October 13 New Orleans.....................Tuesday: September 14, October 12 Registered on Beach All Groups A B 377 248 Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU SIU VP MEETS WITH PANAMA’S PRESIDENT – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) is pictured in mid-July with Laurentino Cortizo, the president of Panama. Corgey is a longtime member of the Port of Houston Authority; in that capacity, he and other port commissioners met with Cortizo to discuss general shipping issues, Panama Canal-area crew changes, and vaccinations. TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSMAN – SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (left) is pictured with U.S. Rep. Troy Carter (D-Louisiana) at a political gathering July 13 in New Orleans. Carter has been a champion for working families and has committed to working with the maritime industry to maintain and strengthen the U.S. Merchant Marine. NEW CONTRACT SECURED – As reported in last month’s edition, Seafarers have ratified a new three-year contract with Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning covering more than 250 members. The pact includes wage increases and other gains, and also maintains benefits. Seafarers covered by the contract include (large group photo, aboard the ATB Commitment on the West Coast) Capt. George Fleischfresser, CM Michael Walker, 2M Raymond Oglesby, 3M Eugene Narubin, AB Angelo Golden, AB Kyle Baker, Chief Cook David Norris, CE Piotr Kwiatkowski and DDE Charles Regan. (SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II is third from right.) Also covered by the contract is 2M Mark Gaskill, left in photo below, with SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala in Baytown, Texas. HOLIDAY FEAST ABOARD CALIFORNIA – The Fourth of July menu aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning tanker truly appears mouthwatering. Pictured from left in the group photo above are Chief Cook Keith Hall, SA Edwin Balcruz and Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi. 10 Seafarers LOG September 2021 �ABOARD USNS FISHER – The U.S. Marine Management vessel has activated in support of a military exercise. Here are a few snapshots, courtesy of Capt. Jennifer L. Senner (an SIU hawsepiper). The Galley gang (photo at left) includes Chief Steward Kevin Hubble Jr., Chief Cook Randy Sudario, ACU William Flores-Gueits, SA Kierra Bradley and SA Florentino Espiritu. OS Ibrahim Ghalib (center photo) is pictured in a rigid-hull inflatable boat while AB Jeremy Cooke and Bosun Algernon Reed (photo at right) take a break from their duties to pose for a photo on deck. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU FULL BOOK IN JAX – AB Anthony Brown (left) is sworn in as a full book member (B seniority) during the July membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. SIU Port Agent Ashely Nelson is standing at right. DROPPING IN AT THE HALL – Recertified Steward Clifton Medley (right) and his family stop by the hiring hall in Oakland, California, in late July. READ ALL ABOUT IT – AB Luis Ramos stops by the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to grab copies of the Seafarers LOG for fellow mariners aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE). WITH SEAFARERS IN THE GULF – SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala (left) and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday (second from right) meet with crews from the USNS Pollux and USNS Regulus aboard the Pollux in Vidor, Texas. Both ships are operated by TOTE Services. FULL BOOKS IN OAKLAND – SAs (from left) Mohsin Saeed and Munasser Sallan receive their full union books. They’re pictured at the hiring hall; SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II is at right. FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – Chief Cook Neyda OviedoBermudez (left in photo at left) receives her full B-book at the hiring hall. She’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – Bosun Michael Carvalho (left) recently called it a career after more than two decades with the SIU. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II. Carvalho spent most of his career aboard the Grand Canyon State, though he also briefly sailed in the inland division after signing up with the SIU in 2000. September 2021 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent class of recertified stewards to graduate from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland.. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Mario Firme Jr. Recertified Steward My two brothers are SIU members. I joined after high school, in Hawaii. My life is here; I raised my family because of this job. I’m happy to be an SIU member and I enjoy travelling all over the world. Albert Sison Recertified Steward I came to the SIU through the merger with the SIU and NMU. I remained in the organization because of the opportunities they offer. I have been blessed ever since I’ve been given the opportunity. Dante Cruz Recertified Steward Before I became an SIU member, I was sailing foreign flag. There is no comparison. The SIU changed my way of life and gave me a better life, financially and physically. I’ve been a member of the SIU for almost 30 years and I’m still going strong. Edwin Bonefont Recertified Steward I joined the SIU because it is a family tradition, and I remained with the union because it has done a lot for me and my family during all these years. Kenneth Greenidge Recertified Steward My father was NMU. He died when I was 12 or 13, but I saw his success and was intrigued. Joining the SIU was a blessing. It saved my life, and I’m so grateful. I’ve been able to help other people get in, too. Marlon Battad Recertified Steward I joined the SIU because I wanted a job that can provide me and my family with the finances we need to support us. After a few years in the industry, I realized it wasn’t just providing financially but also offering a career that I want to do for the rest of my life. Jatniel “Bam Bam” Aguilera Recertified Steward I joined the SIU because I needed change in my life for the better. I remain in the union because I see many benefits, including education, a pension, vacation checks and, most important, jobs. I feel so proud to be part of this union. Francisco Madsen Recertified Steward When I started, I said to myself, I can do this job for maybe one or two years. Well, here I am, all these years later. The SIU changed my life. It has been a blessing for me and my family, and it has allowed me to see the world. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 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 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 Pic From The Past The SIU-crewed Cities Service Norfolk docks in Linden, New Jersey, in the summer of 1973. SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org September 2021 �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 CYNTHIA ADAMSON Sister Cynthia Adamson, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1993, initially sailing aboard the Independence. She upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the steward department. Sister Adamson’s final vessel was the Coast Range. She is a resident of Warrenton, Oregon. JOHN AGUGLIARO Brother John Agugliaro, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1979. A steward department member, he first shipped on the Seattle. Brother Agugliaro upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Courier and lives in Melbourne, Florida. MICHAEL ALATAN Brother Michael Alatan, 71, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989, initially sailing on the Independence. He was a steward department member and last shipped aboard the SBX in 2015. Brother Alatan resides in Honolulu. shipping aboard the USNS H.H. Hess. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Davis last sailed on the Maersk Iowa and resides in Chesapeake, Virginia. CHRISTOPHER D’ANDREA Brother Christopher D’Andrea, 72, started his career with the Seafarers in 2003 and first shipped aboard the Grand Canyon State. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother D’Andrea’s final vessel was the Maersk Kentucky. He lives in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. WAYNE GREEN Brother Wayne Green, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1990. He initially sailed aboard the Sealift Antarctic and was a deck department member. Brother Green upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Pacific Collector and is a resident of Rosburg, Washington. MOHAMED JEBOKJI EDYSON CHANIAGO Brother Edyson Chaniago, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing on the Independence. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Chaniago last shipped on the Palmetto State and makes his home in Houston. ANGEL CORCHADO Brother Angel Corchado, 63, joined the union in 1991 when he sailed on the USNS Kane. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Corchado most recently shipped aboard the Maersk Chicago, and settled in Puerto Rico. JONATHAN DAVIS Brother Jonathan Davis, 69, signed on with the SIU in 1990, initially September 2021 Brother Mohamed Jebokji, 65, joined the SIU in 2003 when he sailed on the Cleveland. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hal Center on multiple occasions. Brother Jebokji last shipped on the Overseas New York and makes his home in Groves, Texas. DOUGLAS MCLAUGHLIN Brother Douglas McLaughlin, 70, signed on with the union in 2009, initially shipping on the John Boland. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McLaughlin last shipped aboard the Cape Mohican. He lives in South Lake Tahoe, California. she upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Sister McCluskey’s first vessel was the Maunawili; her last, the Navigator. She is a resident of Honolulu. CHARLENE MEDEIROS Sister Charlene Medeiros, 71, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1995. She was a steward department member and first shipped on the Independence. Sister Medeiros continued to sail on the same vessel for the duration of her career. She calls Hemet, California, home. ROMEL REYES Brother Romel Reyes, 65, joined the union in 1999 and first sailed aboard the McDonnell. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Reyes last shipped on the American Phoenix. He lives in Palm Beach, Florida. BENJAMIN SANDOVAL Brother Benjamin Sandoval, 68, began his career with the SIU in 1990 when he sailed aboard the Independence. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Sandoval most recently shipped aboard the Overseas Boston. He resides in Schertz, Texas. CASSIE TOURERE Sister Cassie Tourere, 70, embarked on her career with the SIU in 1989. She first sailed on the USNS Lynch and shipped in the steward department. Sister Tourere upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1991. She concluded her career on the Paul Buck and lives in Port Allen, Louisiana. GREAT LAKES LYNN MCCLUSKEY GARY JOHNSTON Sister Lynn McCluskey, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1980. A member of the steward department, Brother Gary Johnston, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1977. He initially shipped on the A Guthrie and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Johnston upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He last shipped on the John Boland and resides in Duluth, Minnesota. KELLY NEUROHR Brother Kelly Neurohr, 62, signed on with the union in 1995 when he sailed with Upper Lakes Barge Lines. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Neurohr was most recently employed by Vanenkevort Tug and Barge. He calls Cornell, Michigan, home. ALBERT RATLIFF Brother Albert Ratliff, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1977. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1981. Brother Ratliff’s first vessel was the Columbia; his last, the Sam Laud. He lives in Taylor, Michigan. INLAND MIRCEA JIGAROV Brother Mircea Jigarov, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1990. He was first employed by McAllister Towing of Philadelphia and worked in the deck department. Brother Jigarov upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He last worked for Moran Towing of Philadelphia and resides in Dover, Delaware. HAYWARD LOWERY Brother Hayward Lowery, 69, signed on with the union in 1975. He sailed in the deck department and worked for Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. Brother Lowery makes his home in Honoraville, Alabama. JAMES NIGRO Brother James Nigro, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1976. He was employed by G&H Towing for the duration of his career and was a member of the engine department. Brother Nigro resides in Friendswood, Texas. RANDALL BRINZA HERBERT O’NEAL Brother Randall Brinza, 64, began sailing with the union in 1998 when he shipped with OSG Ship Management. He worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Brinza’s final vessel was the Courage. He is a resident of Pensacola, Florida. Brother Herbert O’Neal, 67, began sailing with the union in 2007. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2014. Brother O’Neal was employed by Express Marine for the duration of his career. He calls Bayboro, North Carolina, home. MICHAEL GETCHELL STEVEN SEARS Brother Michael Getchell, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978. A deck department member, he was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation for most of his career. Brother Getchell upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1998. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Steven Sears, 62, joined the SIU in 1979, initially working for Dixie Carriers. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Sears most recently sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He settled in Seabrook, New Hampshire. HECTOR GUZMAN JOSEPH WALKER Brother Hector Guzman, 55, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1993 when he sailed with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Guzman was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and lives in Puerto Rico. Brother Joseph Walker, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2002, initially sailing aboard the Coastal Reliance. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Walker’s last vessel was the Pride. He makes his home in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA RICKIE BURGESS Pensioner Rickie Burgess, 67, passed away June 16. He began sailing with the union in 1970 when he worked for Michigan Tankers. A deck department member, Brother Burgess last sailed aboard the Cape Island in 2009. He retired later that year and settled in Tacoma, Washington. ELIZABETH COSS Pensioner Elizabeth Coss, 90, died June 4. She became a member of the SIU in 1996, initially sailing aboard the McDonnell. Sister Coss was a steward department member. She last shipped on the USNS Bowditch before retiring in 2002. Sister Coss made her home in New Lenox, Illinois. JAMES DAVID Pensioner James David, 82, died March 8. He signed on with the union in 1963 and primarily sailed in the deck department. Brother David first shipped on the La Salle. He concluded his career on the Long Island and went on pension in 2006. Brother David was a resident of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. RAFAEL DURAN Pensioner Rafael Duran, 90, passed away July 10. He began his career with the SIU in 1960. Brother Duran’s first vessel was the Seatrain Savanna. He sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Courier. Brother Duran became a pensioner in 2013 and resided in Kenner, Louisiana. OLIFIDIO ESQUIVEL Pensioner Olifidio Esquivel, 93, died July 9. He started shipping with the SIU in 1948 and first sailed on the Steel Fabricator. A steward department member, Brother Esquivel concluded his career working with OMI. He retired in 1989 and lived in Wharton, Texas. CARROL HEICK Pensioner Carrol Heick, 70, passed away June 18. He joined the Seafarers in 1969 and sailed in the deck 14 Seafarers LOG department. Brother Heick’s first vessel was the Western Clipper; his last, the Explorer. He became a pensioner in 2015 and called San Pedro, California, home. THOMAS HERBERT Pensioner Thomas Herbert, 69, died July 7. He joined the SIU in 1973 when he sailed aboard the Van Defender. Brother Herbert sailed in the engine department. He last shipped on the Quality and retired in 2017. Brother Herbert lived in Melbourne, Florida. SHAWN IVERSEN Sister Shawn Iversen, 62, passed away July 21. She signed on with the Seafarers in 2010, initially sailing aboard the USNS Loyal. Sister Iversen was a deck department member. She most recently shipped on the Magnolia State in 2018 and made her home in Clinton, New York. HENRY OCULAM Brother Henry Oculam, 60, died May 25. Born in the Philippines, he began his career with the SIU in 2008. Sailing in the deck department, he first shipped on the Presque Isle. Brother Oculam’s final vessel was the Overseas Texas City. He resided in Pearland, Texas. SIMA PADILLA Pensioner Sima Padilla, 93, passed away July 1. He donned the SIU colors in 1967 when he sailed on the Sacramento. Brother Padilla worked in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Shining Star. He retired in 1994 and lived in Puerto Rico. TED THOMPSON Brother Ted Thompson, 50, died May 10. He started his career with the SIU in 2018 when he sailed aboard the National Glory. Brother Thompson worked in both the deck and steward departments. He last shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation and resided in Lake Charles, Louisiana. WILLIE TOOMER Pensioner Willie Toomer, 83, passed away May 26. He joined the union in 1995 and first sailed on the Cape Breton. Brother Toomer was a steward department member and last worked aboard the Lightning in 2008. He went on pension the following year and resided in Sun City, California. RAFAEL TORO Pensioner Rafael Toro, 79, has passed away. He began shipping with the SIU in 1962 when he sailed aboard the Anton Brunn. Brother Toro was a steward department member. He retired in 1992 after concluding his career on the Long Lines. Brother Toro was a Miami resident. ANTONINO UDAN Pensioner Antonino Udan, 79, died May 8. He donned the SIU colors in 1983 and initially sailed aboard the Constitution. Brother Udan sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Pacific. He went on pension in 2006 and was a resident of Waipahu, Hawaii. STEPHEN VALENCIA Pensioner Santos Pastoriza, 78, died November 26. He joined the Seafarers in 1964, initially shipping on the Commander. Brother Pastoriza sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Santa Clara. He became a pensioner in 2008 and settled in Staten Island, New York. Brother Stephen Valencia, 67, has passed away. A steward department member, he joined the SIU in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Santa Magdelena. Brother Valencia’s last ship was the Lurline. He made his home in Honolulu. ROBERT PIMENTEL RICHARD WILLIAMS SANTOS PASTORIZA Pensioner Robert Pimentel, 73, passed away May 31. After signing on with the union in 1966, he first sailed on the Jefferson City. Brother Pimentel was a steward department member and last worked aboard the Manulani. He went on pension in 2012 and resided in San Francisco. Pensioner Richard Williams, 95, died July 9. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1951 when he shipped with SC Loveland. Brother Williams was a member of the steward department. He last shipped on the President Polk before retiring in 1990. Brother Williams lived in Saint Albans, New York. GREAT LAKES JAMES REILLY Pensioner James Reilly, 73, passed away July 12. He signed on with the union in 1970 and sailed in the engine department. Brother Reilly first shipped with Inland Lakes Management. He last sailed aboard the American Mariner and went on pension in 2006. Brother Reilly was a resident of Alpena, Michigan. INLAND JOEL ANSOTIGUE Pensioner Joel Ansotigue, 78, died June 29. He signed on with the SIU in 1978. A deck department member, he was employed by Mariner Towing for his entire career. Brother Ansotigue retired in 2009 and resided in Tampa, Florida. BURTON BAXTER Pensioner Burton Baxter, 82, passed away June 30. He joined the Seafarers in 1965 when he worked for Higman Barge Lines. Brother Baxter sailed in the deck department and remained with the same company for the majority of his career. He retired in 2002 and called Kountze, Texas, home. CHARLES DOUGHERTY Pensioner Charles Dougherty 95, died June 11. He signed on with the SIU in 1956. A deck department member, Brother Dougherty worked for McAllister Towing of Baltimore for most of his career. He became a pensioner in 1984 and lived in Glen Burnie, Maryland. ment member, Brother Medina last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He went on pension in 2017 and lived in Ruston, Louisiana. RICHARD ROSSER Pensioner Richard Rosser, 67, died June 13. He joined the union in 1974 when he sailed with Crescent Towing and Salvage. Brother Rosser was a member of the deck department and worked for the same company for the majority of his career. He retired in 2007 and settled in Belle Chase, Louisiana. FRANK SMITHWICK Pensioner Frank Smithwick, 89, passed away July 6. He signed on with the SIU in 1975. Brother Smithwick sailed in the deck department and was employed by Interstate Oil for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2003 and was a resident of Floral City, Florida. NMU BASIL WALDRON Pensioner Basil Waldron, 86, passed away June 16. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Waldron sailed in the steward department. He last shipped aboard the Maersk Kentucky and retired in 2010. Brother Waldron was a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Rahman, Sadick Shavers, Willie Spates, Paul Verdejo, Carmelo 100 93 85 99 DOD 06/30/2021 06/22/2021 06/25/2021 06/06/2021 STEVEN MEDINA Pensioner Steven Medina 64, passed away May 17. He began his career with the union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the USNS Adventurous. A deck depart- September 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HOUSTON (USS Transport), March 28 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Alexander Cordero, Educational Director Jorge Lawrence, Deck Delegate Eugene Edwards, Engine Delegate Olympia Harley, Steward Delegate Vidal Vallesteros. Chairman reminded crew to stay on top of documents and to keep house clean. Secretary and educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed contract and gave thanks to the steward department for a job well done. 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. deck and steward departments for a job well done. Ship sailing smoothly as reported by secretary. Fresh food provisions will be delivered upon arrival or shortly after. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested an increase in vacation days. Members asked for company’s response for restrictions to ship and mobile COVID-19 vaccinations. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), April 19 – Chairman Nathaniel Sherrill, Secretary Emie Aguinaldo, Educational Director Angel Hernandez, Engine Delegate Marquez Fields. Issue with Wi-Fi still ongoing. Educational director urged members to attend upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center and to donate to Seafarers Political Activities Donation (SPAD), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Engine delegate reiterated the importance of drinking lots of water for proper hydration. No beefs or disputed OT reported. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), May 27 – Chairman James Joyce, Secretary Emie Aguinaldo, Educational Director Joel Bell, Engine Delegate Christopher Sykes, Steward Delegate Michele Woodley. Chairman thanked crew for a safe voyage. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paull Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested a big-screen TV and DVD player for crew lounge and asked for new refrigerators. Crew mentioned the difficulty of receiving packages during ship restrictions. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), April 25 – Chairman Raymond Nowak, Secretary Johnnie McGill, Educational Director Timothy Hetz, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Brandon Hickman, Steward Delegate Luis Mejia. Oven installed but still lacking a commercial heavyduty griddle. Chairman thanked AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), May 30 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Johnnie McGill, Educational Director Kenneth Cabrera, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Brandon Hickman. Chairman reminded members that all beefs should be handled within the union and stressed the importance of membership meeting attendance. Smoothsailing ship per secretary. Crew change scheduled for June 10. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and discussed SIU/ Seabulk contract. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Overtime not currently paid to steward department for handling of food waste. Food waste garbage is traditionally designated for deck department overtime. Crew requested increases in pay and vacation time. Members asked for overtime for laundry and union meetings. Next port: Port Everglades, Florida. Secretary Alba Ayala, Educational Director Guiomar Rancel. New fans distributed throughout staterooms. Chairman thanked crew for working safely. He praised the steward department for good service, despite a low budget. Chairman commended members for keeping the ship in great shape. Educational director reminded crew of the long-term benefits that come with upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested better Wi-Fi coverage, an increase in vacation benefits, an increase in health benefits, and a cost-of-living pay increase. MAERSK MICHIGAN (Maersk Line, Limited), June 5 – Chairman Rudy Harjanto, Secretary Gerard Cox, Educational Director Walden Galacgac, Deck Delegate Fernando Haber, Engine Delegate Fontanos Ellison, Steward Delegate Hyeyoung Forrer. Chairman thanked all members aboard ship. He discussed document renewals and encouraged everyone to upgrade as soon as possible. Secretary praised GVA for doing an outstanding job. Educational director advised members to check online for upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed room inspections and requested new linen, new vacuums and raises in pay. Members asked that Wi-Fi be accessible for longer than four hours per day per person. AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), June 20 – Chairman Felsher Beasley, Secretary Detrell Lambey, Educational Director Charlie Wescott, Steward Delegate Ramon Sarmiento. Chairman discussed new jobs and urged crew to stay hydrated while working in warm weather. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Piney Point school and keep up with documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested same internet access that is currently offered to officers. Next port: Port Arthur, Texas. MAERSK COLUMBUS (Maersk Line, Limited), June 13 – Chairman Basil D’Souza, JEAN ANNE (PASHA), June 20 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Members requested pension increases, emergency access to Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, fewer physicals and a decrease of sea time required for retirement. Vote of thanks given to steward department for all the great meals. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Subcom, LLC), June 27 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Joshua Hinton, Educational Director Nicolae Marinescu, Deck Delegate Sanyboy Whiting, Engine Delegate Christopher Brown, Steward Delegate Albert Hermoso. Members who were restricted to ships last summer were reminded to keep up with redlined overtime sheets and turn them into the hall. Chairman stressed the importance for each sailor to maintain their ship restriction documentation as the appeal process with MSC is ongoing. Crew was urged to stay on top of their documents and to never join a vessel without shipping documents in hand. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman encouraged everyone to read the Seafarers LOG in order to be familiar with pertinent SIU information. Members requested new books for library. Next port: Honolulu. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), July 5 – Chairman Kenneth Greenidge. Chairman thanked crew for a good trip. Educational director advised members to attend upgrading courses at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new shower curtains, new mattresses and linen, a smoker and a bigger food budget. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt September 2021 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic September 13 October 1 MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15 MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck September 27 November 15 October 15 December 3 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 25 November 22 October 8 November 5 December 3 RFPNW November 15 December 3 Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10 Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17 Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training Revalidation October 22 November 15 December 3 December 10 October 22 November 15 December 3 December 10 Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation October 25 October 29 Government Vessels September 20 October 4 October 25 November 1 November 15 December 13 September 24 October 8 October 29 November 5 November 19 December 17 Tank Ship DL September 20 September 24 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 18 October 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG September 27 December 13 October 1 December 17 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT September 20 October 25 October 15 November 19 Welding October 25 November 12 Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10 RFPEW November 15 December 10 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook September 27 November 1 October 29 December 3 Advanced Galley Operations September 27 November 15 October 22 December 10 Chief Steward October 18 November 12 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Medical Care Provider September 13 September 17 Basic Training Revalidation October 1 October 1 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ 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 #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 9/21 September 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #871 – Graduated July 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Elijah Ha-Saun Crawford, Kain Hingle, Seth James, Kyle Pettis, Dochua Jomar PolancoNieves, Kaleb Politte, Jesse Schecher and Alec Stensaa. RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated July 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Lucas Anderson, Erik Arnold, Charles Broadnax II, Richard Diaz Jr., Joseph Golden II, Neil Johnston, Peter Pataki, Charles Patchin, Tyler Vitulli and Sarah Wilson. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck department of SIU crewed vessels. Class instructor Tom Truitt is at the far left. Government Vessels (Phase I) – Graduated July 23 (above, from left): Quinn Jon Duarte and Carlos Ruben Gomez Hernandez. Medical Care Provider – Graduated July 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Mark Canada, Derek Chestnut, Randall Craig, Scott Fuller, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus, Dmitri Petchenyov and Kevin Tyson. September 2021 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes GMDSS – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa and Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus. Class instructor Patrick Schoenberger, is at the far right. Government Vessels – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Upgraders Harlan Alonzo, Lonnell Bell, Jacob Breschi, Luke Branko Coffelt, Richard Cole, Christopher Hunnings, Shabrielle Knight, Betty Myers, Jayne Peterson, Hayden Sattler, Jeremy Smoot, Caroline Thomas and George Ekow Turkson. Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Cale Irons, Trevor Johnson, Sherman Kennon Jr., Michael Lane, Mark Nover Miranda Lata, Mackenzie Latta, Tommy McGahe, Juan Narvaez, Marcelino Jose Santos Bermeo and Brandon Tanton. Class instructor William Dodd is at the far left. FOWT – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Nicholas Banks, Thomas Batemen, Darnel Edly Bruno, D’mitri Hill and Tyler Maddox. John Wiegmann III, their instructor, is at the far left. Advanced Refer Container Maintenance – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Rudy Villacarlos Cesar, Sterling Cox, Hector Jose Ginel, Andrew Gronotte, Jing Hui Huang, Jean Paul Merino Lozada, Nicholas Panagakos, Carlos Alberto Parrilla, Rodney Passapera-Barbosa, Marvin Sacaza and Kareem Walters. Instructors Mike Fay and Christopher Morgan are pictured fourth from the left and at the far right, respectively. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated July 11 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Upgraders Bradley Albert, Arlando Espin, Steven Hoskins, Andrea President, Joel Williams and Josephus Willis. 18 Seafarers LOG September 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated June 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Roy Graham, James Sieger and David Watkins. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated July 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Mark Adams, Anthony Diamond II, Andrea Sharpe, Jeremy Smoot, Souleymane Tamla and Michael Wittenberg. Certified Chief Cook – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Salahi Saleh Abdullah Al Salahi, Shamir Jameil Ford, Alexus Guillory, Ashley Hudson, Yohanes Grant Pribadi, Abdul Ali Qwfan, Tyson Mariano Ramirez, Yacoub Lamar Shack, Stevon Anthony Taylor and Derek Wilson. National Maritime Center Posts Notices Addressing Exams, Appointments Continued from Page 9 Restoration of REC Counter Service Appointments The National Maritime Center (NMC) will resume counter service appointments for the Regional Examination Centers (RECs) listed below, beginning Monday, July 19, 2021. Limited examination services will continue. Mariners seeking to schedule counter service or examination appointments may do so by contacting the appropriate e-mail address or phone number below: REC Anchorage – recanc@uscg.mil REC Baltimore – recbaltimore@uscg.mil REC Boston – recboston@uscg.mil REC Charleston – reccha@uscg.mil REC Honolulu – rechonolulu@uscg.mil REC Houston – rechouston@uscg.mil REC Juneau – recjun@uscg.mil REC Long Beach – reclb@uscg.mil REC Memphis – recmemphis@uscg.mil September 2021 REC Miami – recmia@uscg.mil or (305) 536-4331 REC New Orleans – recnola@uscg.mil REC Oakland – recoakland@uscg.mil REC Portland – recportland@uscg.mil REC Seattle – recseattle@uscg.mil REC St. Louis – recstl@uscg.mil REC Toledo – rectol@uscg.mil MU Ketchikan – (907) 225-4496 (extension #3) MU San Juan – (787) 729-2368 *REC New York – has been temporarily closed and all service suspended while the REC is relocated to a new location. Counter and exam services will be by appointment only. No walk-in appointments are available. Late arrivals for appointments will not be permitted, and will require rescheduling to another appointment date. Only the mariner conducting business may enter the REC. Additional members in your party must remain outside the REC during the appointment. Mariners will be subject to COVID-19 screening questions and temperature checks. Mariners experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea), will not be permitted to enter the REC/MU and will need to reschedule their appointment. Mariners are required to wear a face covering at all times. Those who refuse to wear a face covering, or who remove face coverings during exams or counter appointments, will be dismissed and could be subject to examination module failure. Persons with documented health issues that prevent them from wearing face coverings must notify the REC/MU when scheduling an appointment. All fees must be satisfied prior to arriving at the REC for your counter service or examination appointment. gov is the preferred method of payment. A receipt or other proof of payment will be required in order to take an examination and should be e-mailed to the REC prior to your arrival. For an examination appointment, mariners should bring a Pay.gov receipt, their own #2 pencils, photo ID, a nonprogrammable calculator, and plotting equipment. No other personal belongings are allowed in the facility. Please review the REC FAQs, located on the REC page of the NMC website, for additional information regarding available services and entry requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Should you have any questions or concerns, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@ uscg.mil, by using the NMC online chat system, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Seafarers LOG 19 �SEPTEMBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 9 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O QE3 Raibonne Charles was a standout defensive lineman during his college days at the University of Maine (photo at far left). He parlayed those skills into a three-year Arena Football League career with the Richmond (Virginia) Raiders where he starred as a linebacker and defensive lineman (photo at center). He is pictured above with his wife, their six-monthold son and two-year-old daughter. Former Gridiron Standout Grateful For Opportunities Found with SIU P aying attention to detail and following directions to the letter more often than not proves to be a winning formula. Perhaps no one knows this better than QE3 Raibonne Charles, who some five and one-half years ago was provided a set of instructions which, if followed, could change his life while cementing his future with a rewarding career. Charles in January 2016 was a member of Paul Hall Center (PHC) Apprentice Class 809, when then Director of Manpower and current PHC Asst. Vice President Bart Rogers uttered several phrases that would profoundly impact him and his classmates. Rogers during an orientation briefing advised Charles and his classmates “to use the school’s unlicensed apprentice program to its fullest potential; to upgrade often, and to leave the maritime industry as a chief/captain, or at the very least in a better place than it was when they walked through the door.” Charles not only took Rogers’ words seriously, he put them into action. Shortly after completing his requirements for graduation from the apprentice program in late 2016 and going on his first voyage as a credentialed mariner, he returned to the PHC to begin upgrading his skills. This would become a recurring action on his part as he returned to the school time and again as often as he could to continue the enhancement of his abilities. After completing literally every course available to him in his specialty at the PHC, Charles in 2019 applied for and was selected to receive a scholarship for active Seafarers through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). According to his scholarship package, he planned to use the grant to pursue courses which would help pave his way toward obtaining his third assistant engineer’s license. He applied for admission to the Maritime Professional Training school in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and the Mid Atlantic Maritime Academy in Norfolk, Virginia. A 2007 graduate of Windham High School in Windham, Maine, Charles was a well-rounded student who served as president of his class and held membership on Windham’s student council. In the athletic arena, he demonstrated versatility by participating in football, basketball and track and field. Charles was a church youth leader and volunteered numerous hours working in an area soup kitchen. He also assisted residents of a Maine veterans’ home where he was involved in impact mentoring. Following high school, Charles accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Maine. He earned his degree in forestry while again making his mark on the gridiron as a standout defensive lineman. His accomplishments on the field did not go unnoticed, and not long after graduation, he was offered a contract to play professional football in the Arena Football League. He played three seasons as a linebacker with the Richmond (Virginia) Raiders. “In April 2015, I walked away from the game of football forever,” he said in his SHBP scholarship application package. “I knew I needed a career that provided stability and would give me the ability to provide.” At that juncture, Charles began revisiting interests from childhood. “As a young boy, the maritime industry was my first interest,” he said. “I have many fond memories of sitting on my veranda in Grenada and standing in the Portland harbor watching ships come in and out. Often, I was left wondering where did these ships come from and where will they go….” Charles said his interest in shipping probably was the result of his childhood environment. “Both of my childhood homes were heavily reliant on the maritime industry,” he shared in his application package. “The most influential person in my life was a seafarer…. The first seafarer I knew was my father.” It should be no surprise then, that Charles chose maritime as his career going forward following his days in the Arena Football League. “After really thinking about it and putting everything into perspective, I realized that this (maritime industry) is what I wanted to do,” he said. “So initially I talked to some people, did some research and tried to figure out what I needed QE3 Raibonne Charles (photo at lower left)) takes a break from his normal duties in the engine room of the American Liberty to grab some fresh air on the vessel’s deck. In the photo, Charles is busy fabricating a tool rack aboard the Pennsylvania. Both vessels are operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning. to do to get the proper documentation to become a seaman. Once I figured that out, I did what most people do when they are looking for a job: fill out resumes and send out applications. “I sent resumes and applications out to any and every shipping company in the world that I could find an application to,” he said. “What ended up happening was that a crewing coordinator from TOTE Maritime called and said she had received my resume several times since her company recruited mariners from other shipping companies. She explained to me what the SIU was, told me about the unlicensed apprentice program, explained what it was all about and recommended that I apply for it. I did, got accepted and in January of 2016 boarded a plane to Baltimore (en route to Piney Point) and my life has never been the same since,” he said. This past February, Charles passed the examination which landed him credentials as a 3rd Assistant and Designated Duty Engineer. Justifiably proud of his achievement, he reached out to many of those who had figured prominently in his success to date. Among them was Rogers, whom he contacted via email in May to offer his thanks. In part, that correspondence read: “I came through the program in class 809. From the day I joined the program my life has moved in a positive direction, and I am very grateful…. The opportunity that was provided to me by the SIU has transformed my family’s and my life. Thank you and everyone on the admissions/manpower team that helped make this possible.” � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource LABOR MOVEMENT LOSES A GIANT VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS RAMP UP ACROSS COUNTRY NEWEST REPLENISMENT OILER CHRISTENED SIU VESSEL HOSTS SEC. BUTTIGIEG ARBITRATOR'S RULING MANDATES VACCINATIONS LABOR BOARD HEARING OFFICER: AMAZON'S LAW-BREAKING SHOULD LEAD TO VOTE RERUN CELONA APPOINTED AS SIU VP GOV'T SERVICES SIU MOURNS LOSS OF RICHARD TRUMKA GROUNDBREAKING SIU VP HUNT RETIRES CROWLEY WINS VESSEL ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT PACT MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE BACKS JONES ACT DEFENSE EXPERT CITES URGENT NEED TO REVITALIZE U.S. SHIPPING USA MARITIME COALITION LETTER TO CONGRESS: REVERSE 'DISASTROUS REDUCTIONS IN CARGO PREFERENCE' NMC RELEASES NOTICES COVERING EMAIL RENEWAL EXAMS, REC APPOINTMENTS NATIONAL MARITIME CENTER POSTS NOTICES ADDRESSING EXAMS, APPOINTMENTS FORMER GRIDIRON STANDOUT GRATEFUL FOR OPPORTUNITIES FOUND WITH SIU 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 09/01/2021 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. 83, NO. 9 2021 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/975937ebb45314c65b94e392c5c46de2.pdf 4edbc5ccb8f3fdc0d8d47764cbd9cb31 PDF Text Text OCTOBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 10 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Golden State Rescues 2 Boaters SIU members and AMO officers aboard the tanker Golden State (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) executed a timely rescue of two boaters who had drifted for days and were almost out of food and water – with a tropical storm imminent. The mid-August operation happened off the Florida coast. The two rescued men are in the middle row of the photo below, far left and second from left, with Golden State mariners. In photo at right, a U.S. Coast Guard vessel picks them up later that night. Page 4. MTD Turns 75 The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, hit a major milestone last month, as reflected by this anniversary logo. Pages 10-11. Newly elected AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler Shuler Takes Helm at AFL-CIO With SIU President Michael Sacco chairing the proceedings, the AFL-CIO Executive Council on Aug. 20 elected Liz Shuler (above) as president of the federation. She succeeds the late Richard Trumka, who unexpectedly passed away Aug. 5. The council also elected Fred Redmond as secretary-treasurer. Page 5 SIU Steps Up for Activations Page 2 Pandemic Updates Page 3 �esy President’s Report Confidence in President Shuler In late August, I had the bittersweet duty of presiding over the elections of Liz Shuler as the new president of the AFL-CIO, and Fred Redmond as the new secretary-treasurer. As you undoubtedly know, the proceedings were necessary because of the unexpected passing of my longtime friend AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka earlier that month. If you missed the last issue of the LOG, I encourage you to pick it up or view it online. Our tributes to Rich are worth your time. He was a true friend of our union, a dedicated leader, and someone I’m grateful to have known. Liz has giant shoes to fill but is up to the task. She’s a lifelong trade unionist and a longtime labor leader, and while her style is Michael Sacco different than Rich’s, she is no less effective and every bit as committed. The SIU has worked with her for many years; I couldn’t be more confident in her. Likewise, while I haven’t worked as closely with Fred, everything I know about him is positive and encouraging. His acceptance speech in particular was powerfully inspirational, and clearly reflects his passion for the job. Both Liz and Fred have hit the ground running, in particular with their efforts to promote the PRO Act (which Congress may rename in Rich Trumka’s memory) and separate legislation aimed at protecting voting rights. They have the SIU’s full support, and I look forward to continuing our work together. Vaccine Mandates As of this writing around Labor Day, more and more businesses – along with the Defense Department – are requiring COVID-19 vaccines for their employees. I think this was inevitable, and it bodes well for our country. Our deep-sea mariners are required to be vaccinated as of October 1, and we have implemented the same rules for the employees at the hiring halls, at union headquarters and at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. It’s time. Many of the discussions between people who favor vaccines and those who oppose them can be frustrating. For the most part, that’s because those same individuals aren’t getting their news from the same sources. To those who remain hesitant, I understand concerns about longer-term side effects and whether or not the vaccines were “rushed.” But it’s important to remember that scientists have worked on coronavirus vaccines for decades. Think of it this way: If a brandnew make and model of automobile rolled off the line in 2022, no mechanic ever would have previously worked on that specific make and model. But mechanics have worked on cars for a century. Remember also that millions of people have received COVID-19 vaccines, and no long-term side effects have been detected (the vaccine trials started more than a year ago). No “non-live” vaccine has ever been shown to cause side effects years later. The COVID-19 vaccine is non-live. The mandates signify another big step toward finally putting this pandemic behind us. If you’re not precluded from taking the shot for medical or religious reasons, please get it done. Your families and your shipmates will appreciate it, and it’ll give you peace of mind along with tangible, proven protection from COVID-19. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 10 October 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU Jobs Secure as SEACOR Acquires U.S. Shipping Corp. All SIU jobs and the union contract remain in place following the recent acquisition of Jones Act carrier U.S. Shipping Corp. (USSC) by SEACOR Holdings. SEACOR announced the transaction’s completion Aug. 13. “Nothing changes as far as we’re concerned,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “It’s business as usual, with all SIU jobs maintained and our collective bargaining agreement intact.” The acquisition includes the SIU-crewed tankers Chemical Pioneer and Houston, and the SIU-crewed articulated tug-barge units Corpus Christi/Petrochem Supplier, Brownsville/Petrochem Trader, Freeport/ Chemical Transporter, and Galveston/Petrochem Producer. “We welcome the USSC team into the growing SEACOR family and look forward to their continued success,” said Eric Fabrikant, chief executive officer of SEACOR. “Combining these two fleets and operating teams will provide our respective customers with enhanced flexibility, best-in-class equipment, and excellent service well into the future,” said Dan Thorogood, chief executive officer of SIU-contracted Seabulk, which is a SEACOR subsidiary. Albert Bergeron, former chief executive officer of USSC, stated, “We believe that this transaction will provide our existing customers, in particular those moving chemical parcels, with access to an expanded, modern, and highly capable fleet of vessels and an operations team with a proven dedication to safety and customer service.” Seafarers Answer Call for Activations Once again, Seafarers have met the sudden demands of the United States Transportation Command, in conjunction with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the Maritime Administration (MARAD), by successfully completing Turbo Activation 21-1. The recent exercise involved crewing 18 vessels: 17 MARAD Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships and one MSC roll-on/roll-off carrier. SIU members stepped up and filled those 225 jobs within the prescribed time constraint. “Thanks to our personnel in the hiring halls and our members, we were able to crew all 18 ships,” said SIU Manpower Director Mark von Siegel. “Despite the challenges presented by Hurricane Ida, everybody really stepped up and made sure we met the challenge.” The 18 vessels included the MSC RO/RO USNS Gordon (operated by Ocean Shipholdings), the Fast Sealift Ships Antares (TOTE), SS Bellatrix (TOTE), SS Capella (Ocean Duchess), SS Pollux (TOTE) and SS Regulus (TOTE), the crane ship SS Cornhusker State (Pacific Gulf Marine), and 11 RRF RO/ROs: GTS Adm Wm M Callaghan (Patriot), SS Cape Island (Ocean Duchess), MV Cape Douglas (Keystone), Cape Domingo (Keystone), Cape Kennedy (Keystone), Cape Race (Keystone), Cape Rise (Keystone), Cape Taylor (Patriot), Cape Trinity (Patriot), Cape Vincent (Patriot) and Cape Washington (Crowley). Acting Executive Director of MARAD Kevin Tokarski praised the efforts of the Seafarers in a letter, saying in part, “On behalf of the Acting Maritime Administrator, Lucinda Lessley, I would like to express our Agency’s thanks for the successful wrap-up of the recent Ready Reserve Force Turbo Activation 21-1. The success of this is due to the contribution of our Ship Managers and all of the mariners needed to make activating these ‘old workhorses’ even possible. MARAD is now in the 75th year of maintaining the Nation’s reserve of sealift ships and the median age of these vessels is 46-years old. Indeed, the age of the vessels today is older than when the Ready Reserve Pictured aboard the Cape Rise (Keystone) in Norfolk, Virginia, during the activation are (front, from left) Second Mate Alyssa Billi, SA Marie Anthony, Engine Cadet Charlotte Brockman, (back row) SA Quinsha Davis, Third Assistant Engineer Angie Strandfeldt and Chief Cook Michele Woodley. Force fleet was developed in 1976 with the first ships from WWII. The challenges of activating and operating these vessels is more difficult each year and we do not take for granted the significant efforts your personnel muster to get this done.” News Bulletins This edition of the LOG went to press earlier than usual. Following are two news items that were developing on deadline. Please visit the SIU website for updates; we’ll also have additional coverage in the next issue. Member Perishes from COVID OMU Davon McMillan passed away Sept. 5 in an overseas hospital after contracting COVID-19. He was 65 and reportedly was not vaccinated against the coronavirus. McMillan joined the union in 1978. He most recently sailed aboard the Resolve (TOTE) before being taken off the vessel and transported to Brazil after he became ill. Another mariner from that same vessel also reportedly caught COVID-19 and was flown by helicopter to a hospital in San Antonio. SIU New Orleans OMU Davon McMillan Port Agent Chris Westbrook knew McMillan well. “This is really a loss. He was a stand-up union member, that’s for sure,” Westbrook said. “Any time you called on him – and I don’t care what it was about – if you needed him, he stepped up to the plate every single time. He was one of those old-school guys who made the union what it is today.” Westbrook added, “I’ve heard people ask whether others actually know anyone who’d died from COVID. Davon is somebody I’ve known for 25 years. He suffered in a hospital for weeks and died from COVID. So, there’s your answer.” In a separate incident, a COVID-19 outbreak led to the cancellation of an activation (USNS Bellatrix). New Orleans Hall Reopens The hiring hall in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey closed for about a week after Hurricane Ida devastated parts of the Gulf and East coasts. The hall only sustained minor damage but was without power VERIFY AND ADD DETAILS HERE INCLUDING DATE OF REOPENING Westbrook said numerous Seafarers who live in the area suffered massive damage to their respective homes. With power outages lingering and mandatory evacuation orders only recently lifted, the coordination of relief efforts may take some time. October 2021 �Deep-Sea Vaccine Mandate Effective Oct. 1 DOD, State Gov’ts, Many Businesses Require Vaccination As of Labor Day weekend, it appeared the oft-discussed “new normal” in the United States includes COVID-19 vaccine mandates in many components of federal and state governments as well as private business. Though far from universal, the requirements became more prevalent after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Aug. 23 approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. FDA approval of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, respectively, is expected in the very near future. Two days after the Pfizer approval, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a memorandum for “Mandatory Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination of Department of Defense Service Members.” The memo directs the secretaries of the military departments to immediately begin full vaccination of all members of the armed forces under DOD authority on active duty or in the reserve, including the National Guard, who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Many high-profile businesses also are requiring vaccines, as are some sports and concert venues. As previously reported, the SIU and the American Maritime Association, in accordance with a recently announced arbitration decision, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for implementing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, effective Oct. 1, 2021. Based on the arbitration results, the union subsequently agreed to the same requirements with its non-AMA companies in the deep-sea sector. The MOU spells out the following for vessels covered under the SIU standard freightship and tanker agreements. (Again, the same rules apply to mariners sailing on other deep-sea vessels as well.)  All crew joining a vessel, regardless of job status, (permanent, trip tour, rotary, or trip relief), on and after Oct. 1, 2021 must provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccine.  The following vaccines are acceptable: Pfizer - both shots - second shot prior to joining; Moderna - both shots - second shot prior to joining; Johnson & Johnson 1 shot - 2 weeks prior to joining. Non-vaccinated crew on vessels, as of Oct. 1, 2021, will be allowed to finish their current tours. However, should the Company make arrangements for them to be vaccinated in a U.S. port after Oct. 1, 2021 and they refuse, the Company will call for their relief and when their replacement reports aboard, their employment will end.  In the event of an emergency situation the Company and Union may agree to allow unvaccinated mariners to join a vessel, however all reasonable efforts will then be made to secure a vaccine for such mariners as soon as possible. Any such mariners will need to observe all of the COVID-19 safety protocols that have been in place during this pandemic, to include but not be limited to, testing, social distancing, restriction of movement on the vessel, restriction to ship in port without payment of penalties, etc.  Union representatives will try to assist crew members in locating vaccine sites and scheduling appointments if requested.  The requirements set forth above for new crew joining a vessel on or after Oct. 1, 2021 apply as well to permanent crew re- turning to vessels.  Medical Exemptions: The Medical Director of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan will work with the parties to develop medical exemption protocols.  Religious Exemptions: Religious exemption requests will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors to be considered include prior religious objection to receiving other required vaccines. If any individual Association Company bargains with any other shipboard union and should agree to less stringent protocols and/or requirements or the payment of any compensation or bonus for agreeing to and subjecting oneself to a COVID-19 vaccine, the same shall be offered to crewmembers represented by the SIU on its ships. Any such agreement shall not be applicable to other Association companies To assist in the implementation of these conditions, fully vaccinated Union representatives will be allowed to board vessels to have discussions with the vessels’ crews. Any such Union representatives will abide by all COVID-19 protocols.  All Association Companies will make reasonable efforts to try to have any vendors or other individuals who board any covered vessel fully vaccinated before boarding any such vessel. Both parties acknowledge that the Association’s companies do not control vendors or their employees. Also as of Oct. 1, anyone entering a Seafarers hiring hall must provide either proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID19; or a completed, signed exemption form along with a negative test result from within the last 48 hours. This policy was adopted by the trustees of the Seafarers Joint Employment Fund (hiring halls). Seafarers are encouraged to bring their respective vaccination cards to the halls as soon as possible so those documents may be scanned into the SMIS database. Other safety precautions remain in place at all of the halls, including requirements to wear masks and socially distance. Proper sanitation is always encouraged. Similar vaccine mandates take effect at the headquarters building and at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, beginning Oct. 1. (Members are encouraged to contact their respective port agents with any questions.) According to the FDA, the Pfizer vaccine now will be marketed as Comirnaty (koemir’-na-tee), and it is approved “for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals. Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D., stated, “The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product. While millions of people have already safely re- Recent Trustee Action Means Some Pensioners Are Now Eligible to Resume Sailing A letter sent to some SIU pensioners in August spells out opportunities to temporarily resume sailing. The communication notes that Seafarers Pension Plan Trustees, in an effort to recruit qualified mariners, “decided to allow pensioners who have retired within the last five years to return to work with an SIU-contracted employer without hav- October 2021 ing their pension benefits suspended. To be able to return to work, you would need to have valid merchant mariner credentials, be able to work in an unlicensed position above entry level and be able to pass the required physical examination. All contractual shipping rules apply to all covered jobs; however, the SAB will make a temporary rule change which will U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III briefs media members at the Pentagon in early September. (DoD photo by Brittany A. Chase) ceived COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.” Since Dec. 11, 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been available under EUA in individuals 16 years of age and older, and the authorization was expanded to include those 12 through 15 years of age on May 10, 2021. EUAs can be used by the FDA during public health emergencies to provide access to medical products that may be effective in preventing, diagnosing, or treating a disease, provided that the FDA determines that the known and potential benefits of a product, when used to prevent, diagnose, or treat the disease, outweigh the known and potential risks of the product. FDA-approved vaccines undergo the agency’s standard process for reviewing the quality, safety and effectiveness of medical products. For all vaccines, the FDA evaluates data and information included in the manufacturer’s submission of a biologics license application (BLA). A BLA is a comprehensive document that is submitted to the agency providing very specific requirements. For Comirnaty, the BLA builds on the extensive data and information previously submitted that supported the EUA, such as preclinical and clinical data and information, as well as details of the manufacturing process, vaccine testing results to ensure vaccine quality, and inspections of the sites where the vaccine is made. The agency conducts its own analyses of the information in the BLA to make sure the vaccine is safe and effective and meets the FDA’s standards for approval. Comirnaty contains messenger RNA (mRNA), a kind of genetic material. The mRNA is used by the body to make a mimic of one of the proteins in the virus that causes COVID-19. The result of a person receiv- allow pensioners to maintain the seniority level they enjoyed at the time of their retirement.” The letter further states, “This trustee action allows eligible pensioners to continue collecting their full monthly pension benefits, earn the wage rates specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and, if you are receiving a wage related pension benefit, you could also earn additional $15 increments for every 120 days of covered employment for which you work. In addition, if you resume employment and work for 90 days, you will become eligible for active seafarer benefits from the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan and your claims would be processed in accordance with those rules.” These provisions will remain in effect ing this vaccine is that their immune system will ultimately react defensively to the virus that causes COVID-19. The mRNA in Comirnaty is only present in the body for a short time and is not incorporated into – nor does it alter – an individual’s genetic material. Comirnaty has the same formulation as the EUA vaccine and is administered as a series of two doses, three weeks apart. “Our scientific and medical experts conducted an incredibly thorough and thoughtful evaluation of this vaccine. We evaluated scientific data and information included in hundreds of thousands of pages, conducted our own analyses of Comirnaty’s safety and effectiveness, and performed a detailed assessment of the manufacturing processes, including inspections of the manufacturing facilities,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “We have not lost sight that the COVID-19 public health crisis continues in the U.S. and that the public is counting on safe and effective vaccines. The public and medical community can be confident that although we approved this vaccine expeditiously, it was fully in keeping with our existing high standards for vaccines in the U.S.” Austin wrote in his memo, “To defend this Nation, we need a healthy and ready force. After careful consultation with medical experts and military leadership, and with the support of the President, I have determined that mandatory vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) is necessary to protect the Force and defend the American people. Mandatory vaccinations are familiar to all of our Service members, and mission-critical inoculation is almost as old as the U.S. military itself. Our administration of safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines has produced admirable results to date, and I know the Department of Defense will come together to finish the job, with urgency, professionalism, and compassion.” until the end of 2021. The trustees then will review manning requirements and decide if they’ll be extended. (If a pensioner returns to work in the interim and happens to still be on a vessel beyond Dec. 31, 2021, he or she will continue receiving their pension benefits and wages until their respective articles are completed or they’re replaced by a relief.) Due to industry needs, inland pensioners will also be allowed to return to work in the inland sector and keep receiving their pensions; however, they will only be allowed to do so for up to 90 days in a calendar year. Interested pensioners are asked to contact their local port agent for more information. Seafarers LOG 3 �Golden State Crew Rescues Two Mariners Mariners aboard the SIU-crewed Golden State (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) recently saved two individuals who’d been adrift for four days with limited food and water – and with a tropical storm approaching. The rescue took place Aug. 14, approximately 145 nautical miles west of Key West, Florida. “The AMO and SIU men and women crew members aboard the Golden State did a remarkable job in finding and rescuing these two mariners,” said vessel master Capt. Ervin L. Curtis. SIU members aboard the Golden State during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Timothy Jackson, ABs Kervin Guevara, Javier Valencia, Maria Carranza, Shantaz Harper and Christopher Green, QEP Michael Durago, QE4 Noah Hughes, Steward/Baker Antajuan Beasley, Chief Cook Marco Guevara, GVA Dennis Lucas and SA Antwon Norris. Bosun Jackson, a Seafarer since 1990, said the rescue proved challenging, starting with difficulty spotting the distressed boaters. “We couldn’t see them for a while but we kept them on the radio,” Jackson stated. “The chief mate finally spotted them.” He continued, “The captain had to get the ship slowed and we had to gradually come up on them. We rigged pilot ladders and got a heaving line. We tossed it and they finally got close enough to us. They were strong enough to climb the ladder and oh, they were glad to be rescued! The Coast Guard picked them up that night, and it’s a good thing we got them when we did. The seas had picked up quite a bit.” Jackson concluded, “Everybody did a good job. We got them back to safety, and that was a good thing.” Capt. Curtis provided the following summary (along with photos): At approximately 0652 on 14 August, 2021 the Golden State was transiting the Gulf of Mexico bound for Cape Henlopen, DE with a full load of crude oil. The Mate on watch Jessica Faltings received a MAYDAY call in Spanish on CH 16 from a small craft called the Three Musketeers. The Mate on watch responded to the call on CH 16 and two Spanish-speaking ABs, Javier Valencia and Kervin Guevara, were able to gather information on the small craft. It was determined that the small craft was adrift, though the position could not be determined as all navigational equipment aboard the small craft had failed. The Mate on watch called the Captain who immediately came to the bridge. The Captain instructed the 2nd Mate to hail USCG Key West via Satellite phone. The vessel was placed into hand steering and slowed to maneuvering speed. The 2nd Mate Kenneth Estes attempted to contact the Coast Guard via Satellite phone on the emergency line for Sector Key West. All Hands were called to look for the stricken vessel and at 0716 the small craft was sighted in posi- Seas were worsening (photo above) when the SIU-crewed Golden State saved two stranded boaters. One of the boaters (photo below) climbs aboard the Golden State. tion Lat: 24-33.177N Long: 084-20.808W. At 0740 USCG Sector Key West was reached via SAT phone and the information gathered by the crew was relayed. The Master maneuvered the Golden State alongside the 26-foot sport fisherman; the sport fisherman did have slight reversing propulsion which aided in getting it near enough for the Chief Mate, deck and engine crews in getting heaving lines to the stricken vessel. A port lee was made by the Master to calm the seas, estimated at about 12 to 14 feet. At 0818 the ship’s engine was stopped, and the small craft was secured alongside to the Golden State at 0831. The small craft was in position Lat: 24-38.107N Long: 084-24.078W approximately 85 miles west of Dry Tortugas and 145 nautical miles west of Key West Florida. A line was then lowered to the small craft with life jackets attached. The CM Scott Anderson verbally confirmed with the two people aboard that they were well enough to climb the pilot ladder. At 0832 both people boarded the Golden State. 0832 the Small craft Three Musketeers released (cut loose) in position Lat: 24-38.169N Long: 084-24.082W. At 0835 the Golden State resumed her voyage for Cape Henlopen, DE, with final destination of Marcus Hook, PA. 0900 the engine load program up was set to NAV Full Ahead. 0912 Crowley Operations Port Captain Callahan in Jacksonville, Florida, was notified of the situation. Weather conditions were rough, and the sport fisherman was difficult to locate. With the approaching tropical storm, the survivors were very lucky to have been spotted and picked up by the Golden State’s crew. The two male survivors were extremely thankful to the Golden State’s crew for rescuing them in rough seas. The survivors reported that they had been White House Issues Labor Day Proclamation The following statement by President Joe Biden is posted on the White House website (and on the SIU website): My father taught me from a young age that a job is about much more than a paycheck. It is about dignity, respect, and your place in the community. It is about being able to look your children in the eye and assure them that things are going to be okay. When Americans go to work each day, they are not just making a living – they are pursuing a life with hope for the future. In doing so, they build, drive, care for, and grow our Nation. Hard-working Americans are the backbone of our country. As I have often said, the middle class built America — and unions built the middle class. Everything that supports a sustainable middle-class life was made possible by unions, and on Labor Day we honor all those workers – and their enduring movement – that keep our economy moving and make our Nation strong. I believe that every worker deserves not only a fair wage and benefits – but freedom from discrimination, a safe and healthy workplace, and the respect that comes with a secure retirement as well. That is why my Administration always stands proudly with workers. It is why, in the American Rescue Plan, we gave working people a break – helping workers weather the pandemic, giving middle-class families raising children a historic tax cut, and upholding the promise of a dignified retirement by protecting the hard-earned pensions of millions of American workers and retirees. It is also why I am committed to ensuring that all workers have a free and 4 Seafarers LOG adrift four days with food and water running very low. They reported some ships had passed them by without stopping (understandable, as the Golden State’s crew didn’t see them until they were about a mile away in the rough seas). Another ship had made contact with the small craft but told them it was too rough to pick them up. That ship proceeded on her voyage, and there is no confirmation that the small craft’s position was reported to authorities. With tropical storm Fred expected to pass by the small craft’s position in less than 24 hours, it is likely the situation could have been a much worse outcome for these mariners. They were given medical attention, hot food, spare crew cabins to rest, and a chance to clean up after their four days adrift. After discussions with USCG Sector Key West, a plan was developed to make a rendezvous with a USCG Key West boat at the Key West sea buoy to transfer these mariners safely ashore. At 20:42 in darkness, the mariners were transferred to the USCG. Weather conditions included strong winds and rain with seas 8 to 9 feet at Key West. The USCG Sector Key West boat crew’s performance was excellent, under less than favorable sea conditions. Very good planning and teamwork between the Golden State and USCG Key West. Very professional and a super job by the USCG. The AMO and SIU men and women crew members aboard the Golden State did a remarkable job in finding and rescuing these two mariners. As Captain it was my call to start the search and rescue, but there is no doubt I could not have done it without help from these professional mariners. Sincerely, Captain Ervin L. Curtis M/T Golden State fair opportunity to organize a union and bargain collectively with their employers. This has been a guiding principle of our Nation since union organizing was explicitly encouraged by the National Labor Relations Act in 1935. But for far too long, that principle has been attacked and neglected. American workers should make their own decisions – free from coercion and intimidation – about organizing with their co-workers to have a stronger voice in their workplaces, their communities, and their government. That is why I strongly support the Protecting the Right to Organize Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. It is also why I created the Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, and asked Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh to serve as its chair and vice chair. After more than a year in which essential workers made extraordinary sacrifices and carried our Nation on their backs, this Labor Day we see more clearly than ever that we must build an economy that responds to the needs and aspirations of working people – an economy that deals everyone in and brings everyone along. The pandemic has also exacerbated and revealed for all to see the places where our Nation has fallen short of its promise to deliver equal opportunity to workers of color and their communities. To help address that long-standing challenge, my Administration is pursuing a comprehensive approach to advancing equity, as illustrated in the Executive Order I signed on my first day in office entitled Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities. Despite the tremendous progress we have made to advance labor protections and strengthen the voice of workers in the workplace, there is still much more we need to do. As in every generation since Labor Day was first celebrated in the late 19th century, there are still those who resist Americans’ efforts to build and sustain worker power – the engine of our economic growth, the key to our long-term success, and the best defense against corporate abuses of power in workplaces, our economy, and our democracy. Over the years, the Labor Movement has won many battles: establishing the 40-hour work week, integrating workplaces, eliminating child labor, securing health and safety protections for workers, and countless other victories. Workers and their unions prevailed time and time again – but the work continues. We are going to keep fighting to restore power to working families and protect the rights of hard-working Americans and unions. That includes seizing the golden opportunity ahead of us to make the largest investment in nearly a century in American infrastructure, American workers, and good union jobs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. On this Labor Day, we honor the pioneers who stood up for the dignity of working people – leaders like César Chávez, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., A. Phillip Randolph, John L. Lewis, Samuel Gompers, Frances Perkins, and many more. Let us also remember the tireless voices for working families that we have recently lost, including my friend Richard Trumka. We must recommit ourselves to advancing the historic progress these trailblazers made as we work to deliver a decent life with security, respect, and dignity for all. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 6, 2021, as Labor Day. I call upon all public officials and people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the energy and innovation of working Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. October 2021 �AFL-CIO Elects Liz Shuler President Federation Taps Redmond as Secretary-Treasurer, Forms Historic Leadership Team With SIU President Michael Sacco chairing the proceedings, the AFL-CIO Executive Council on Aug. 20 elected Liz Shuler, a visionary leader and longtime trade unionist, to serve as president of the federation of 56 unions and 12.5 million members. Shuler is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation. The executive council also elected United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler as secretary-treasurer. Redmond is the first African American to hold the number two office. Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president, rounding out the most diverse team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO. Sacco is the longest-serving member of the council. The election of Shuler and Redmond comes after the unexpected and untimely passing of Richard Trumka, who served as AFL-CIO president from 2009 until his death on Aug. 5, capping a more than 50year career of dedication to America’s unions and working people. “I am humbled, honored and ready to guide this federation forward,” Shuler said after her election. “I believe in my bones the labor movement is the single greatest organized force for progress. This is a moment for us to lead societal transformations – to leverage our power to bring women and people of color from the margins to the center – at work, in our unions and in our economy, and to be the center of gravity for incubating new ideas that will unleash unprecedented union growth.” “I could not be more excited to get to work with President Shuler so we can build on the labor movement’s legacy of change, writing a new chapter that brings the promise of union membership to workers across this country,” Redmond said. “This is the right team at the right time to help bring about the economic and social justice America is hungry for.” “Our country is at a crossroads. Now more than ever, the labor movement is the best vehicle to fight inequality, systemic racism, and attacks on our basic rights and freedoms,” said Gebre. “I am honored to work with our historic team led by President Shuler and look forward to fighting every day for working families.” Shuler grew up in a union household. Her father, Lance, was a power lineman and longtime member of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 125 at Portland General Electric, and her late mother, Joyce, worked as an estimator in the company’s service and design department. In 1993, Shuler was hired as an organizer at Local 125. When energy giant Enron Corp. tried to muscle electricity deregulation through the Oregon Legislature, Shuler worked with a broad-based coalition of labor, community and environmental activists to challenge and ultimately overcome Enron’s powerhouse lobbying campaign, a SIU President Michael Sacco (left in photo at left) and then-AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler are pictured at the SIUNA convention in 2017. President Sacco (right in other photo) congratulates newly elected AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond at the federation’s headquarters. victory that sparked her passion for mobilizing workers to make change even when faced with overwhelming odds. In 1998, Ed Hill, then-secretary-treasurer of the IBEW, assigned Shuler to California where she mobilized IBEW members to help defeat Prop. 226, the so-called paycheck protection initiative that threatened to silence union members in the political process. That victory prompted John J. Barry, president of the IBEW at that time, to hire her as an international representative in the union’s political/legislative affairs department in Washington, D.C. In that role, Shuler Shuler: This Could Be the Most Unifying Moment in Labor History Editor’s note: AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivered the following remarks after her election: I recognize both the honor and the responsibility I now have as president. We never thought we’d be here, through a pandemic, so many tragedies and the sudden loss of Rich. We didn’t want this milestone to happen this way. But through your resilience and dedication to our movement, you’ve just elected the most diverse leadership team in our history. Key word: team. Fred (Redmond), Tefere (Gebre), me – and all of you. This is just the very beginning of a longer, ongoing discussion about change and the future. We’re going to build a modern labor movement to meet this extraordinary moment. People are hurting and scared. There aren’t enough good, sustainable jobs. The middle class has been hollowed out. COVID-19 has amplified longstanding structural inequity. Our systems are broken; the climate crisis is accelerating; technology is changing how work is done. But we want working people to know they can find hope with us. I believe in my bones that the labor movement is the single most powerful force for progress and that this is a moment for us to lead societal transformations; to leverage our power to bring women and people of color from the margins to the center at work, in our unions and in our economy; and to be the center of gravity for incubating new ideas that will unleash unprecedented union growth. We have everything lined up, with a pro-worker administration and Congress. The public is on our side, and workers all across the country are standing up and taking risks. This is our chance. We will meet this moment as one united federation. In the coming months, we will hone our strategy, sharpen our focus and deepen our capacity. One thing I’d like to make crystal clear: Affiliate engagement will guide my presidency. It isn’t an afterthought. I will seek your guidance and input from the beginning and at every step in decision making, building strategy and how we execute. We have a lot of opportunities, but we don’t want to be too diffuse. That dilutes our effectiveness. Instead, we need to unite around a set of priorities, go after them and be disciplined in our approach. Let’s identify and scale what works. And let’s be honest about what doesn’t. I’m excited to have those conversations with you. Because we are at an inflection point, we’re building a bridge between our incredible history, our timehonored traditions and a bold, cutting-edge future. I want every working person in every kind of job October 2021 to see they can have a place in our movement. We’re not a bunch of smoke-filled back rooms. We’re open. We’re transparent. We welcome Gen Z and millennials in the streets and in the halls of power – organizing at the grassroots and working to advance policy in D.C and state houses across the country. It’s not an either-or scenario. We can and will walk and chew gum at the same time. I’ve been proud to stand with you as we’ve won national elections and made progress on our Workers First Agenda. Pension relief. Health care. And we will keep pushing for infrastructure, voting rights and labor law reform. Everything we do will be in service to organizing and union growth. And on that front, you’ve heard me talk about Action Builder, a digital organizing tool, built in-house from the ground up. We didn’t just buy it off a shelf and say, ‘Here, use this.’ We built it with affiliate unions. And it’s democratizing organizing, making it more accessible for people historically left out on the sidelines. My point is this: Affiliate priorities are federation priorities. And together we are going to be that center of gravity for incubating new ideas. I’d like this council to think of itself as an Innovation Committee, and I ask you to bring your experience, diverse perspectives and ideas to this table, to try new things to catalyze breakthrough union growth – and not be worried about whether we fail. It’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes mean we’re getting out there and doing something different. Because labor can bring America together, our movement is where so many walks of life and issues converge. There’s no doubt about our direction. We’re moving forward, to a future defined by and for working people. The path we’re paving is wide and accessible – everyone included, no one left behind. Our power to get there depends on moving as one, on our unity. And this could be the most unifying moment in labor history. That’s up to every person here around our table. And I am so thrilled, Fred (Redmond), to have you on this team. You’ve earned the respect of this entire movement, taking on tough challenges, from racial justice to organizing, building consensus every step of the way. Thank you for taking on this new role; you will be a great secretary-treasurer and a tremendous partner for Tefere (Gebre) and me as we lead the AFL-CIO forward. Thank you again to this executive council for the honor of serving as your sixth president. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, and look forward to building the future together. Let’s get to work! ran grassroots political mobilization efforts and lobbied Congress on a range of issues important to working families. In 2004, she was promoted to assistant to the international president, where she served Hill, who had succeeded to that position, in driving the agenda of the nearly 1-million-member union. In 2009, she joined forces with Trumka, becoming the first woman elected to the position of secretary-treasurer at an AFL-CIO convention and the youngest woman ever Continued on next page Redmond: I Want to Give Back to Every Worker AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond delivered the following remarks after his election: Thank you, Liz (Shuler). Thank you, Tefere (Gebre). Thank you all. President (Lee) Saunders, I am humbled by your words. I am grateful for your friendship. I am committed to your cause. President (Tom) Conway.... Brother Tom, thank you for everything. I will always be a proud Steelworker. Some of you know me well. Some of you know me through this executive council. And some of you don’t know me yet. I look forward to meeting with all of you. I look forward to working with all of you. And I could not be more proud to serve with the first woman president in the history of the AFL-CIO. I am the son of Curtis and Odessa Redmond. They were the children of sharecroppers. They were born in the Mississippi Delta and made the great migration up to Chicago in 1958. They came with very little belongings but a very strong desire to build a better life. My three brothers and I grew up poor. We lived on food stamps. We shopped at Goodwill. But what we lacked in money my parents gave us in love. In hope. In faith. In an unbreakable work ethic. My father took every kind of job he could find. He pumped gas, was a janitor, and stocked shelves at the supermarket. My mother was a domestic worker. She woke up every day at the crack of dawn and took three buses to the far suburbs of Chicago to clean folks’ houses and cook their food. Every night she would sit at the foot of her bed and soak her feet and read her Bible. No complaints. No excuses. I am standing on their shoulders today. When my dad got a union job at an aluminum mill outside of Chi- cago called Reynolds, it changed everything. We had more security, opportunity, prosperity. We stopped going to the free clinic. We got off of food stamps. And my mother no longer bought our school clothes from the Goodwill. This is personal to me. I want every worker to have that chance. I want every family to feel that joy. That’s my goal as your secretary-treasurer. And I promise you: No one will work harder. Work ethic is in my DNA. It’s how I honor my parents and this labor movement and every union member. We have a huge opportunity in front of us. And we’re going to take it. I promise you that. Liz (Shuler) and I are not the perfect officers. But together with Tefere (Gebre), we can form the perfect team for this moment. To organize. To mobilize. To win racial justice, secure voting rights and pass the PRO Act. To do that, we need to spend our resources wisely. Be strategic. Get return on our investment. And take smart risks. I am committed to continuing Liz’s financial transparency and accountability as secretary-treasurer. I know she will help guide me as I take on this new challenge. Brothers and sisters, the labor movement is my life. It’s my love. It’s who I am. You won’t find a degree on my wall. I followed my father into the factory. And it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. The fruits of my labor are bountiful. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. And I want to give back to every worker, to every family, to every community. The author Isabel Wilkerson writes that the price of privilege is the moral duty to act when one sees another person treated unfairly. So, in this House of Labor on this historic day, let’s act. For each other. For our movement. For our nation. Thank you. Seafarers LOG 5 �SIU Crews Team Up for Multiple UNREPS The SIU-crewed tanker Empire State, operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), is no stranger to connected at-sea refueling operations (CONSOL). The Empire State’s mariners handled a new challenge from July 11-14, by conducting five CONSOL events within that timeframe. Such operations also are known as underway replenishments, or UNREPS. While off the coast of Southern California, the Empire State refueled three MSC Combat Logistics Fleet (CLF) ships, all of whose crews include members of the SIU Government Services Division. Those vessels are the dry cargo ammunition ships USNS Matthew Perry and USNS Washington Chambers and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser. During five separate events, the crew of the Empire State delivered nearly 4 million gallons of diesel ship fuel. Bosun Ahmed Ghaleb credited his fellow Seafarers for doing “a really good job. The operation went nice and smooth and safe. That’s the key,” he said. An SIU member since 2004, Ghaleb said that while UNREPS aren’t commonplace, the crew handled the recent assignments with aplomb. “We connect the hoses, and everybody has a station,” he said. “We go around and check the pipelines, check the cargo pump, and stand by until we finish.” As Capt. Andrew Miller, the Empire State’s civilian master, explained, transferring fuel at The SIU-crewed Empire State (right) refuels an MSC ship. (U.S. Navy photo) sea has a different set of challenges than taking fuel from a commercial pier or from a fuel buoy. At sea, the maneuvering and ship handling fall to the ships’ personnel. As the “on-station” ship, the Empire State provided coordinates for the CLF ships, ensuring everyone was at the rendezvous point on time. “The biggest challenge we face when doing a CONSOL at-sea is good communication,” said Miller. “MSC always does a great job of working with us. The team at MSCPAC (Military Sealift Command Pacific) and the CLF crews are professional operators, so there is always a lot of good communications across the team. It really makes a difference when we are doing an operation like these.” He added, “We have a lot more experience since the first time we did a CONSOL with a CLF ship. The crew is so much more proficient now, so things went a lot smoother. I attribute a lot of that to good communication with my crew, but also between us and the other ships.” Taking fuel from a tanker like Empire State allows MSC ships to remain at sea to refuel. Originally, the concept was developed to keep United States ships out of foreign ports during times of conflict, but during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, the technology provided a way for American ships to stay underway for extended periods, which helped protect crews. Liz Shuler Takes Helm at AFL-CIO Continued from Page 5 AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on the federation’s executive council. As secretary-treasurer, she also served as the chief financial officer, turning deficits into surpluses and steering the federation through multiple fiscal crises, including the COVID19 pandemic. In addition to her stewardship of the federation’s finances, Shuler led the AFL-CIO’s initiatives on the future of work, retirement security, the clean energy economy, public safety reform, workforce development, and empowering women and young workers. She is committed to busting myths about labor, leveraging the labor movement’s diversity for innovative approaches to social justice and making the benefits of a union voice on the job available to working people everywhere. Redmond has been a USW member since 1973, when he went to work at Reynolds Metals Co. in Chicago. He became active in his local union almost immediately, serving as shop steward and eventually vice presi- dent. He served three terms as local president. For decades, Redmond served the USW in various staff and leadership roles, assisting local unions, developing and conducting training programs, and bargaining contracts. As international vice president for human affairs, Redmond oversaw the civil and human rights department, as well as the union’s shipbuilding, health care and public sector bargaining, and worked with USW allies across the country in responding to attacks on voting rights and in combating economic inequality. Redmond has a long history of leadership on various boards, including the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the A. Philip Randolph Institute. In 2021, Redmond was elected president of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas, a prestigious international post. The terms of the three executive officers run through June 2022, when delegates to the AFL-CIO Convention in Philadelphia will elect leaders for new four-year terms. SIU CIVMARS Aboard USNS Patuxent Handle Two Rescues Members of the SIU Government Services Division sailing aboard the USNS Patuxent helped perform two rescues just nine days apart earlier this year. The Patuxent, a fleet replenishment oiler, learned of a vessel in distress in the Gulf of Aden on June 7. The runway-flag commercial vessel Falcon Line had experienced engine failure and was taking on water, according to reports from the U.S. Navy. After proceeding to the rescue scene at maximum speed, the Patuxent protected the Falcon Line’s crew from heavy winds and high seas while those mariners boarded life rafts. All 15 crew members from the distressed ship were brought aboard the Patuxent before their vessel sank. The Patuxent provided the rescued mariners with food, water and medical screenings. The Patuxent, whose crew includes SIU CIVMARS, is part of the U.S. 5th Fleet. According to the Navy, “The U.S. 5th Fleet regularly works with coalition forces, re- 6 Seafarers LOG gional partners and the shipping industry to maintain the regional awareness necessary to facilitate aid like this to mariners in distress.” “As professional mariners, our forces have a duty to help those in need at sea,” said Navy Capt. Michael O’Driscoll, commander of Task Force 53. “The Sailors and civilian mariners aboard ships like Patuxent have answered this call before, and they will continue to do so whenever possible.” His comment proved prescient. On June 16, the Patuxent rendered aid to another vessel that had been drifting for 12 days, also in the Gulf of Aden. The small fishing boat was taking on water; the Patuxent rescued the four crew members and gave them food, water and medical treatment. SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona stated, “I couldn’t be prouder of our members for their efforts in these rescues. Their dedication and professionalism shined through.” One of four individuals rescued from a stranded fishing boat climbs down a ladder from the CIVMAR-crewed USNS Patuxent to a U.S. Navy patrol boat based at Camp Lemonnier. The mid-June rescue was one of two performed by Patuxent crew members that month. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Sippel) October 2021 �Fire School Instructors Save Upgrader’s Life Instructors at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School unexpectedly put their skills to the test when an upgrader recently suffered a medical emergency. AB Steven Hicks was in the process of returning his fire fighting gear to the bunkhouse on Aug. 6 when he began experiencing shortness of breath. Fire school instructor John Thomas said, “We had just finished with the first morning of Basic Training Revalidation, which consisted of students extinguishing a bunkhouse fire, and then proceeding to perform a search and rescue. Everyone had just passed their practicals (tests), and Mr. Hicks came into the back and turned in his equipment. And then it looked like he was putting on his shoes, but we quickly noticed he wasn’t looking right, and then he started clutching his chest. He then passed out, and I began to apply chest compressions. I told the other instructors to go get an AED, while I continued attempting to revive him. I stopped doing chest compressions long enough to apply an AED shock, and after that I attempted to install an airway adjunct. A second AED shock was administered, after which we were able to get a pulse. Mr. Hicks then suffered a minor seizure, during which we protected his head and kept his airway open until the ambulance arrived.” Once on the scene, the paramedics determined that Hicks should be flown via helicopter to an appropriate facility that could treat an ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction, the most severe type of heart attack. Thomas concluded, “All the instructors that helped out during the save, we all worked together as a team. It was a big team effort, and Mr. Hicks would not have had as positive an outcome without their assistance. He was in the best place possible to have that kind of medical emergency, surrounded by well-trained individuals.” Hicks stated, “I finished up with the fire fighting part of the test, and I was turning in my boots. I was having a hard time catching my breath, felt a little dizzy, and the next thing I knew I was in the ambulance. I didn’t know if I was going to make it or not.” He continued, “I had a blockage, but the rest of my heart is good. It just wasn’t my time to go…. My heart specialist said the only place better to have a heart attack would have been in the hospital itself. If it wasn’t for the staff at the fire school, I wouldn’t be here today. Grateful to be here, to see my grandkids grow up.” At the September membership meeting Staff from the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School are recognized for their life-saving efforts. Pictured from left are Gary Joy, Kevin Molitor, Matt Rogers, Robbie Springer, John Tennyson and John Thomas. Also recognized but not pictured: Brian Ticson and Kyle Adams. at Piney Point, the staff at the fire school were presented with certificates of appreciation for their efforts. The following staff members were honored: John Thomas, Matt Rogers, Robbie Springer, John Tennyson, Gary Joy, Kevin Molitor, Kyle Adams and Brian Ticson. A true mariner, Hicks has a clear goal during his recovery: “I’m going through the paces now with the cardiac rehabilitation, and the rest of my heart is clean. One blockage, 99.9% blocked. But once I get cleared, I’m back out to sea and back to work.” With Seafarers Aboard Cape Intrepid Many thanks to Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa for these snapshots from the Cape Intrepid (Ocean Duchess). They were taken during a stretch from late July to early August, as the vessel sailed from Portland, Oregon, to Tacoma, Washington. Immediately after a union meeting on July 31, (photo at left, above) AB Daniel Mensah takes one for the team and grabs a floor seat to help everyone fit into the photo. The others, left to right starting in the foreground: Oiler Kianta Lee, AB Lloyd La Beach, Electrician Phillip Greenwell, AB Giancarlo Arturo Thomae, OS Jameeka Booker, GUDE Alfredo Nieto, Chief Steward Michael Sapien, Oiler Trevor Johnson, GVA Kassem Saleh and AB Israel Serrano. In the photo at right, above, SIU hawsepipers Chief Engineer Joseph Scuteri (left) and 3rd Engineer Robert Layko (on his last voyage), are pictured with Chief Cook Keesha Holloway. Pictured below during a safety drill (from left) are GUDE Michael James Adeva, AB Daniel Mensah, AB Giancarlo Arturo Thomae, OS Jameeka Booker, Chief Mate Michael F., AB Anthony Antonio, GUDE Alfredo Nieto, GVA Kassem Saleh. In photo at immediate left, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa and 3rd Engineer Robert Layko, a hawsepiper who sailed with the SIU for 17 years, pose with retirement cake baked by Chief Steward Michael Sapien. October 2021 Seafarers LOG 7 �Alaskan Restaurateur Starts New Career as Steward Chief Cook Norasith Noy Phetphommasouk (who goes by Noy) has taken a unique path to become a mariner, a journey he never intended to make. He’s grateful for how it’s working out, though. “I had no connection with the maritime industry before I joined the SIU,” Noy said. “None of my family was involved with shipping in any way.” Before he became a mariner, he owned Pho Vatsana, a restaurant in Wasilla, Alaska, where he still lives. He opened the restaurant in 2013, but issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic forced Noy to close his business. Looking for a way to use his restaurant experience in a new career, Noy was referred to the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education by the Alaska Department of Labor, which also helped pay for his travel, documentation and required medical tests. He passed the Chief Cook Advanced Training and Assessment Program, and has since shipped out on a TOTE-operated car carrier. According to Rich Berkowitz, the Transportation Institute’s vice president of Pacific Coast Operations, “Given the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on his business, Noy was designated as a displaced worker. He is a Laotian refugee, and was looking forward to working on a military support vessel operated by one of our commercial partner companies. He told me he wants to do so to give back to a country that has offered him and his family so many opportunities.” Noy described his first voyage as very positive. “My experience as a first-time sailor on board a ship is really amazing,” he said. “Nice, clean, personal living quarters, which I was surprised to find is really quite comfortable. The ship is very large, so you can’t really feel that it’s moving, aside from the very low vibra- tion from the engine. Personally, I like it a lot. Using the Internet is the only means of personal communication, which can be understandably slow at times, but with a little patience it all works out.” “The training at the Paul Hall Center was a good experience,” he added. “The facility is very attractive, clean and well designed. All the food, the living quarters and all the accommodations were very good. The instructors are all very knowledgeable and very professional. I would like to thank everyone on the ‘A-Team’ who gave me this opportunity: Ralph Mirsky (from the Ketchikan-based nonprofit SeaLink), Richard Berkowitz, and Barbara Brown with the State of Alaska DOL, for being such wonderful mentors.” As for his future as a mariner, Noy is looking forward to a long career at sea: “I will continue to sail as long as I can. Even though I am new to this industry, I know there’s so much to learn, and I look forward to a time when I have enough experience to be able to help guide other mariners. I would like to be able to help the next generation join this industry, and hope to share my experiences with others. I highly recommend this career path to those who would like to join the industry and become a mariner. This is a perfect way to start.” Coast Guard Posts Updates, New Info on Applications The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center posted the following information on Aug. 23. Merchant Mariner Credential Application Processing Time Update and Important Additional Information The National Maritime Center (NMC) continues to experience increased Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and medical certificate application processing times. Every effort is being made to reduce these times and return credential delivery to within our stated performance goals. Below are important things YOU can do to streamline application processing: Apply 90 days in advance: Consider applying early and submitting your MMC and/or medical certificate application at least 90 days in advance of when you would anticipate needing a credential. Ensure your application package is complete: Fifty percent of all application submissions result in needing additional information. Take the time and ensure yours is complete before sending it to the Coast Guard. Verify the file you send to us electronically is also complete, paying particular attention to any doublesided documents in your package. Did you scan both sides? Checklist guides are available on the NMC website to assist you. PDF only: Submit your MMC and/or medical certificate applications electronically in PDF format only. DO NOT submit pictures of your documentation taken with a smart phone or in other digital formats (jpeg, .png, etc.). These will not be accepted. NOTE: The new size limit for electronic application submissions is 35 MB, so it is no longer necessary to submit multiple smaller files. Also, you will not receive an auto-generated response acknowledging receipt of your application. The NMC is currently unable to provide this service. Duplicate submissions of your application package are not necessary. Include your height, weight, and gender: When applying for an MMC only (no medical certificate application/physical included), please be sure to include your height, weight, and gender in your application submission. These data points are needed to produce your MMC and are currently not requested on the CG-719B application form. A future revision to this form will include these data fields. Applications are typically processed on a ‘first in, first out’ basis. After review of the initial submission date, the NMC will consider expediting cases when it is critical to vessel operations or an applicant’s employment. To request expedited service, contact the customer service center at IASKMMC@uscg.mil. Expiration Date Reminder Under 46 USC Section 7507, MMCs may only be extended for up to one year from their date of expiration. MMCs with national endorsements only, which expired between March 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, are extended until the EARLIER of: October 31, 2021, OR One year after the initial expiration date of the credential (i.e., one year after the expiration date printed on the credential). Don’t wait until the last minute! Despite the extensions provided via Marine Safety Information Bulletin 08-20, you should submit your application once you have met the requirements. Remember, an MMC can be renewed at any time and may be post-dated up to eight months. The NMC Customer Service Center is available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday for your questions. Mariners may reach our call center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) and IASKNMC@uscg.mil. Log-A-Rhythm The Cursed Mason’s Odyssey By Kevin McCagh, Retired SIU Electrician I was a cursed mason, struck down from a tower Reduced to a refugee as my words lost all power All I could utter was a meaningless babble So, I ran and I ran, hiding and living amongst the rabble No human could fathom what I was trying to say I couldn’t find even one, though I searched night and day First, I bewildered; then I was frightening, running everyone off like children from lightning I was many years a drifter, but then I got the notion to try to find a life as a Seaman on the ocean The road was rocky and storms tossed the sea Rocks fell from above and rogue waves broke upon me I felt terribly cursed for a long time to be 8 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook Noy is pictured during his initial training at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Updated Passport Notice Editor’s note: The U.S. State Department issued the following communication in late August. Effective August 25, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic continues to hamper Passport Services. To better serve mariners during this time we are updating our temporary provisions. These provisions are subject to change once operations are on a more normal footing. Instructions for Urgent Assistance with Applying for a Passport Qualifications Be a credentialed merchant mariner; Be eligible to apply on a DS-82 application for passport renewal. (Check eligibility at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html); and Have a current passport that is expired or expiring in 7 months or less. Application and Mailing Instructions 1. Applicants must submit the following:  DS-82 application completed, signed, and dated;  Passport photograph taken within the past six months; Current passport;  Copy of Merchant Mariner Credential (MCC), front and back.  A check or money order in the amount of $187.56 made payable to U.S. Department of State. This amount includes the passport fee, expedite fee, and 1-2-day delivery fee (for information regarding passport fees, please visit travel.state.gov).  Letter from supervisor on company letterhead or your U.S. mariner’s union. Continued on next page until those mountain-size waves made a Seaman of me Somewhere between Bangkok, Calcutta, and The Zuiderzee my sadness, madness, and worries ceased to worry me If they didn’t fall overboard and drown in the sea I bequeath them all to my erstwhile friends and family It’s helped me to see that my life’s been well spent My current affliction is a fluency of tongues And just as before, no one knows even one No one will ever understand what I say, because thousands of voices scare them away The years, not the miles, severed our ties That and the worst – a trusted friend’s lies Affections dried up like a Dead Sea drought Whenever I called, friends and family were out I was blessed at birth under a wandering star Only Seamen and Explorers get to roam so far Prouder of my ancient seagoing career, I couldn’t possibly be I’m a proud and grateful family member of the Brotherhood of the Sea It “shivers their timbers,” the man that I am Well, like Popeye said, “I yam what I yam.” And that’s the way things are likely to stay Though I can’t say I’m sad that they’ve all gone away I can easily say I prefer things this way I never met a man or a woman like me I’m different from 99% of the people I see My Father once wrote that to me in a letter I kind of knew it, but he knew it better I’ll go down with the ship if a storm gets too bad but not without that letter from my dad He gave me “a pass,” a pass to be different I wish I could thank countless souls I met along the way Their kindness and their influence are with me still today I am a conglomerate of all of the people I’ve met and all of the places I’ve seen That may not impress others, but I think it’s keen My long journey has ended and I’ve won my prize! Though few will see that through “normal” eyes The happiness I found doesn’t rest on winning or losing I’ve learned that it rests in the perspective of my choosing My curse was not a curse at all God was smiling on me when he caused me to fall October 2021 �State Dept. Issues Passport Notice Continued from Page 8 2. The supervisor letter should include the following details: Applicant’s full name;  Printed name and title of applicant’s supervisor or mariners’ union representative;  Supervisor’s or union representative’s signature; and  Date the letter was issued. 3. Applications must be sent by traceable overnight delivery service to: El Paso Passport Agency, 303 N. Oregon St., Suite 700, El Paso, TX 79901, Attention: Mariner Program Service Expectations Completed passports will be mailed using a 1-2-day delivery service. Please be sure the application includes a physical mailing address and not a P.O. Box. Every effort will be made to process the passport application in about one week of receipt. For instance, applications received on Monday may be completed and sent out by Friday of the same week. Requesting a Second Passport Mariners may wish to apply for a second limited validity passport (4 years). Second passports provide greater flexibility, particularly if mariners need to apply for visas when traveling domestically and overseas. For more information, please see: https://travel.state.gov/content/ travel/en/passports/have-passport/second-passport-book. html. Below are the two options for applying for a second passport. Option 1: Requesting a Second Passport when Renewing a Passport To apply for a second passport, applicants must also include:  A second DS-82 application (with photograph) completed, signed, and dated; • Signed statement describing the need for a second passport. (This is required in addition to the company letter authorizing use of these special procedures); and • Include payment for both applications in a single check totaling $375.12. ($187.56 per application). Option 2: Requesting a Second Passport without Submitting a Current Valid Passport If mariners need to use their current (10-year) passport while applying for their second passport, they can apply at a passport acceptance facility using a DS-11 form. They can expect to receive the second passport within the expedited timeframe posted at travel.state.gov. To apply at a passport acceptance facility, applicants need:  Completed (not signed) DS-11 application; Passport photograph;  Photocopy of their 10year passport data page; Signed statement of need for a second passport as outlined on our website;  Payment of $187.56 to the U.S. Department of State, which includes $60 for expedite service and the additional $17.56 for 1-2-day return delivery; and  A d d i t i o n a l p a y m e n t of $35 to the passport acceptance facility to execute the application. To locate the nearest passport acceptance facility, see https:// iafdb.travel.state.gov. Please note that many passport acceptance facilities require customers to schedule an appointment ahead of their visit. We thank you for your continued understanding and patience during these unprecedented times. October & November Membership Meetings Piney Point............................ Monday: October 4, November 8 Algonac...................................Friday: October 8, November 12 Baltimore..............Thursday: October 7, *Friday: November 12 Guam......................Thursday: October 21, *Friday: November 26 Honolulu...............................Friday: October 15, November 19 Houston..................*Tuesday: October 12, Monday: November 15 Jacksonville...............Thursday: October 7, *Friday: November12 Joliet....................................Thursday: October 14, November18 Mobile...............................Wednesday: October 13, November 17 New Orleans.....................Tuesday: October 12, November 16 Jersey City........................Tuesday: October 5, November 9 Norfolk...................................Friday: October 8, November 12 Oakland..........................Thursday: October 14, November 18 Philadelphia.......................Wednesday: October 6, November 10 Port Everglades......................Thursday: October 14, November 18 San Juan......................Thursday: October 7, *Friday: November 12 St. Louis...............................Friday: October 15, November 19 Tacoma.............................Friday: October 22, November 26 Wilmington...............................Monday: October 18, November 22 * Houston change due to Columbus Day observance * Baltimore, Jacksonville and San Juan changes due to Veterans Day observance. * Guam change due to Thanksgiving Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m October 2021 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Aug. 7 - Sept. 7. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Sept. 7. Total Registered Port All Groups A B Total Shipped Registered on Beach C All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 4 6 6 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 27 6 0 2 7 0 1 6 21 14 13 2 0 13 2 1 1 1 12 0 9 111 All Groups B C 27 5 3 34 5 15 10 61 52 54 1 13 37 23 2 1 14 41 6 55 459 14 4 4 18 0 5 3 35 33 12 4 5 18 10 3 2 8 10 3 16 207 4 1 0 9 0 1 0 7 12 3 3 2 10 1 0 0 2 5 1 6 67 A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 15 3 2 28 1 7 6 26 28 27 2 10 23 18 2 1 8 27 0 27 261 7 1 5 11 0 4 1 21 22 7 4 1 11 3 3 3 5 3 3 7 122 1 0 1 6 0 0 0 8 8 3 1 2 6 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 41 Deck Department 10 3 0 0 3 3 21 7 2 0 10 2 8 3 34 10 24 20 27 4 2 0 9 2 20 9 9 1 3 2 0 2 5 1 21 2 1 1 24 7 233 79 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 1 12 1 1 3 13 15 9 1 3 9 0 2 1 6 9 4 16 108 1 0 0 5 0 1 2 10 5 5 1 4 14 3 3 2 4 9 1 8 78 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 3 1 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 19 Engine Department 5 1 2 0 3 0 5 5 1 0 0 5 2 0 5 10 11 7 4 2 1 0 2 2 8 8 2 0 5 1 1 1 5 2 11 8 3 1 4 10 80 63 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 18 2 0 2 2 0 0 1 4 4 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 1 7 2 1 32 5 0 4 11 0 6 6 28 31 19 4 3 23 11 1 1 9 16 2 28 208 0 0 1 13 0 1 6 15 11 5 0 4 22 5 2 4 6 11 3 13 122 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 1 1 2 0 1 6 2 2 0 1 2 0 7 33 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 1 8 0 4 6 15 16 8 0 2 13 10 0 1 2 8 0 13 110 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 6 18 2 0 3 12 8 0 4 5 2 0 8 72 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 Steward Department 2 3 1 1 0 0 5 1 0 1 4 0 4 2 9 5 10 13 5 2 0 1 3 2 13 9 8 2 1 0 1 1 1 1 5 2 2 0 6 7 80 53 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 3 8 2 0 1 10 5 0 0 0 1 0 6 40 8 0 2 18 2 6 12 24 32 15 0 1 23 18 1 3 3 16 3 38 225 2 0 0 12 3 3 2 13 20 3 0 7 19 13 0 3 9 5 0 17 131 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 5 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 15 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 1 17 11 0 0 2 0 2 2 14 15 4 2 0 14 7 0 4 0 7 0 17 101 12 1 1 3 0 0 7 13 50 9 0 2 23 2 0 12 4 7 0 4 150 Entry Department 0 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 13 1 12 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 9 0 0 0 13 7 77 4 0 0 3 0 1 3 12 33 7 0 1 14 1 0 12 1 3 0 1 96 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 7 1 0 0 2 1 0 4 0 2 0 2 28 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 5 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 9 0 7 31 17 3 0 5 2 3 4 10 32 15 2 0 24 22 0 0 2 23 0 25 189 14 4 1 6 0 0 5 10 80 13 0 4 31 7 1 9 6 8 1 8 208 GRAND TOTAL: 496 373 219 144 211 923 649 323 400 272 Seafarers LOG 9 �Seafarers International Union of North America founder Harry Lundeberg served as MTD president from 1955 until his death in 1957. MTD/SIU President Paul Hall led the department from 1957 to 1980. MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco revitalized the department during a politically tumultuous stretch. Takin Sacc Maritime Trades Department Editor’s note: The Maritime Trades Department is a constitutionally mandated component of the AFL-CIO. SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as MTD president. The department’s quadrennial convention, originally scheduled for this year, has been bumped back to June 2022 due to the pandemic. This article originally ran as a three-part series on the MTD website (maritimetrades.org) in August. A ugust 19, 1946 – the birthday of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. On that date, in the city of Chicago, American Federation of Labor (AFL) President William Green and SecretaryTreasurer George Meany, along with the 13 AFL vice presidents, affixed their signatures to the charter creating the MTD. Receiving the document were Joseph P. Ryan of the Longshoremen (ILA); Harry Lundeberg of the Seafarers (SIU); W.L. Allen of the Commercial Telegraphers Union (now part of the Communications Workers of America); Charles F. Mays of the Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P); and Joseph P. Clark of the Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers (now part of the Service Employees International Union). But the story starts five years earlier, at the 1941 AFL Con- vention in Seattle. During that gathering, a delegate from the San Francisco Labor Council offered a resolution “that the American Federation of Labor, in convention assembled, go on record in favor of establishing a maritime council within the American Federation of Labor similar to the units now functioning for the metal trades, building trades and railroad departments.” The resolution was sent to the AFL Committee on Organization for consideration and review. However, the United States entered World War II a few months later and no action was taken. Following the war, representatives from various maritime-related unions met in New York City in May 1946. They requested the AFL reconsider the 1941 resolution. Attending that meeting were officials from the SIU, ILA, MM&P, Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, Radio Officers, Teamsters and American Merchant Marine Staff Officers. The first national Maritime Trades Council of the American Federation of Labor met in Chicago days before the charter was issued. With officials from the SIU, ILA, MM&P, Commercial Telegraphers and Firemen and Oilers – as well as the Teamsters – attending, the council unanimously called for the creation of the Maritime Trades Department. Pictured at a 1987 MTD event are (from left) MTD/SIU President Frank Drozak, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden and MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Jean Ingrao 10 Seafarers LOG At the MTD’s first convention in October 1946, John Owens of the ILA served as executive secretary. The preamble adopted by the body read: “We, as workers in the transportation industry, realizing the necessity of strong, unified action in our endeavor t raise our social and economic standards to coordinate our efforts in our struggle for our rights, and in order to protect our Unions from raids by dual Unions and hostile organizations such as the CIO and the Communist Party, and for the purpose of organizing all unorganized workers in the industry into the structure of the American Federation of Labor to the end that all workers in the Maritime Transportation Industry – in the ships, the docks and shoreside workers – will be organized under the American Federation of Labor, hereby dedicate ourselves to mutual aid, sup port and to direct our action through the medium of the Maritime Trades Department of the AFL.” The year 1946 also brought a major blow to the U.S.-flag merchant fleet with passage of the Ship Sales Act. This legislatio allowed many of the American cargo ships built to win World W II to be sold for pennies on the dollar to replenish foreign-flag op erators, instigating the flag-of-convenience system that continues to plague maritime to this day. In addition, the MTD began its never-ending campaign of support for the Jones Act (the nation’s freight cabotage law) and for cargo preference measures to make sure American goods are carried aboard U.S.-flag ships, crewed by American mariners and built in domestic yards. In 1947, the department adopted a policy of chartering Port Maritime Councils (PMC), which over time became the grassroo backbone of the MTD. The first councils were established in Mil waukee; Cleveland; New Orleans; Duluth, Minnesota; Ashland, Wisconsin; and Washington State (Columbia River). By 1948, new PMCs had started in New York City, Chicago, Detroit, Puert Rico and Savannah, Georgia. The MTD reported to the 1948 AFL convention “its affiliated unions have given magnificent service to many other unions whe other unions needed help. These men have been fighting on the picket line with and for many other unions in the general fight to keep our labor movement free and strong.” By 1952, the AFL and the MTD realized that the department needed officers and a constitution. Meeting in Chicago in March representatives from the SIU, ILA, MM&P, Commercial Telegraphers and Operating Engineers (IUOE) worked with Harry O’Reilly of the AFL to craft a constitution. After its approval, the MTD elected Ryan as its first president, Lloyd Gardner of the SI as secretary-treasurer, and May as vice president to serve until th MTD met in convention in September. Those delegates reelected Ryan and Gardner to their posts while Jack McDonald of the IUOE became vice president. In 1955, Harry Lundeberg of the SIU was elected MTD presi dent after the ILA had been expelled from the AFL. That same year, talks between the AFL and CIO led to the merger of the two labor organizations, creating the AFL-CIO. Lundeberg served until his passing in 1957, when Paul Hall took the helm of both the MTD and the SIU. Hall Takes Charge The Paul Hall era for the MTD ran from 1957 until 1980. In truth, he was involved before he became the MTD president, as he oversaw the New York Port Maritime Council (PMC) With sound trucks, coffee wagons and plenty of manpower, Hall made sure the PMC was a presence in the greater New York region – from waterfront beefs to the 1948 Wall Street strike by ad ministrative workers. What he started in the Big Apple, he applie to the MTD across the country and in Canada. During Hall’s 23 years guiding the department, the MTD increased its number of affiliates, swelled its series of Port Counci September 2021 �r respective oaths of office at the 2017 MTD convention are (starting second from left) MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan, MTD VP Jerry Abell and MTD President Michael ef Counsel Leslie Tarantola is at left. Celebrates 75th Anniversary nd expanded its influence. Harry O’Reilly left the AFL staff in 1956 to become the MTD xecutive secretary-treasurer. Under Hall and O’Reilly, the deartment staff grew to tackle more of the challenges facing the aritime industry. Peter McGavin took over for O’Reilly in 1960 nd was instrumental in the creation of legislative and research visions within the department. The department launched a monthly magazine that dealt with aritime and labor issues. Topics included the Jones Act, cargo reference, domestic shipbuilding, fisheries, minimum wage, orker safety and much, much more. The MTD initiated a series of maritime seminars and lectures Washington, D.C. Speakers included legislators, administration fficials and shipping executives. The programs proved so inforative that MTD Port Councils hosted similar events around the ountry. However, the primary concern for the MTD, its PMCs and s affiliates was calling attention to the plight of the U.S.-flag erchant fleet. Since World War II, despite verbal support from residents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson, the U.S. commeral fleet was shrinking. When the Vietnam War broke out, World War II-vintage cargo ships and tankers made up a substantial part f the fleet. Efforts began that were aimed at passing federal legislation to ssist maritime. The last major bill to sail through Congress had ome during the Franklin Roosevelt administration in 1936 as merica prepared for the possibility of war in Europe and Asia. Writing in the MTD’s official publication Maritime in Novemer 1967, McGavin stated, “And in the same manner we seek to romote the union label and seek an improved minimum wage, e also seek a strong, modern merchant marine.” America’s leaders were debating not just the need for refurshing the commercial fleet, but also whether to have new builds onstructed overseas rather than in domestic shipyards. The MTD nd its affiliates fought to protect American workers and jobs. Richard Nixon’s 1968 presidential campaign included a plank revitalize the U.S.-flag fleet. In February 1969, MTD Adminisator O. William Moody declared, “It will continue to be one of e prime goals of the Maritime Trades Department to bring to the tention of the public the facts about our merchant marine, so that e public can join its voice to ours.” As debate began on Capitol Hill for maritime legislation, ixon told a Seattle audience in 1969, “The time has come for ew departures, new solutions and new vitality for American ships nd American crews on the high seas of the world.” In addition, e MTD, through its Port Councils, launched its “Ship American” ampaign. The House of Representatives passed the bill in early 1970, ut the Senate continued to debate the measure. It called for the onstruction of 300 new vessels over a 10-year period, construcon and operating subsidies, cargo preference protections and asstance for the Great Lakes and fishing industries. Hall specified in the August 1970 Maritime, “The need is for first-class U.S.-flag fleet. Fast, efficient new ships must replace ow, tired rustbuckets.” Within two months, the Senate passed nd Nixon signed the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. The maritime industry had high hopes this would be the start f a new boom for the U.S.-flag. But, it was not to be as America gain looked away from its merchant fleet with the end of Amerians fighting in Vietnam in 1973. Three years later, President Ford etoed petroleum cargo preference legislation pushed by the MTD nd the industry. Meanwhile, following the merger of the AFL and CIO, new filiates signed on with the MTD, increasing its total to 43 affilies, representing more than 10 million union members. A total of 9 Port Maritime Councils could be found from the Atlantic to the October 2021 Pacific, from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, and points in between – including as many as five in Canada. The MTD report to the 1967 AFL-CIO Convention saluted the PMCs: “In many respects, the structure of the Maritime Trades Department could be likened to an iceberg. Our national headquarters is one-eighth of the iceberg that can be seen above the surface; the Port Council network is the remaining seven-eighths – it is hidden beneath the surface, but it is the main part of our effort.” McGavin died in 1975, with Moody remaining as administrator until Jean Ingrao became the executive secretary-treasurer in 1979. When Hall passed away in 1980, the national political consensus was more conservative. Frank Drozak took over the MTD presidency just as Ronald Reagan came to the White House. The MTD and its Port Councils fought hard, but could not save major parts of the 1970 legislation. Looking to save money, defense “experts” said the nation could use American-owned, foreign-crewed, foreign-flag vessels to move its needed cargo. Drozak died in 1988, bringing Michael Sacco to the bridge of the MTD as the United States was about to rediscover how valuable American mariners and ships were to the nation’s armed forces and the economy. Sacco Revitalizes Department When Sacco became president of the MTD in June 1988, he already was very well acquainted with the department’s work in the nation’s capital and at the grassroots level. Under the direction of Hall in the 1960s in New York, Sacco walked picket lines and passed out so many cups of coffee from that Port Council’s van that he lost count. When the Seafarers assigned him to Maryland in the 1970s, Sacco participated in the department’s luncheons and seminars for congressional, administration and government officials in the shadow of the White House. Working in St. Louis during the 1980s, he was one of four area labor officials instrumental in revitalizing that city’s Port Maritime Council. Sacco is the longest serving president in the department’s history. Because of his background, grassroots activism has remained a major focus for the MTD. From walking with striking Eastern Air Lines Machinists and flight crews at airports around the country in 1989-90 to operating drive-through food banks for laid-off union members during the 2020-21 COVID crisis, Port Councils continue to answer the bell. Many of the formal PMC dinners of the late 20th century have given way to outdoor activities (including golf and sport shooting) to raise funds for charities and scholarships. Following the hurricanes and earthquakes that devastated Puerto Rico last decade, Port Councils worked with affiliates and their communities to gather and rush vital goods to the island. The value of the PMCs’ community efforts comes alive when the U.S.-flag maritime industry is under attack. The network springs into action by writing, calling and visiting their local elected officials to remind them maritime is not just a federal issue. It affects the local daily economy. Such has been the effect of Port Council activities within their jurisdictions that legislation proposed to attack the Jones Act or cargo preference has been thwarted before even being introduced. Sacco and the department have made sure maritime and its issues remain at the forefront. Shortly after he took over, U.S. military activity in the Middle East reminded Americans how important U.S.-flag shipping is to the national defense and the economy. As American forces were sent to free Kuwait from Saddam Hussain’s Iraq in 1991, military planners thought they could rely on vessels owned by Americans but registered overseas and crewed by foreign mariners. The nation soon discovered the dif- ference between those ships and the ones sailing under Old Glory crewed by American-civilian mariners. As the head of the U.S. Transportation Command, Air Force General Hansford Johnson, told the MTD Executive Board in February 1991, “We literally had a steel bridge across the ocean. I cannot find a more patriotic group in America than the men and women you represent.” Meanwhile, reports began surfacing about the foreign crews on several foreign-flag vessels refusing to deliver goods needed by the fighting forces. This was the opening salvo in the effort to revitalize the U.S.flag fleet. “An active fleet contributes to the economy,” stated Sacco. “It creates jobs and raises revenue through corporate and personal income taxes. It doesn’t drain the Treasury into a sinkhole.” In 1992, the George H.W. Bush administration offered legislation to address the needs of the U.S.-flag fleet. For the next five years, operating with two different White Houses and three different Congresses, the MTD and its affiliates worked with Democrats and Republicans to pass the Maritime Security Act of 1996. Though reluctant to take public credit, Sacco was widely recognized behind the scenes as an especially forceful, effective proponent of the measure. The MTD launched a nationwide grassroots campaign in 1993 to “Keep America’s Flag Flying” to bring attention to the industry. During the 1993 MTD Convention, Sacco declared, “The futures of the U.S.-flag merchant marine and domestic shipbuilding are at stake.” That same year, longtime MTD Secretary-Treasurer Jean Ingrao retired. Prior to her leaving, the department reached its all-time high of 44 affiliates before mergers among the unions Continued on Page 19 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by steward-department upgraders in Piney Point, Maryland. They were completing the chief cook class. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What are some things you like about your job? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Jasmine Mable SA Travelling, money. Meeting new people. That’s a highlight, because I like people. That’s about it. Chad Sikorski ACU I love to travel, and staying busy, seeing the world. I enjoy cooking for the guys on the ship. Try to get their bellies full and keep them happy. Nala Johnson ACU I love cooking. I love meeting new people. I love to travel. Ricky Sencida ACU So far, it’s good. Most of the stewards I’ve worked with are helpful. During winter, the steward department isn’t cold; during the summer, it’s not too hot. Daniel Cage SA Travel, definitely. And with this job, I get paid to do it. Also, cooking is fun. I love to eat, so cooking comes naturally. One kind of helps the other. Jurally Aseberos SA The challenge of making the crew happy through my cooking. I give my best for them. The salary I get to support my family and my future plans. 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 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 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 Pic From The Past SIU wheelmen Stan Waslowski (left) and Joe Wilkes help outfit the Adam E. during Great Lakes fit-out in 1981. PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org October 2021 �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 GERALD ARCHIE Brother Gerald Archie, 70, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1990, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Archie’s final vessel was the Cape Henry. He is a resident of Alameda, California. ELWOOD AUSTIN Brother Elwood Austin, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1977. A deck department member, he was first employed by the Association of Maryland Pilots. Brother Austin upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the USNS Pathfinder and lives in Frisco, North Carolina. DAVID CENTOFANTI Brother David Centofanti, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1977, initially sailing on the Point Julie. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 1979. Brother Centofanti last shipped aboard the Gemini and resides in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts. MARCO FIGUEROA Brother Marco Figueroa, 69, signed on with the SIU in 2002, initially shipping aboard the USNS Mary Sears. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Figueroa most recently sailed on the Ocean Trader and resides in Fort Pierce, Florida. MITCHELL FRENCH Brother Mitchell French, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1990 and first shipped aboard the Sealift Arctic. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother French’s final vessel was the Horizon Kodiak. He lives in Bellingham, Washington. October 2021 MARIANO GUTIERREZ-GARCIA Brother Mariano Gutierrez-Garcia, 69, signed on with the union in 2001. He initially sailed aboard the Lurline and worked in all three departments. Brother GutierrezGarcia upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Pacific and is a resident of Los Angeles. VICKI HAGGERTY Sister Vicki Haggerty, 65, joined the SIU in 1989 when she sailed on the Independence. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Sister Haggerty last shipped on the Tacoma and makes her home in Mossyrock, Washington. ANGEL HERNANDEZ Brother Angel Hernandez, 67, signed on with the union in 1971, initially shipping on the Charleston. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Hernandez last shipped aboard the Maersk Ohio. He lives in Orlando, Florida. JOHN KANE Brother John Kane, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1974. He first sailed aboard a Hudson Waterways vessel and primarily worked in the deck department. Brother Kane’s last ship was the Bay Ridge. He is a resident of San Pablo, California. ROBERT MASCHMEIER Brother Robert Maschmeier, 65, started sailing with the union in 1982, initially shipping on the Leo. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Maschmeier concluded his career aboard the Maersk Misaki and calls Louisiana, Missouri, home. RONNIE MICKLOS Brother Ronnie Micklos, 65, joined the union in 1991 and first sailed aboard the USNS Wyman. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Micklos last shipped on the Cape Jacob. He lives in Beverly Hills, Florida. HUGH MORRISON Brother Hugh Morrison, 72, began his career with the SIU in 2004 when he sailed aboard the Seabulk Trader. An engine department member, he most recently shipped aboard the Bernard F. Fisher. Brother Morrison resides in Nampa, Idaho. JAMES MULDOWNEY Brother James Muldowney, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002. He first sailed on the Bernard F. Fisher and shipped in the deck department. Brother Muldowney upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2010. He concluded his career on the Maersk Missouri and lives in Austin, Texas. EDWARD NELSON Brother Edward Nelson, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the American Falcon. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Nelson’s final vessel was the Liberty Grace. He resides in Dixon, Missouri. MICHAEL PRESSER Brother Michael Presser, 60, joined the union in 1981 when he sailed on the Independence. He worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Presser last sailed aboard the Maersk Sentosa, and settled in Conowingo, Maryland. AUGUSTO RODIL Brother Augusto Rodil, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1991, initially shipping aboard the Del Valle. He was an engine department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Rodil most recently sailed on the American Phoenix and resides in Sugarland, Texas. STIG SASSE Brother Stig Sasse, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 2001 and first shipped aboard the Cape John. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Sasse’s final vessel was the Alliance St. Louis. He makes his home in Houston. SIU colors in 1991. A deck department member, he was employed by Higman Barge Lines for the duration of his career. Brother Crain is a resident of Evadale, Texas. ROBERT GLASS Brother Robert Glass, 73, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1970 when he worked for Michigan Tankers. He was a member of the deck department and was last employed by G&H Towing. Brother Glass makes his home in Montgomery, Texas. CLAUDETTE PHILLIPS JAMES VARELA Brother James Varela, 65, signed on with the union in 1979. He initially sailed aboard the Gemini and worked in the engine department. Brother Varela upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the Baldomero Lopez and is a resident of Pompano Beach, Florida. Sister Claudette Phillips, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1999 when she sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. She was a member of the steward department and concluded her career aboard the Mississippi Queen. Sister Phillips lives in Tampa, Florida. GARRY WALKER MICHAEL RABINOVITZ Brother Garry Walker, 66, joined the SIU in 1975 when he sailed on an Ocean Clipper Inc. vessel. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Walker most recently sailed on the Horizon Kodiak and makes his home in Ashford, Washington. Brother Michael Rabinovitz, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1991. He first shipped on the Padre Island and worked in the deck department. Brother Rabinovitz upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He last worked for Penn Maritime and resides in Tyler, Texas. DENNIS RIDLEY PERRY WEBSTER Brother Perry Webster, 65, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1988 and first shipped on the USNS Persistent. A deck department member, Brother Webster concluded his career aboard the Presque Isle. He calls Lynchburg, Tennessee, home. GREAT LAKES DARRELL BAYS Brother Darrell Bays, 68, joined the Seafarers in 1996. He initially shipped on the H. Lee White and sailed in the steward department. Brother Bays upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2003. He last shipped on the Paul H. Townsend and resides in West Seneca, New York. INLAND DARRELL CRAIN Brother Darrell Crain, 64, donned the Brother Dennis Ridley, 62, signed on with the union in 1992. He sailed in the deck department and worked for Higman Barge Lines for his entire career. Brother Ridley makes his home in San Augustine, Texas. DENNIS WHEAT Brother Dennis Wheat, 64, joined the SIU in 1979. He was first employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and was a member of the deck department. Brother Wheat upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career working for Southbay Barge and resides in Long Beach, California. NMU STUART DONOVAN Brother Stuart Donovan, 72, joined the Seafarers during the 2001 SIU/ NMU Merger. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year and was an engine department member. Brother Donovan’s first vessel was the Chilbar; his last, the Delaware Trader. He calls Jonesport, Maine, home. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA SUSANNE CAKE Pensioner Susanne Cake, 64, died August 9. She became a member of the SIU in 1982, initially sailing aboard the Consumer. Sister Cake was a steward department member. She last shipped on the Courage before retiring in 2014. Sister Cake made her home in Brandywine, Maryland. JOHN CYPRIAN Pensioner John Cyprian, 75, passed away April 1. He joined the union in 2001 and first shipped on the Prince William Sound. An engine department member, Brother Cyprian last sailed aboard the Arctic. He retired in 2010 and settled in Seattle. MARION DALE Pensioner Marion Dale, 78, died July 22. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1965. Brother Dale, a steward department member, first sailed aboard the Del Sol. His last ship was the Patriot, and he went on pension in 2000. Brother Dale lived in Montrose, Alabama. DOMINGO DIAZ Pensioner Domingo Diaz, 98, passed away July 30. He joined the union in 1943 and worked in the deck department. Brother Diaz was first employed by Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He last shipped aboard the Panama before going on pension in 1988. Brother Diaz was a resident of Puerto Rico. CHRISTOPHER DOWE Pensioner Christopher Dowe, 66, died March 29. He donned the SIU colors in 1974, initially sailing aboard the Bienville. Brother Dowe shipped in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He went on pension in 2019 and lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. NAJI HASSAN Pensioner Naji Hassan, 92, passed away April 12. He began his career with the SIU in 1963 when he sailed aboard the Taddei Victory. 14 Seafarers LOG Brother Hassan sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Guayama. He became a pensioner in 1998 and resided in Jacksonville, North Carolina. DOUGLAS HESTER Pensioner Douglas Hester, 75, died August 10. He started shipping with the SIU in 1966 and first sailed aboard the Adventurer. A deck department member, Brother Hester concluded his career aboard the Santa Mercedes. He retired in 2012 and lived in Vallejo, California. JOHN JONES Brother John Jones, 70, passed away July 2. Born in Cameron, Texas, he joined the Seafarers in 1990. Brother Jones was a deck department member and first shipped on the Indian Ocean. He most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Yorktown and resided in Houston. RANDY LOUQUE Pensioner Randy Louque, 67, died August 20. He began shipping with the union in 1996, initially sailing aboard the Cape Flattery. An engine department member, Brother Louque concluded his career on the Atlantic Forest. He retired in 2019 and lived in New Zealand. DAVID MILLIGAN Pensioner David Milligan, 74, died July 25. He joined the SIU in 1975 when he sailed aboard the Transcolorado. Brother Milligan sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Horizon Pacific and retired in 2007. Brother Milligan lived in Marshallberg, North Carolina. HANS SCHMUCK Brother Hans Schmuck, 60, passed away July 26. Born in Chestnut, Pennsylvania, he embarked on his SIU career in 1983. Brother Schmuck was a steward department member and first sailed aboard the Rose City. He most recently shipped aboard the Maunawili and resided in Bedminster, Pennsylvania. WOODROW SMITH Pensioner Woodrow Smith, 67, died August 5. An engine department member, he donned the SIU colors in 1970. Brother Smith was first employed by Vivian Tankships. He last sailed aboard the Atlantic Forest and became a pensioner in 2019. Brother Smith was a New Orleans resident. STANLEY VANE Pensioner Stanley Vane, 63, passed away August 2. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Monticello. Brother Vane was an engine department member and also worked on shore gangs. He was last employed by Cargotec Services before going on pension in 2007. Brother Vane made his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. GREAT LAKES DANIEL BREYER Pensioner Daniel Breyer, 65, has passed away. He signed on with the union in 2001 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Breyer’s first vessel was the Gemini. He last sailed aboard the St. Clair and went on pension in 2020. Brother Breyer was a resident of Gilbert, Arizona. EDWARD FABIAN Pensioner Edward Fabian, 91, died July 3. An engine department member, he joined the SIU in 1960. Brother Fabian first sailed with American Steamship. He last shipped aboard the Buffalo before retiring in 1988. Brother Fabian resided in Royal Oak, Michigan. TIMOTHY ORBAN Pensioner Timothy Orban, 65, passed away July 25. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1974 when he shipped aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart. Brother Orban sailed in both the steward and engine departments. He last shipped on the Sam Laud before retiring in 2014. Brother Orban lived in Alpena, Michigan. INLAND MANUEL ALVAREZ Pensioner Manuel Alvarez, 87, died August 8. He donned the SIU colors in 1962, initially sailing with McAllister Towing of Baltimore. Brother Alvarez was a member of the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Ranger in 1988. He went on pension the following year and settled in Linthicum, Maryland. DONALD BRANDS Pensioner Donald Brands, 70, has passed away. He signed on with the SIU in 1978, working for IBC Company. A deck department member, Brother Brands was last employed by Harley Marine. He retired in 2016 and resided in Bayport, New York. PRESTON BRYANT Pensioner Preston Bryant, 94, died July 28. He joined the union in 1957 and was first employed by McAllister Towing of Baltimore. Brother Bryant last sailed with Moran Towing of Maryland before retiring in 1986. He called Bamberg, South Carolina, home. RANDAL CUDWORTH Pensioner Randal Cudworth, 68, died August 11. He signed on with the SIU in 1970 when he worked for Moran Towing of Virginia. A deck department member, Brother Cudworth last sailed with Atlantic Towing. He became a pensioner in 2015 and lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. WILLIAM GOSSETT Pensioner William Gossett, 80, passed away July 19. He began his career with the union in 1980, initially sailing with Admiral Towing and Barge. Brother Gossett was a member of the deck department and last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He went on pension in 2003 and lived in Aiken, South Carolina. 12. He joined the union in 1961 and first sailed with McAllister Towing of Virginia. Brother Gray worked in the deck department and concluded his career with Mariner Towing. He retired in 1992 and settled in Hertford, North Carolina. JAMIE HALL Pensioner Jamie Hall, 71, passed away August 4. He signed on with the SIU in 1989 when he shipped on the USNS Regulus. Brother Hall was a deck department member. He last shipped aboard the Stephen W. Pless and went on pension in 2015. Brother Hall was a resident of Milton, Florida. JOSEPH NELSON Pensioner Joseph Nelson, 78, passed away August 3. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1978 when he shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Nelson sailed in engine department and continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2005 and lived in San Juan, Puerto Rico. CARLTON SHANNON Pensioner Carlton Shannon, 88, died July 3. He joined the Seafarers in 1975, initially working for Steuart Transportation. Brother Shannon last sailed with Piney Point Transportation before retiring in 1995. He called Manteo, North Carolina, home. JAMES WALLER Pensioner James Waller, 64, died July 17. Signing on with the Seafarers in 1972, he was first employed by Interstate Oil. Brother Waller was a member of the deck department and concluded his career with OSG Ship Management. He went on pension in 2018 and called Princess Anne, Maryland, home. NMU ROBERT MARTIN Pensioner Robert Martin, 67, passed away July 22. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Martin was born in Brooklyn, New York. He retired in 2018 and was a resident of St. Gabriel, Louisiana. WILLIE GRAY Pensioner Willie Gray, 90, died July October 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings USNS POLLUX (TOTE Services), July 1 – Chairman Chris Nagle, Secretary Robinson Eromosele, Educational Director Lawrence Croft, Steward Delegate Ernesto Martinez. Crew reviewed old business including requests to increase eyeglass prescription coverage and for maternity leave benefits for both spouses. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed issues with providing proof of insurance to receive medical care and the inability to get in touch with the insurance company. They talked about hiring-hall schedules. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), July 11 – Chairman William Barrett, Secretary John Greubel, Educational Director Charles Packer, Deck Delegate John Walsh, Steward Delegate Mohammad Abou Abdou. Educational director encouraged members to check documents and to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Carpet cleaner arrived. Members requested full dental coverage and a raise in retirement pay. Crew asked that vacation accrual be 30 for 30 and insisted that the ship should pay for all safety equipment. SLNC YORK (Argent Marine Operations), July 11 – Chairman Dominic Marco, Secretary Tamara Houston, Deck Delegate Clifford Carroll, Engine Delegate Roy Villanueva, Steward Delegate Brian Peralta. Chairman reminded crew to continue following safety protocols for COVID-19. Members discussed vaccine requirements and asked 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. how they relate to classes at the Paul Hall Center. Educational director urged crew to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New hardware for fridge is pending. Steward department thanked for a job well done. BAY STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), July 25 – Chairman Brian Gauntt, Deck Delegate Demond Lindsey, Engine Delegate Lebindra Maharaj, Steward Delegate Alfrancis Bauzon. Chairman advised crew to get the COVID-19 vaccine and to keep up with documents. Educational director recommended members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested internet and Wi-Fi availability and an increase in reimbursement for eyeglasses. Crew asked for better food quality when ship gets stores. Next port: Port Everglades, Florida. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), July 15 – Chairman Ahmed Mohammed Ghaleb, Secretary Troy Smith, Educational Director Dhahabi Quraish, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Wi-Fi now available for crew. Chairman advised members to read the President’s Report in Seafarers LOG. Everything going great aboard ship. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed current relief procedure and requested that 90day relief be optional. Crew was encouraged to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Do- nation). Currently, 85% of ship crew vaccinated. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), July 17 – Chairman Cleofe Bernardez Castro, Secretary Stephan Osovitz, Educational Director William Ness, Engine Delegate Matthew Yowell. Payoff scheduled for July 20 in Newark, New Jersey. Secretary urged members to be cautious when going ashore in New Jersey due to rising COVID-19 cases. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new TVs, refrigerators in rooms, and better Wi-Fi service aboard ship. Steward department was commended for making wonderful food. Crew requested increase in vacation time to 16 for 30 days. PACIFIC TRACKER (TOTE Services), July 25 – Chairman Kevin Kellum, Secretary Julito Crodua, Educational Director Donald Wellentin, Deck Delegate Leroy Reed, Steward Delegate Michael Gramer. Chairman read the contract and discussed ship restrictions. Members that need to renew their MMC documents can receive a letter of drug test exemption from the captain. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew went over various ship positions and talked about how to make them all the same pay rate. Members discussed compensation for ship restriction. Crew requested one day off for every 30 days, better Wi-Fi connection Shipboard Mask Update The Coast Guard in early September updated one of its marine safety information bulletins (MSIB) as follows: “Non-passengercarrying commercial vessels operated by a team of mariners who all live on the vessel are exempt from wearing a mask. A mask will still be required when the vessel receives persons who are not a part of the team of mariners that live on the vessel.” The entire MSIB is posted on the SIU website. and clarification on expiration of current contract. New TV in crew mess. Vote of thanks given to the steward department. Next port: Honolulu. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), August 1 – Chairman Magdy Balat, Secretary Lamont Faulks, Deck Delegate Muafa Musad, Engine Delegate Syed Iqbal, Steward Delegate Sandra Vann. All is good aboard ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for more vacation days, better-paying contracts and for vacation pay to be at the same rate as base wages. They discussed reimbursement for those who live in New York and New Jersey when joining and relieved in Newark. TAINO (Crowley), August 1 – Chairman Rafael Franco, Secretary Carlos Colon De Jesus, Educational Director Jesus Martinez, Deck Delegate Arthur Patterson. Members discussed COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of getting vaccinated. Secretary thanked crew for helping in the galley. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in order to move up in the industry. He also reminded crew to keep track of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew went over the importance of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Members from the San Juan hall raised questions relating to job calls and shipping rules. Members expressed concern over possibly missing job calls. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. OCEAN FREEDOM (Crowley), August 2 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Velicia Williams, Educational Director Daryl Hicks, Deck Delegate Leonard Gregg, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman, Steward Delegate John Smith. Chairman reminded crew to wear masks and urged them to get vaccinated. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Piney Point school and to make sure their documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested TVs and Wi-Fi. Crew requested vacation be increased to 25 for 30. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt October 2021 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Government Vessels November 1 November 15 November 29 December 13 November 5 November 19 December 3 December 17 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 18 October 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG December 13 December 17 Gap Closing Courses MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck November 15 December 3 Lifeboat/Water Survival October 25 November 22 November 5 December 3 RFPNW November 15 December 3 Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10 Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT October 25 November 19 Welding October 25 November 12 Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10 RFPEW October 25 November 19 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook November 1 December 3 Advanced Galley Operations November 15 December 10 Chief Steward October 18 November 12 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training November 8 November 12 Basic Training Revalidation October 22 November 15 December 3 December 10 October 22 November 15 December 3 December 10 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation October 25 October 29 Government Vessels October 29 October 25 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ 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 #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 10/21 October 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #872 – Graduated Aug. 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Bonita Barrs, Patrick Enteria Estavillo, Jonah Makanaakua Ganzagan, Anthony Hunter, Clarence Hutchens III, Bryce Kennebeck, Hamzah Sadeg Qatabi, Christopher Smith, Kyle Smith, Stuart Waite and Tyus White. UA to FOWT – Graduated Aug. 20 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Ja’shon Adams, Nicholas Banks, Oswaldo Jose Barrera, Jalen Denson, Charles Fischer Jr., Christopher Fisher, Nathan Johnson Jr., Frankinns Joseph, Christian Efrain Lalin, Gregory Nash, Julianne Perez Borroto Sanchez, Ghadir A. Sarkis, Anthony Timmson-Brown, Jorge Gerardo Valencia Bon, Ronald Von Kaenel and Joel Williams. UA to Able Seaman (Deck) – Graduated Aug. 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Lexter A. Alfaro-Rivera, Jacob Booth, Zaid Cooper, Jessina Fernandez, Peter Festa III, Joel Frederick, Joseph Horton, Kalae-Mitchal K. Huihui, Stephen Jarrell, Oscar Krowicki, Joseph Murphy III, John Sadia, Marcell Gabriel Santos-Pascual, Raul Soto, Blake Stollenwerck, Desmond Unutoa and Luis Ricardo Venegas Nolasco. October 2021 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels (Upgraders) – Graduated Sept. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Lebrone Allen, Alphonzo Berry, Kevin Bozis, Tom Dary, Alexander Marcelino Dominguez, Robert Foster, Sarah Gross, Norman Hook, Steven Johnson, Rashaad Mangram, Juan Narvaez, Tierria Noble, Michael Antonio Ribeiro, Rhett Smith, Elpidio Avergonzado Toyco and Sean Wilson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels (Phase I) – Graduated Sept. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Christian Branch, Elijah Ha-Saun Crawford, Kain Ikeda Hingle, Kyle Pettis and Kaleb Politte. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated Aug. 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Saleh Abdo Alsinai, Henry Molina Cacal, Thyron Simbajon Dy, Jack Gourgue and Edsel Auguis Renegado. Government Vessels (Upgraders) – Graduated Aug. 20 (above, in alphabetical order): James Blackburn III, Andrew Carey, Dennison Roncales Dizon, Rudy Lopez, Tharwat Hussein Saleh, Andrea Sharpe, Souleymane Tamla and Cody Younghans. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated July 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Miguel Angel Abad, Michael James Pompa Adeva, Adewale Isaac Adiat, Glenn Valera Agustin, Nahun Moises Bernardez, Jose Luis Borrero Rodriguez, Rudy Villacarlos Cesar, Andrew Gronotte, Julio Cesar Ibanez Kunz, Loretta James, George Marcelo Mardones, Zeke Alec Pasquarelli and Shatina Wright. Class instructor Mark Buyes is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Electronic Navigation – Graduated Sept. 3 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Jose David Argueta, Carlton Banks, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Matthew Jenness, Glen McCullough and Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus 18 Seafarers LOG October 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Training (Upgraders Basic Firefighting) – Graduated Aug. 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Ernest Cantrell, Robert Foster, Ryan Heimberger, Toni Johnson and Rhett Smith. Basic Training (Upgraders Basic Firefighting) – Graduated Sept. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Kanieyziah Conway, Jeremy Aden Hebda, Sinclair Oubre, Jawaid Butt Pardesi and Benjamin Verrett. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Certified Chief Cook – Graduated Aug. 20 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Nassr Hassan Ahmed, Jurally Jamila Aseberos, Daniel Cage, Nala Johnson, Jasmine Mable, Anthony Parks, Ammar Saleh Sailan, Ricky Enriquez Sencida and Chad Sikorski. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Chief Cook Assessment – Graduated Aug. 27 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Kevin Bozis, Robert Foster, Sarah Gross, Steven Johnson and Rhett Smith. Importance 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. MTD Observes 75th Anniversary Continued from Page 11 reduced the number. MTD Administrator Frank Pecquex moved up and continued the Washington lobbying effort for mariners and the industry. Pecquex had served as a lobbyist for the Seafarers before coming to the MTD in 1991. Strong bipartisan support carried the legislation across the finish line. In signing the measure, President Bill Clinton said, “It will ensure that the United States will continue to have American-flag ships crewed by loyal American citizen merchant mariners to meet our nation’s economic and sealift defense requirements.” The Maritime Security Act of 1996 established the Maritime Security Program (MSP) to allow the Defense Department access to militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels as well as their infrastructure support system in times of conflict or national emergency. Since its passage, the MSP proved its value during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Its original 10-year calendar has been extended into the October 2021 2030s and it has been expanded to include more U.S.-flag ships. Sacco told the MTD Executive Board during its 1997 meeting, “Last year, despite terrible odds, we won a Maritime Security Program to take us into the 21st century.… Our grassroots lobbying efforts turned the tide. And just as we mobilized for the Maritime Security Act, we will be there for the Jones Act.” As throughout the MTD’s 75 years, pressure continues to amend or do away with the nation’s freight cabotage law. Passed as part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act simply states that cargo carried from one domestic port to another domestic port must be aboard a U.S.-owned, U.S.-built, U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed vessel. Cabotage has been part of the nation’s heritage since its founding. At the 2018 MTD Executive Board meeting, the London-based International Transport Workers’ Federation released a study showing that more than 90 countries have some sort of cabotage laws to protect their workers and support their economies. Yet, there remain those who believe foreign-flag vessels should be used because they would save money. During 1995, the MTD joined a national coalition of unions, shipowners, suppliers and shipbuilders to create the Maritime Cabotage Task Force. With more than 400 members, this group still keeps its focus on any and all attempts to attack the law, including amendments buried within international trade agreements. This fight is not limited to the United States. Canadian affiliates and Port Councils created the Canadian Maritime and Supply Chain Coalition in 2014 to preserve that nation’s cabotage laws. MTD ExecutiveSecretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan (who succeeded Pecquex in 2011) joined brothers and sisters outside the Parliament building in Ottawa in a march of support. In January 2021, the MTD witnessed how its years of grassroots support for elected officials who back the Jones Act came to fruition. In his first week in office, President Joe Biden issued his “Buy American” executive order, which included language that he “will continue to be a strong advocate for the Jones Act and its mandate that only U.S.-flag vessels carry cargo between U.S. ports, which supports American production and America’s workers.” As a U.S. Senator and Vice President, Biden (who spoke at the 1987 MTD Executive Board meeting) maintained solid support for American mariners. Following Pecquex’s retirement as executive secretary-treasurer in 2011, Sacco picked Duncan because of his grassroots labor experience in Florida and Virginia. On his first day in the position, Duncan marched in southwestern Pennsylvania through rain, sleet and snow with MTD-affiliated Mine Workers and Steelworkers fighting for worker safety and pension reform. Following the example set during the fight for the Maritime Security Program in the 1990s, Sacco and the MTD last year won Congressional approval for a similar U.S.flag Tanker Security Program. This would provide the Defense Department access to petroleum-hauling vessels that it has publicly declared are needed to maintain forces around the world. Additional provisions within the measure called for new builds and repairs to be done in domestic shipyards. As the slogan for the department’s 75th anniversary proclaims – “Anchored in the past, full ahead toward the future!” – the MTD, its affiliates and its Port Maritime Councils continue the work of promoting the U.S.-flag and Canadian-flag merchant marine, their workers, their families and the whole maritime industry. The names may change, the issues may vary, but the cause endures and the values remain. Seafarers LOG 19 �OCTOBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 10 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O CONGRESSMAN VISITS RECRUITING TABLE – U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-New Jersey) (center) stops by the SIU table at a recent job fair for veterans. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at left, while SIU Patrolman James Bast is at right. The event took place in Newark, New Jersey. REMINISCING IN NEW ORLEANS – Longtime Seafarer Kerry Wright (center) recently stopped by the hall and unexpectedly saw a familiar face: that of SIU VP Government Services Nick Celona, whom Wright remembered from the official’s days as a New Orleans patrolman. SIU Safety Director James Brown is at left. As reported last month, Celona is transitioning from the union’s hall in Oakland, California, back to New Orleans. WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Two members recently wrapped up lengthy careers with the SIU (they’re both pictured at the hall, with SIU Port Agent Ashely Nelson). In photo above, Recertified Steward Jack Hart receives his first pension check after 40 years of membership. OMU Ralph Thomas is at left in the photo below, also picking up his first retirement check following 40-plus years with the union. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU GOOD CONTRACT SECURED IN CALIFORNIA – With the easing of some pandemic-related restrictions, SIU officials recently recognized members in person at Starlight Marine in Oakland (photo at immediate right) and Wilmington (photo above) for their efforts in helping secure and ratify a new contract earlier this year. Pictured from left in the Oakland photo are SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II, Engineer Gabriel Torres, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Engineer Florian Schreier, Engineer Yoali Salcedo, Starlight Marine Services General Manager Benjamin Ostroff, Chief Engineer Jack Matievich, Mate Maxwell Fleischfresser and SIU Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli. In the second photo: Engineer Chad Millikan, Engineer Brian Imsland, Engineer Aaron Ellis, Engineer Timothy Alexander, Mate Brian Edmiston, Engineer Jonathan Willingham and Chief Engineer David Scott. Not pictured, but still playing a major role in securing the agreement were the SIU members unable to attend due to vessel operations, as well as SIU Patrolman Gerret Jarman. MILESTONE IN SAN JUAN – Proudly displaying his first steward relief shipping card (and also supporting the Maritime Defense League) is Seafarer Jose Outeiral (right), pictured with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo at the hall. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Recertified Bosun Garry Walker (left), pictured at the Tacoma, Washington, hall with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, picks up his first pension check. � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource GOLDEN STATE RESCUES TWO BOATERS MTD TURNS 75 SHULER TAKES HELM AT AFL-CIO SIU JOBS SECURE AS SEACOR ACQUIRES U.S. SHIPPING CORP. SEAFARERS ANSWER CALL FOR ACTIVATIONS DEEP-SEA VACCINE MANDATE EFFECTIVE OCT. 1 RECENT TRUSTEE ACTION MEANS SOME PENSIONERS ARE NOW ELIGIBLE TO RESUME SAILING GOLDEN STATE CREW RESCUES TWO MARINERS WHITE HOUSE ISSUES LABOR DAY PROCLAMATION AFL-CIO ELECTS LIZ SHULER PRESIDENT SHULER: THIS COULD BE THE MOST UNIFYING MOMENT IN LABOR HISTORY REDMOND: I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO EVERY WORKER SIU CREWS TEAM UP FOR MULTIPLE UNREPS LIZ SHULER TAKES HELM AT AFL-CIO SIU CIVMARS ABOARD USNS PATUXENT HANDLE TWO RESCUES FIRE SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS SAVE UPGRADER'S LIFE ALASKAN RESTAURATEUR STARTS NEW CAREER AS STEWARD COAST GUARD POSTS UPDATES, NEW INFO ON APPLICATIONS UPDATED PASSPORT NOTICE MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY 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 10/01/2021 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. 83, NO. 10 2021 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/8c3607e294ac82f94e410d5d4b520f2e.pdf 666de202891b8a61071a519fab0d0a28 PDF Text Text NOVEMBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 11 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Gains Jobs As Tanker Reflags Seafarers are sailing aboard the recently reflagged tanker Pohang Pioneer (main photo). Some of the first crew members are pictured in the photo inset at immediate right. Page 3. (Ship photo by Bengt-Rune Inberg) Bosuns Complete Recertification The union’s newest group of recertified bosuns (photo at right) graduated in early October. They’re pictured with SIU President Michael Sacco (second from right) at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. From left are Brian Guiry, Lionel Rivas, Tavell Love, Richard Grubbs, Samuel Porchea, Sacco and Joseph Gierbolini. Page 7. Members Ratify More Contracts An exceptionally busy year for SIU contract negotiations continued with the recent ratifications of three new agreements – at G&H Towing, Crowley Towing and Transportation, and NCL. Pages 3, 6. Seafarers Persevere Through ‘Ida’ Page 4 Joint Maritime Labor Statement Page 2 �President’s Report More on PRO Act During the White House Labor Day observance, both President Biden and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler emphasized the importance of passing legislation that would boost workers’ rights. Biden reiterated his full support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, while Shuler explained why the bill remains organized labor’s top legislative priority. The bill already passed in the House of Representatives but faces challenges in the Senate, mainly because of a likely filibuster. It has been several months since I wrote about the PRO Act. For those who missed the earlier communication or who are interested in a refresher, I’ll start by pointing out that nearly half of all nonunion workers (more than 60 million people) would join a union today if given the chance, according to non-partisan polling. Public approval of unions, at 65 percent, has reached one of its highest marks in decades. Michael Sacco Union members can bargain for higher wages and are much more likely to have health care and a pension. The union advantage is even greater for people of color, women, immigrants, and others who have confronted workplace discrimination. A union contract is a potent weapon because it establishes fair and transparent systems for hiring and firing, wages and more. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935 was a staple of the New Deal. The NLRA led to a groundswell of organizing that built the greatest middle class in history. Immediately after World War II, though, some corporations and their anti-worker political allies started conspiring to render the law toothless. They got pro-business congresses in 1947 and 1959 to weaken the law. In recent decades, employers have violated the NLRA with impunity, routinely denying workers their basic right to join with co-workers for fairness on the job. Things have gotten so bad, there is an entire union-busting industry that basically works nonstop to block workers from exercising those rights. And, according to the AFL-CIO, in nearly half of all union organizing drives, employers break the law. They lie, threaten, and routinely fire union supporters. Workers are forced to attend mandatory meetings focused on union-bashing. Any fines for this illegal behavior are often inconsequential. This explains how we have reached the point where more than 60 million people would vote to join a union, but only one in 10 workers actually has one. Not coincidentally, as the collective strength of workers to negotiate for better pay and benefits has eroded, the gap between rich and poor has reached levels unseen since the Great Depression. The fall of union density has been a direct cause of rising inequality over the past four decades. Passing the PRO Act will update the NLRA and give workers a fair opportunity to join or form a union. Once workers vote to form a union, the PRO Act will require the National Labor Relations Board to set a time limit for the employer to commence bargaining a first contract. (Too often, when workers choose to form a union, employers stall the bargaining process to avoid reaching an agreement.) The PRO act includes many other benefits for workers and their families – and their employers. Workers who have a voice on the job are the best kind. Significantly, the PRO Act will finally end so-called “right to work” (for less) laws once and for all. These laws have been promoted by a network of billionaires and special interest groups in an effort to divide working people and give more power to corporations at the expense of workers. They have had the effect of lowering wages and eroding pensions and health care coverage in states where they have been adopted. We’ve got a great opportunity to help enact the PRO Act. The SIU will continue pushing to make it reality by getting it through the Senate and onto President Biden’s desk for signature. Message from Maritime Labor Editor’s note: A signed copy of this letter is available on the SIU website. September 29, 2021 COVID-19 is here to stay. Our members aboard vessels remain in grave danger with the Delta variant on the loose. Many of our organizations have lost members to ravages of the disease; including some who have lost their lives while aboard ship. Several ships have had serious outbreaks over the last 18-plus months, even as recently as this month. Our advocacy for a consistent, reliable, and rapid testing regimen for mariners proved to be worthwhile and effective. Now, with the supply chain and military security of the country at risk, we ask that all of our members educate themselves on the vaccines and choose to get vaccinated. This is primarily for the safety of our shipmates and family members, but also to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the industry. It is a matter of future industry stability and mariner job security. As we stated in our July 2020 letter, each shipowner/operator has established their own diverging policies and protocol, and they vary greatly from employer to employer, even from ship to ship, depending on shipboard culture. In the absence of a uniform and government-enforced protocol during vessel in-port time, critical evolutions such as cargo operations, vendor/contractor access and shipyard repairs remain essentially unregulated and haphazard. This is an unacceptable situation that is beyond the control of ship’s personnel and is a reason to be fully vaccinated at the earliest opportunity. We must continue taking every precaution against the Coronavirus as recommended by company protocols and by applicable CDC guidelines, including vaccination. Masks, social distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene, cleaning and sani- tizing have now become routine, but the best additional precaution for shipmates and families includes becoming vaccinated. Labor is working together and using every advantage to both protect your health and safeguard your rights. With infection rates spiking due to the Delta variant, we must maintain vigilance and discipline. Employers may intervene with reasonable or ineffective workplace policy; either way we will let them know that our contract rights remain in place. We understand the stress and anxiety of working in persistent and intensified danger and so we support fair and common-sense safety practices ashore and at sea. Your dedication, professionalism and perseverance are recognized, and your efforts are best honored by ensuring your own safety and the safety of others aboard ship buy getting vaccinated. Please continue to notify your Union if you have concerns regarding potential or actual COVID-19 exposure or the safety of your vessel. Wishing all health, safety, and fraternity, Michael Sacco, President, Seafarers International Union Paul Doell, President, American Maritime Officers Adam Vokac, President, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association Anthony Poplawski, President/Secretary-Treasurer, Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association Don Marcus, President, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots Dave Connolly, President, Sailors Union of the Pacific COVID-19 In Numbers n There have been at least 700,000 deaths in the United States. n More than 43 million cases in all 50 states, U.S. territories and Washington, D.C., have been reported. n Globally, there have been more than 234 million cases and more than 4.8 million deaths confirmed. n More than 6.32 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide. Source: World Health Organization NMC Commander Visits Piney Point O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 11 November 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education welcomed National Maritime Center (NMC) commanding officer Capt. Bradley Clare (left) for a campus tour Sept. 24. He’s pictured at the school with SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (right) and PHC Instructor Roy Graham. Clare took the helm at the NMC this summer. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG November 2021 �The newest addition to the SIU-crewed deep-sea fleet is on a regular run between Japan and Korea. Union Welcomes New Shipboard Jobs Reflagged Vessel Joins SIU-Contracted Fleet SIU members are sailing aboard the recently reflagged tanker Pohang Pioneer – an outright addition to the Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) fleet. Built in 2018 by Dae Sun Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. in Korea, the shallowdraft vessel is 357 feet long, has a beam of 59 feet and can sail at around 18 knots. It previously sailed under the Panamanian flag before hoisting the Stars and Stripes this fall. “The ship is in good condition,” said Bosun Ahmed Mohammed Ghaleb. “Our run is between Japan and Korea. The food is great and the crew is happy.” Joining the bosun as some of the first crew members aboard the reflagged vessel (operated by U.S. Marine Management for MLL) were ABs Ahmed Kassem, Larry Rawlins and Hiten Shrimankar, QE2 Alex-Stephen Amarra, QE3 Jose Bonita, QE3 James Rodweller, Chief Stew- ard Rudy Lopez and Chief Cook Steven Johnson. “The union appreciates this opportunity for additional work and, as always, I’m totally confident that the membership will live up to their consistent level of top-notch performance and professionalism aboard the Pohang Pioneer,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. MLL was established in 1983 to support the conversion and operation of five maritime prepositioning ships on behalf of the United States Navy. Today, the company owns more than 20 U.S.-flag ships operating around the world to support the United States with military, government, and humanitarian missions. MLL participates in both the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) and the related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). Hoisting the U.S. Flag onboard the Pohang Pioneer (from center of flag, clockwise) are: Third Assistant Engineer Emily Blake, First Assistant Engineer Hunter Smith, Chief Cook Steven Johnson, Chief Engineer James Cook, Captain Chris Fox, Chief Mate Bill Harris, Third Mate Callum Foley, Bosun Ahmed Ghalib, Steward Rudy Lopez and AB Larry Rawlins. Members Ratifiy Pacts at Crowley, G&H Adding to an already packed year of contract negotiations, two more agreements were recently ratified by the membership – with Crowley Towing and Transportation and with G&H Towing, respectively. Each contract is for three years. The Crowley pact covers approximately 160 Seafarers. It took effect July 1, and was ratified by an overwhelming majority of the members. Highlights include yearly wage increases, as well as increased pension contributions, vacation benefit increases and November 2021 various area-specific gains. In addition, medical benefits were maintained at the Core Plus level. Representing the SIU on the negotiating committee were Assistant Vice President Mike Russo and rank-and-file delegates Ward Davis, Norman Skipper, Craig Perry, Peter de Maria and Ronald Boatwright. Negotiations took place via video conference calls in order to meet safety requirements. Meanwhile, members also voted in favor of the G&H con- tract by a large majority. The agreement covers roughly 340 Seafarers; it took effect Oct. 1. The new contract maintains all benefits at their existing levels, and expands parental paid leave to include adopted children. Negotiations took place in-person in Houston (with strong safety protocols in place), while voting took place on the tugs. Serving on the union negotiating committee were Russo, Port Agent Joe Zavala and Patrolman J.B. Niday, as well as delegates Jason Curtiss, Mark Kazin, Stephen Prendergast, Aaron Reed and Christopher Wootton. “Both sets of delegates did an outstanding job sticking together and fighting for everyone to get a raise,” said Russo. “They all worked hard and it shows in the final results, which are good contracts both for the members and for the companies.” Bargaining took place online (photo above) for the Crowley Towing and Transportation contract. The negotiating committees for the G&H Towing agreement (photo at left) are pictured in Houston following the conclusion of bargaining. SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala (third from left), SIU Assistant VP Mike Russo (sixth from left) and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday (second from right) are among those pictured. Seafarers LOG 3 �New Orleans-Area Seafarers Persevere Through Hurricane, Maintain Professionalism on the Job Whether at home, on the job or upon returning after mandatory evacuation, SIU members in New Orleans endured Hurricane Ida with determination and professionalism. Many Seafarers continued working during the Category 4 storm, which made landfall in Louisiana on the sixteenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Ida struck Aug. 29 and continued inland, bringing catastrophic winds, massive rainfall and tornadoes, plus flooding storm surge along the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Even though it subsequently weakened, Ida still pummeled the northeastern U.S. with torrential rain. By late September, more than 100 deaths from the hurricane had been reported. Ida also knocked out much of Louisiana’s and Mississippi’s power grids, leaving more than one million customers without power (including all of New Orleans), some for more than two weeks. “Everybody in this area was impacted,” said SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, who followed an evacuation order and left the region for more than a week. “This was a much more intense storm than Katrina but not a widespread flooding event like Katrina. This was more a wind event.” All things considered, Westbrook was pleasantly surprised to find that the hiring SIU-crewed Crescent Towing boats hold the SIU-crewed USNS Kennedy in place during the hurricane. SIU’s Heindel Among 2021 AOTOS Honorees The annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) awards dinner returns to an in-person format this year, and one of the three main honorees is especially well-known to Seafarers. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel has been named by the United Seamen’s Service (USS) as an AOTOS recipient, along with Maersk Line, Limited President and CEO Bill Woodhour and Chamber of Shipping of America President and CEO Kathy Metcalf. The traditional silver statuette of Christopher Columbus – the first Admiral of the Ocean Sea – will be accepted by the three honorees Dec. 3 4 Seafarers LOG hall in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey sustained fairly minor damage. The hall reopened Sept. 9, shortly after its power was restored. One of the hall’s rooftop air conditioning units blew off, and a number of trees fell nearby. “It could have been so much worse,” he said. “Once the hall had power and Wi-Fi, we made sure the members and retirees knew, so they could use it as a base of sorts. The internet connectivity alone was helpful for them to get information from FEMA and other relief agencies. We’ve also been able to assist members and retirees with some relief supplies – there’s a staging area near the hall, and we’re working with the local, state and national AFL-CIO, too.” Westbrook also credited members who stayed on the job at the height of the storm. “A lot of our tug guys went out and kept everybody safe,” he said. “These guys always step up to the plate. They understand it’s part of their job. They all have homes and families, too, but they ran right into danger. You’re out there in 120-, 140-mph winds on the Mississippi River…. They take pride in doing it.” One such member is tugboat Capt. Vic DiGiorgio, who has been a Seafarer for 37 years. “We don’t run away from hurricanes and storms,” he said. “We stay right in the heat of it, and afterwards, we help get the port straight. During storms, most of our boats are holding onto ships and moorings.” DiGiorgio was aboard Crescent Towing’s Margaret F. Cooper during Ida. That boat teamed up with the South Carolina and held the side-by-side, SIU-crewed Altair and Bellatrix in place at the dock for 24 hours. “We fared pretty well,” he said. “After that, we were pulling barges and boats that had gotten blown away. A lot of them got twisted up in anchorage.” DiGiorgio stayed on the job for three straight weeks. He returned home to find relatively minor damage to his roof. “I’m pretty lucky,” he said. “In our neighborhood, we all have tarps on our roofs, but I didn’t get it bad to where my sheetrock fell through. A tree also fell on a bunch of our vehicles at work (in the office parking lot), but I’m not complaining. During Katrina, I lost everything – all I had to my name was my sea bag.” Another of the vessels held in place by Crescent boats was the Cape Kennedy, in New York City. A special AOTOS Award will also be presented to Tony Naccarato, president and chairman of the American Maritime Officers Service, a Washington-based association comprised of some of the largest American-flag maritime companies. The aforementioned recipients will share the evening with a group of American seafarers who will be honored for acts of bravery at sea. LTG Kenneth R. Wykle, USA, (Ret.), chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee, noted, “With such deserving recipients, we are pleased to continue the rich 52-year history of this prestigious event.” He added, “Dave Heindel is an esteemed labor leader and a true friend to USS; Kathy Metcalf has brought a solid background in maritime affairs to her role at the Chamber, and Capt. Vic DiGiorgio (above) displays the flag that flew from the tug Margaret F. Cooper during the hurricane. A new flag (photo at right) took its place after the storm. where Recertified Bosun Mark Fleming worked during the storm. The Cape Knox was anchored next to it. “We had to pass out a bunch of extra lines, and that was a good idea, because we broke two,” Fleming recalled. “We just bounced around a bit, and after the storm we had broken lines to pick up. We were up all night and had to run out and tend to the tugboats a few times. The lines had lifted and got draped over [items] on deck, so we had to straighten those. By then, the storm was slacking off.” Fleming commended the Cape Kennedy’s crew for securing the vessel and added, “You’ve got to have the crew on there. If there was no one tending the ship, I’m sure it would’ve been a much different outcome…. The crew was outstanding, and everybody worked well. We’ve been through so many of these storms, I think we’re getting good at it.” The Kennedy maintained power (thanks to four massive generators) and temporarily served as a floating hotel for harbor police and other essential workers. As for his own house, Fleming’s circumstance largely mirrored that of DiGiorgio (and Westbrook). “I’ve got to get a new roof, but that’s all,” Fleming said. There are four or five bald spots. I’ve got a tarp on it and some tubs in the attic.” Pumpman Victor Martinez lives in LaPlace, Louisiana, and remained in his house when the hurricane hit, but he described an unusual circumstance and urged people not to follow his lead. Martinez was too ill to travel with his family, who fled to Houston. Otherwise, he said, he’d have joined them. “I thank God I’m alive,” Martinez said. “By the time I felt up to leaving, it was too late. I took as many precautions as I could take.” He noticed the wind increasing around 1 a.m. “and then I felt the house shaking, saw shingles flying, bent my knees and started praying. It felt like the house was going to pop off from the ground. There was so much pressure.” Martinez got a respite 90 minutes later, but only because the eye of the storm was passing over his home. Still, he emerged unharmed, and his house wasn’t ruined (though it did sustain broken windows, roof damage and a wrecked air conditioning unit). He said his daughter wasn’t as lucky – she lost everything, as did some of his acquaintances. “You don’t realize how powerful these storms are until you’re in them,” he concluded. “My advice is, it’s better to leave. Material things can be replaced. I thank God for everything.” David Heindel Bill Woodhour Kathy Metcalf Bill Woodhour now leads the important American-flag division of Maersk.” The AOTOS Award has been presented for 52 consecutive years, including 2020 when the pandemic dictated a virtual event. COVID-19 also did not stop the industry from fulfilling its collective role as part of the nation’s essential workforce, the USS pointed out when announcing this year’s awards. “Despite the pandemic, the American maritime industry – management and labor – continued moving and handling world commerce despite the personal risk and danger presented by COVID-19 globally,” said Wykle. “We are expecting the industry to turn out to honor this year’s leaders and the brave seafarers who will also be recognized at the event.” Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine, seafarers of all nations, and U.S. government and military overseas. November 2021 �Biden: Unions are ‘America’s Heart and Soul’ White House Hosts Labor Day Ceremony Honoring Workers “Everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity. And that’s what the labor union is all about: dignity.” President Biden credited his late father with regularly reinforcing that message, and the commander in chief shared it during his remarks at a Sept. 8 White House ceremony celebrating Labor Day. Also speaking at the event were Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh (a former union member) and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, among others. Biden, always enthusiastic when discussing the labor movement, expressed strong confidence in Shuler, who recently was elected to lead the federation after the unexpected passing of AFLCIO President Richard Trumka. Previously, she had served as secretary-treasurer since 2009. “I know you didn’t expect to be in this role at this moment,” Biden said to Shuler during the ceremony, “but as I told you before, I believe that the future of American labor is in very good hands. I really mean it.” He continued, “In my White House, labor will always be welcome. I intend to be the most pro-union president leading the most pro-union administration in American history.” After observing a moment of silence for workers who’ve died from COVID-19 and for both Trumka and retired AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, who passed away Aug. 5 and Feb. 1, respectively, Biden stated, “One of the things I admired about Rich is that he understood what people in this economy are really facing…. He understood what had happened to workers in this country, like you do. Rich understood the past and the challenges, like so many of you who lived and led through these moments. But he also understood the future. He understood who built this country and the tools that were needed to build it back and build it back better.” Biden reminded the audience (including those watching online) that unions “fundamentally transformed how we live and how we work in this country.” He cited “the victories won by labor: the eight-hour day; the weekend; time-and-a-half for overtime; safety standards; sick days – victories for all of us. When you all do that, everybody benefits, whether they belong to a union or not. When unions win, workers across the board win. Families win, community wins, America wins. We grow. And despite this, workers have been getting cut out of the deal for too long a time.” He described a long period of shared prosperity from the late 1940s until 1979, at which time “everything began to change. Productivity in the country has grown almost four times faster than pay since 1979. That means the workers have been giving much more to their employers’ bottom lines than they’ve gotten back in their paychecks, breaking the basic bargain of this country. The bargain was: If you work hard and you contribute to the welfare of the outfit you work with, you got to share in the benefits. Well, that stopped for a long time. That’s what got taken away for a lot of people. Instead, some people started seeing the stock market and corporate profits and ex- President Biden reiterates his support for the labor movement. ecutive pay as the only measure for economic growth. “By the way, the stock market has gone up exponentially since I’ve been president,” he continued. “You haven’t heard me say a word about it…. My measure of economic success is how families, like mine growing up – working families busting their neck – how they’re doing; whether they have a little breathing room; whether they have a job that delivers some dignity, a paycheck they can support a family on. Simply put, worker power is essential to building our economy back better than before.” He described key executive orders he has signed to boost workers’ rights and reiterated his total backing of labor’s top legislative priority, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. “When Congress passed the 1935 Labor Relations Act, it didn’t just say you can have unions – (that) it should be allowed,” Biden stated. “It said that we, the government, should encourage unions and collective bargaining, making it easier. And I believe every worker should have a free and fair choice to join a union. The law guarantees that choice. That belongs to workers, not to their employers or to special interests.” He said there are numerous reasons for workers to choose union representation. “We know the economic reasons: Union members get higher wages, better benefits, like health insurance and paid leave, protections against discrimination and harassment, and a safer and healthier workplace,” Biden explained. “But there’s another reason – a basic American reason. Workers who join unions gain power – power over the decisions and the decision-makers that affect their lives. Workers’ voices are heard and heeded. In a simple word, a union means there is democracy. Democracy. Organizing, joining a union – that’s democracy in action. And it’s about dignity on the job, but it’s also about creating good jobs.” Shuler thanked the president and Vice President Kamala Harris for “leading the most proworker administration in U.S. history.” She said the labor movement “is the single most powerful force for progress in the United States. In the past two centuries, industry by industry – in factories, mines, and mills – we challenged inhumane conditions. We created safety standards. We transformed grim, dangerous work into good, sustainable union jobs. This administration gets it. That’s how unions built the American middle class.” She credited the union members who’ve helped keep the economy afloat during the pandemic before turning to the future of organized labor. “We’re building a modern, inclusive labor movement,” Shuler said. “A movement in every sector and every community, with women and people of color moving from the margins, to the center. Unions are the best way to guarantee equal pay, close wage gaps and fight discrimination at work. We create pathways to the middle class for veterans, for those who’ve been sidelined – for everyone. The power of a good, sustainable union job is life-changing. That’s why 68 percent of Americans and 77 percent of young people support labor unions. That’s the highest approval ratings in over half a century.” She added, “Everything is lined up. We’ve got the public on our side, workers standing up and taking risks, and the most pro-union administration in history. This is our moment! And shame on us if we don’t take advantage of it. But with labor laws written in 1935, and the corporate attacks that have chipped them away over time, today it’s actually easier to stop a union than it is to form one.” Walsh spoke at the event and also issued a proclamation that read in part, “This is a Labor Day like no other. The pandemic has changed how our country thinks about work – and working people. It has showed us how much we depend on essential workers, including many vulnerable and low-paid workers. And it proved that we can transform our working conditions. So, as we celebrate adding more than 4.5 million new jobs to the economy since January, I invite workers and employers all across our country to imagine a better, more just and more sustainable partnership. “To establish this new reality, the Department of Labor will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with workers morning, noon and night,” he continued. “From investing in a care economy that allows workers to thrive in their jobs while caring for their families, to building a more inclusive workforce and ensuring that the loss of a job doesn’t mean the loss of financial wellbeing, we stand with America’s workers – and the unions that support them. The Biden-Harris administration’s ambitious agenda will address the persistent injustices and inequities that organized labor has been fighting for more than a century, and my colleagues and I are proud to help carry out this critical effort.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler thanks the president and Vice President Kamala Harris for “leading the most pro-worker administration in U.S. history.” DOL Secretary Marty Walsh explains his firsthand knowledge of the numerous benefits of union membership. Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan (left) is pictured with President Biden shortly after the president’s speech. November 2021 Seafarers LOG 5 �Seafarers Unanimously Ratify NCL Contract New Agreement Features Numerous Improvements Seafarers recently left no doubt about their view of a new contract between the union and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Members unanimously ratified a nineyear agreement described by several as “groundbreaking” for cruise ships, due to how closely its wages and many other economic elements come to mirroring the SIU standard freightship agreement. Voting took place Sept. 24 in Portland, Oregon, aboard the SIU-crewed Pride of America – the only U.S.-flag deep-sea cruise ship. “This is an outstanding contract, as reflected by the overwhelming support of the membership,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “It’s a fair and beneficial agreement for both sides. I extend my sincere compliments to everyone involved in the negotiations.” Bosun Maximo Aguiran stated, “The SIU-NCL agreement of enhanced economic terms has exceeded our expectations – better benefits, good wages, and more money in our pockets. Thank you, SIU.” Engine Storekeeper Bryan Wells said, “The wage increase gives newer members the opportunity to not have to worry so much about trying to earn a living wage, especially while trying to get their time in for seniority. I hope this will help remove any stigma about this vessel and instead show the opportunity it can be for those members who are trying to get a start in our industry. It’s definitely a nice starting point that we can hopefully continue to im- prove upon in the future.” Assistant Engine Storekeeper Tanya Awong also is pleased with the contract. “Thank you to SIU and its officials for the wage increase and enhanced economic terms,” she said. “I’m very thankful for what we got. It has been a long road with NCL, especially as I started with SEATU (an SIU-affiliated union), then crossed over into SIU. I’ve seen many contract changes over the years. I believe by far this is the greatest, and I look forward to my continued employment with NCL.” Negotiations for enhancements to the contract began in late 2019, and were put on hold for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the SIU and NCL agreed to a contract extension earlier this year and bargaining resumed, with the union and company negotiating committees meeting numerous times (multiple times per week in some cases). “Both committees worked tirelessly, and that included nights, weekends and holidays,” SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell said. “The aim was to achieve an agreement that was more in line with the industry standard agreements, and I believe we achieved that with most of the major economic elements. Frankly, the package far exceeds what has been in effect historically in this market. I’m happy all the hard work paid off and we were able to deliver such a robust package for the membership!” SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski stated, “The contract reflects continued stability and continued partnership. I think everyone’s focus now is to get this market back into play, relative to the challenges of the pandemic.” The contract includes a completely new wage schedule with increased rates effective Oct. 1, 2021, providing average boosts between two and four percent to base wage rates (depending on rating) and an adjusted overtime rate schedule equivalent to a 30 percent increase. The agreement also includes across-the-board increases of three percent for all wages effective April 1, 2022 and each anniversary thereafter. The Seafarers Vacation Plan benefit will increase by one day each year until 2027 from the current level of nine days of additional base pay for each 30 days worked. As of April 1, 2027, the benefit will be 15 for 30. Additionally, the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan benefit will increase from the current three percent of base wages on the following schedule: April 1, 2022, four percent of all base wages; April 1, 2024, five percent of all base wages. The pact also maintains medical and pension benefits at the respective highest levels. Other features of the new agreement include increases to safety shoes reimbursement; boosts to the level of maintenance and cure payments; and enhanced payments for loss of personal property. Principle negotiators for the union and Members ratify the contract, which features wage increases and other gains. Pictured aboard the vessel from left are SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, Engine Storekeeper Bryan Wells and Bosun Maximo Aguiran. company bargaining teams, respectively, were Powell and NCL Senior Vice President of Shipboard Talent Management Christian R. Weindorf. Lynn White, executive vice president and chief talent officer at NCL, provided the following statement: “Norwegian Cruise Line continually reviews our compensation and benefits structure, allowing us a competitive edge in attracting and retaining the best talent in each area of our operation. An extension of this commitment is our partnership with the SIU. By working together over many months of bargaining, we’ve agreed on an outstanding compensation package, including an increased pay structure and ongoing benefit enhancements over the life of the agreement. We are very pleased that the SIU membership ratified it unanimously, as we believe it will greatly benefit our existing shipboard SIU members and strengthen our recruitment efforts in the future. We thank the SIU for its continued commitment and partnership with NCL, and our existing shipboard SIU members for their support, hard work and dedication, especially during these challenging times.” Spotlight on Mariner Health Understanding Symptoms One Could Expect With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. The September edition of the LOG (PDF available at seafarerslog.org) includes a piece about type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes (adult onset) is the most common form of diabetes. It means that your body does not use insulin correctly. There is an impairment in the way the body regulates and uses sugar (glucose) as a fuel. There are long­ term (chronic) conditions that can result if too much sugar continues to circulate in the bloodstream for a prolonged period. High blood glucose will do damage to the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems. In type 2 diabetes, there are two problems at work. Your pancreas may not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into the cell); and the body’s cells respond poorly to the insulin and take in less sugar (a metabolic issue). Some people are able to control their blood sugar levels by taking 6 Seafarers LOG their prescribed medications, eating healthy and exercising regularly. An important part of managing type 2 diabetes is to maintain a well-balanced diet. This includes eating nutritious, healthful foods. Fitness is another key to managing type 2. Just get moving. Find an activity that you like. Take a partner with you on your daily exercise routine. Remember the symptoms for type 2 diabetes are: increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unintended weight loss, feeling very tired, blurred vision, frequent infections that may not heal, and numbness or tingling of the hands or feet. There is no cure for type 2 diabetes. Losing weight, eating well, and exercising can help to manage the disease. There are many different types of medications on the market that will also help to keep blood glucose down. Keep your doctor’s appointments and check your blood glucose levels as instructed to live a long and healthier life. Healthy Recipe Roasted Chili Rubbed Chicken Legs Servings: 25 Ingredients 12 pounds chickenleg Rub Recipe 1/2 cup chili powder 3 1/4 tablespoons paprika 3/4 tablespoon granulated garlic 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1/2 tablespoon cumin 2 tablespoons brown sugar 312 Calories; 20g Fat (58.1% calories from fat); 29g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 132mg Cholesterol; 602mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 4 Lean Meat; 11/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates. (Provided by Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) Preparation Mix all of the rub ingredients together. Season the chicken legs with the rub all over. Place the seasoned chicken on sheet pans. Roast the chicken in a 325’f oven for 25-30 minutes until an internal temperature of 165’f is reached. Garnish the cooked chicken with chopped parsley. Nutritional Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): November 2021 �Six Bosuns Reach Highest Level of Deck Department After completing an intensive and allencompassing curriculum, six bosuns are the latest to complete recertification. Seafarers Joseph Gierbolini, Richard Grubbs, Brian Guiry, Tavell Love, Samuel Porchea and Lionel Rivas graduated from the course Oct. 4, when they were introduced at the membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. Their two-week curriculum, offered at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), concluded as they were presented with their respective certificates of completion. During their training, the members received hands-on instruction and high-level refresher courses, as well as attending face-to-face meetings with union and plans officials along with various representatives from different departments within the SIU and the school. In keeping with tradition, each bosun gave a brief graduation speech to the assembled union officials, fellow mariners, trainees and guests in attendance at the membership meeting. They expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the union, and specifically thanked their instructors, port agents and other officials. Profiles of the bosuns and excerpts from their speeches follow. Joseph Gierbolini Gierbolini sails out of Jacksonville, Florida, but he joined the union in Puerto Rico in 1999. He opened his remarks with a quote from author Patrick O’Brian: “Injustice is a rule of the service, as you know very well; and since you have to have a good deal of undeserved abuse, you might just as well have it from your friends.” He then followed up by saying, “This is not an easy life that we choose. But it builds a brotherhood, a friendship that very few people will ever understand who do not serve in it. “It has been a long stretch of ocean, but I am proud to call myself a sailor, and proud to call myself a bosun,” he added. Gierbolini described his time in Piney Point as “excellent. I have been waiting a long time for the opportunity to get into this class,” he said. He also thanked those who helped him join the union in the first place: “I would not have been able to do any of this without (former SIU Port Agent and current Recertified Bosun) Victor Nunez, who first got me into the union. I would also like to thank my uncle Tony, and my mentor Mike Burns. Together, I owe my position and my career to you.” He concluded by addressing his fellow bosuns, saying, “You are all my friends. We have made this journey together. Master or bosun, mate or ordinary seamen, we have made this trek together. We are brothers, we are friends, we are seamen.” Recertified Bosun Richard Grubbs Recertified Bosun Samuel Porchea Recertified Bosun Joseph Gierbolini Everything that I have – my home, my family – I have gotten that through the union.” A frequent upgrader, he remarked on the improvements to the facilities at Piney Point: “I have been very impressed with the upgrades to the school. I believe it will put the SIU ahead of the other training facilities.” He then thanked the instructors and staff of the school for their hard work, and complimented the quality of the recertified bosun course. Grubbs said he particularly benefited from the leadership training, which he is confident will bolster his performance when he returns to sea. Addressing the apprentices, he stated, “I call upon you to look beyond the SIU as a job, and look at the union as a brotherhood and as a way of life…. We have a strong union that has allowed me to reach my goals in life, and for that I especially want to thank [SIU President] Mike Sacco. This union will allow you to get to the goals you set.” strongest framework I could ever imagine to continue to build from.” Reflecting on his time as a patrolman, Guiry recalled, “Being a part of the network of support that the union offers deepened my pride and appreciation for what we as the rank and file have in this organization. I learned the real importance of programs like SPAD. I saw firsthand how hard our officials and staff work to maintain our union. I am forever grateful for the experience, and I carry it with me every day aboard the ship when I am out there. I cannot thank you all enough for what you have done for myself, and for the rest of the membership.” He concluded, “I extend a very special thank you to my wife, Ashley, my rock. I could not do what I do at sea without her support. To my parents, who gave me the most valuable gift in life – a strong work ethic. To (SIU Gulf Coast Vice President) Dean Corgey, for giving me the opportunity to work in Jacksonville, alongside the man who became my mentor, (retired Assistant Vice President) Archie Ware, and my partner at the counter, Port Agent Ashley Nelson. And to the current crew at the Jacksonville hall, (Patrolman) Adam Bucalo, (Patrolman) Eddie Pittman and (Safety Director) Joseph Koncul, who I am proud to call my union brothers.” actually got me my first job as a bosun.” He then thanked the officials in Jacksonville before also expressing gratitude for his wife and kids. “This experience has taught me a lot, as far as what goes on behind the scenes and all the hard work the executive board does to ensure the stability of not only the SIU, but the industry as a whole,” he concluded. “I now see why it’s so important to donate to SPAD. It gives our small population (as mariners) a chance to step in the door and be heard by lawmakers. To the trainees, just remember to be smart with your money, and take advantage of the [pension] plans. Enjoy life!” Richard Grubbs After his Navy career, Grubbs joined the union in San Francisco in 1996. He opened by crediting the union for his success, saying, “I speak to you today as a member of the SIU. As a member, I have reached my goals. Brian Guiry Guiry took an unusual path to becoming a recertified bosun, taking a detour and becoming an SIU patrolman in Jacksonville from 2009 until 2014. He joined the union in 1999 in Jacksonville, and graduated from the school in PHC Apprentice Class 593. “My first ship in phase two sailed around the world,” he said. “In that one trip, I learned that life didn’t always require a clear direction. It requires a framework to build off of. The SIU has given my life that framework.” Eyeing the future, Guiry stated, “I recently completed the PHC AB to Mate program. From the education I received here at the Paul Hall Center, I passed the test and got the third mate’s license. It wasn’t easy, but thanks to the SIU, it was achievable. With the license, and now as a recertified bosun, I have so many more opportunities open to me. Once again, I don’t have a clear direction. But I have the Recertified Bosun Tavell Love Recertified Bosun Lionel Rivas November 2021 Tavell Love Love, who joined the union in Jacksonville in 2003, first related to the trainees in attendance by saying, “I’ve sat in these chairs, too, in Class 632. I joined the union not even knowing what a merchant seaman was.” He continued, “I came to enjoy the job and the lifestyle that comes with it. Where else can you go to school and get free training, travel the world and get paid for it, and work when you want to work?” Love credited those who have helped him in his career: “I want to thank the instructors for helping me and for giving me the tools and knowledge I needed to succeed in the industry. My classmate, Brian Guiry, who Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry Samuel Porchea Porchea got the audience’s attention when he pointed out he has sailed for 49 years as of Oct. 3. That tenure includes sailing as a bosun since 1976, and joining the SIU in 1997 (he sails from the port of Jacksonville). He continued, “The union has been important in my life, as I have been able to provide a high quality of life for my family. I would like to thank the union leadership, as well as the staff of the school for providing us with the proper training and skills here at Piney Point. To my instructors, all that I can say is, ‘job well done.’ I have learned so much from each of you, and I surely will pass this knowledge along to the younger seamen.” Porchea then said to the apprentices, “Please don’t forget our meeting (the bosuns met with them during class). The SIU is there for you, as it has been there for me. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do the things I do today.” He then thanked the union officials in Jacksonville and Houston. Lionel Rivas Rivas opened by proclaiming, “This is the greatest day of my life!” He joined the SIU in 2001, and now sails out of the port of Houston. He remarked on the uniqueness of his job, saying, “After 60 days on the job, you get a vacation check. How much more could we want? Work when you want to, take off when you want to, and when you come back, you still have your job! How great is that?” Regarding the recertification course and the school, he stated, “These past two weeks have been some of the most interesting weeks of training in my career. I have learned a lot more than I thought I would, and I will share all I have learned with my shipmates. I’ll also be able to better answer any questions they might have.” He concluded, “I think the school is the best training facility in the U.S. I will always come back to the school to upgrade, because this is my home. Everything has been great: the instructors, the staff, and last but not least my bosun brothers. I know us deck people are a little crazy, but without us, the job doesn’t get done.” Seafarers LOG 7 �Lucinda Lessley Acting Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby Former Maritime Administrator Kevin Tokarski MARAD Associate Administrator For Strategic Sealift Chris Edyvean Past AMMV President (And former SIU member) Convention Salutes Service of WWII Mariners, Emphasizes Ongoing Need for Strong Fleet The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) conducted a rousing, in-person convention Sept. 22-23 in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. The event featured remarks from several dignitaries, video plaudits from members of Congress, a stirring tribute to the late Capt. Hugh Mulzac, and a private unveiling of the design of the Congressional Gold Medal honoring U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II. (The design will be publicly released later this year or early next year.) Guest speakers at the convention included Rear Adm. Mark Buzby (USN) (Ret.); Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley; MARAD Associate Administrator for Strategic Sealift Kevin Tokarski; author William Geroux; Dr. Sal Mercogliano, maritime historian and industry advocate; past AMMV President (and former SIU member) Chris Edyvean; World War II mariner Dave Yoho; television news anchor and author Rita Cosby; and members of Mulzac’s family. (Mulzac was America’s first Black merchant ship captain.) Video messages were submitted by U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California); U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska); U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California); U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland); and U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas). Whether in-person or recorded, the messages uniformly honored the critical service of war-era mariners, and several speakers also underscored the ongoing need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Meanwhile, add the gold-medal design process to the seemingly unending list of projects that were delayed due to the pandemic. President Trump on March 13, 2020 signed into law the Merchant Mariners Congressional Gold Medal Act – right around when much of the United States was going into a partial shutdown because of COVID-19. Nevertheless, the design ultimately was set. The law provides for the award of a Congressional gold medal collectively, to the United States Merchant Mariners of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated and vital service. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress. The medal will be displayed in the American Merchant Marine Museum at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York. Duplicates then will be struck and made available to the public. The SIU and the Transportation Institute, alongside a number of other backers, took lead roles in obtaining co-sponsors for both the House and Senate bills. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in wartime service during World War II. “Throughout the Second World War, our armed forces relied on the U.S. Merchant Marine to ferry supplies, cargo and personnel into both theaters of operation, and they paid a heavy price in service to their country,” said Garamendi. “The U.S. Merchant Marine suffered the highest per-capita casualty rate in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. An estimated 8,300 mariners lost their lives, and another 12,000 were wounded, to make sure our service members could keep fighting. Yet, these mariners who put their lives on the line were not even given veteran status until 1988.” There are approximately 4,000 World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners alive today, according to Murkowski’s office. Convention attendee Ken Delancey sailed with the NMU (mostly as an AB, also as a bosun) from the late 1960s until he retired in 1998. Delegates and guests gather for the main event Sept. 23 in Maryland. A Visitor for Christmas Dinner 1945 Editor’s note: This article was written by Mark S. Gleeson, a World War II mariner and longtime vice chairman of the Merchant Mariners Fairness Committee, part of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. The committee helped spearhead a successful effort to extend the cutoff date for recognizing World War II merchant mariners as veterans so it matched the date used by the armed services. When veterans get together, there is always a point when someone asks if he had experienced anything different. I had such a story but have never had the opportunity to tell it. I was a member of the crew of the SS William Dean Howells, just another lumbering Liberty ship. We left Boston on September 13, 1945, bound for New Orleans where we loaded three holds with rice, put 90,000 cases of Carlings 8 Seafarers LOG Red Cap Ale in another, loaded a hold full of PX supplies, and filled the decks with six-by-six Army trucks all bound for Manilla. We left New Orleans on October 17, 1945, went through the Canal on October 19 and 30 days later arrived in Manilla. Manilla is an enormous harbor and was full of all types of ships. We were finally given dock space to unload, only one shift a day as our engineers operated the booms. Then down to Batangas for no apparent reason, and we came back to Manilla empty. We then received orders to proceed to the island of Morotai in the Dutch East Indies to bring back surplus material left over from the invasion. Morotai is a lovely island in a group of islands and was important during the war as an air base. It played an important role as an air support base in the invasion of the Philippines. The Morotai invasion began on September 15, 1944, and the Allies expected a strong defense, but there were only about 500 Japanese on the island. Regardless, the island was not finally secured until September 7, 1945, although the air strips were used immediately. Morotai is about 1,600 miles south of Manilla, sitting near the equator. We arrived the first week of December 1945, and had to dock the ship ourselves, as there were no tugs or support vessels. We were the only ship at the docking area, which consisted of large log pilings and a wood plank dock. Despite the skill of the crew, we hit the pilings a little too hard and almost ruined the dock. This caused many angry words thrown at us from the men waiting for us as we crushed the dock. We did nothing for a few days as Army engineers repaired the dock area. There was a large outdoor hospital Continued on next page November 2021 �Seafarers Engage in Philanthropic Outreach Oakland-Area Mariners Help Local Covenant House California Facility SIU members took pandemic-related safeguards while enthusiastically engaging in a months-long community outreach effort in Oakland, California. Seafarers pitched in to help a local Covenant House California (CHC) facility. They donated various items for the non-profit youth homeless shelter and delivered them once per month, from June through August. The union also made a monetary contribution. CHC Bay Area Development Officer Vera SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) presents a check from the union to local Covenant House representative Vera Hannush. Hannush said the SIU’s support made a difference. “The youth loved seeing them come through,” she stated. “We’re just starting to open back up to in-person volunteering, and it was clear that the SIU is a team and a band of brothers doing it all together.” The timing was important, Hannush said, because the pandemic has led to increased homelessness. “We’re serving more and more people, and we’re the only shelter system for Alameda County,” she said. “The donations from the SIU were phenomenal. They brought water, non-perishable foods, hygiene items and more. We’re so deeply appreciative.” Seafarers said they were happy to pitch in. Chief Cook Keith Hall noted, “It went very well. The people at the shelter were very grateful to receive the donations we provided through the SIU. My involvement was basically helping distribute and also generating donations.” Hall added, “This is our community, and anyone can fall on hard times, especially with the pandemic. It can be difficult to provide for your family. We’re more fortunate, and sometimes it’s best to give back. I think it’s reciprocated in the long run.” GUDE Emmanuel Nuez said that when he learned of the opportunity to volunteer, “I said yeah, no problem, I’m more than happy to help out. It went well. The people were very friendly and very thankful.” Recertified Bosun Artis Williams said that in addition to finding the experience worthwhile, it also proved an eye-opener. “I was surprised because I’m from this area, A-Books in Wilmington The Covenant House facility in Oakland, California, is located a little more than a mile from the hiring hall. and I didn’t even know Covenant House existed,” he stated. “To see us involved and helping others in our own community is a big deal. It means a lot to me – what we do as people and as a union. I was very, very happy to be involved with it.” Hannush also was struck by the proximity of the Oakland hiring hall and the CHC building. “I walk by the hall all the time,” she said. “We have more than 30 sites nationally and internationally, but Seafarers are our neighbors.” CHC is self-described as “a non-profit youth Decades Old Christmas Dinner Rekindles Memories For Mariner Continued from Page 8 Congrats to ABM Arsenio Malunes and to Chief Cook Keyon Gregory for recently receiving their respective A-books at the hall in Wilmington, California. (Arsenio also brought lunch for the hall.) Malunes is at right in photo at immediate right, with SIU Safety Director Gordon Godel. Gregory is at right in the photo above, with SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr. Log-A-Rhythm El Faro (Never Forgotten) It’s kind of hard to believe it’s been six years Since our brothers and sisters just disappeared All seafaring souls can recall Being far out to sea with no land at all November 2021 homeless shelter that provides sanctuary and support for homeless and trafficked youth, ages 18-24. We believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves shelter, food, clothing, education … and most importantly, to be loved. Now serving over 4,700 youth a year, CHC provides a full continuum of services to meet the physical, emotional, educational, vocational, and spiritual well-being of young people, in order to provide them with the best chance for success in independence.” unit on the island, and I was sent there to have them look at a rash I had developed on my left ankle. With no air conditioning and all the heat and humidity, it seemed everyone had some type of heat rash. I was given an ointment that helped. Several of the crew were with me to have their aches and pains cared for. After our hospital visit, we toured the local runway that was littered with every type of plane, even old fabric-covered planes. It was paradise for a plane lover. Our mission was to bring thousands of cases of fruit juices and other canned food items back to Manilla for their military forces and civilian use. I never saw any other juices than pineapple and grapefruit. Lots of vitamin C. The manpower to load all this material turned out to be Japanese prisoners guarded by Australian soldiers. Our crew operated the booms, but all the hard work loading and in the holds was done by the prisoners. It was not the neatest job in the world, it was terribly hot, but we filled up two holds with food products and then #1 hold with aviation fuel in drums. The crew socialized with the local Australian troops at an outdoor movie theatre at night and we all enjoyed the wonderful Australian beer, available in quart bottles. Their beer was twice as strong as what our troops were served and there were giant piles of empty bottles as they saved them for some reason. We departed Morotai December 24, 1945, with Christmas planned at sea. The official ship’s log shows that at 1630 ship’s time, December 24, a dismasted outrigger canoe was sighted off the starboard quarter. In the canoe was Naftali Katoehoe of the Netherlands East Indies waving frantically for help (Ship’s Log Lat. 02.57 N Long. 127.34 E). The motor lifeboat was lowered, and the fisherman was pulled in, his outrigger canoe in tow. The rescued man and his canoe were quickly brought on board. The fisherman was not in bad condition, just very dehydrated, hungry, and extremely grateful. Fortunately, he could speak a little English. We did not know how long he was adrift. The captain did not want to divert from our planned course to Manilla and the closest land was more than 50 miles away. A decision was made to continue on course and turn the man over to Dutch authorities once we reached Manilla. We never were told how he got so far away from land. Since there was only one Armed Guard on board to maintain the two guns, there was room for our new passenger. We arrived back in Manilla on December 31, 1945, and again anchored out in the big harbor. At midnight I witnessed the most beautiful display of fireworks and flares as we welcomed the new year. Probably every merchant ship at anchor was firing parachute red signal lifeboat flares. The harbor was full of ships loading troops for home. Several aircraft carriers were in the harbor as they could carry more troops. Our guest fisherman was turned over to the Counsel General of the Netherlands in Manilla on January 2, 1946. We junked the canoe. If someone asked me what I did for Christmas 1945, I would tell him that I was part of an effort that saved a simple fisherman from the perils of the sea, had him stay for Christmas dinner, and planned to get him home. There is something biblical in what we did, sharing our Christmas dinner with a stranger we saved, and seeing him on his way. The wind screaming, the bow diving Each wave larger than the last Watching the horizon, fighting back tears Stuck in our eyes The whole crew praying not to hear The ship’s abandon whistle blast The secrets of the sea can never be told Until we answer the final bell’s toll Every wave she hits, you can feel her roll We all are praying the man on the wheel Can keep her under control Some stories we will tell Sometimes just silence with no reply James R. Blitch B-2121 Recertified Bosun Written Oct. 1, 2020 Seafarers LOG 9 �TOTE Shipping President Jeff Dixon (center) and VP Eduardo Pagan (left) visit in late August. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo is at right. (All photos on this page were submitted by SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo.) SA Gustavo Romero (right) returns from his first SIU job, aboard the Overseas Los Angeles. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo is at left. Snapshots from San Juan Bosun John Telles and Admin. Asst. Maria Gomez break out the office Christmas tree – in mid-September. No one can say the holiday spirit didn’t arrive early at the hall. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo and pensioners Carlos Marcial Jr. and Carlos Marcial 10 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Luis Bonafont, who sailed with the union for nearly 30 years, still keeps his book handy. Pensioner Julio Mattos Chief Steward Juan Guanil (right) receives his A-seniority book from SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. Pensioner Miguel Robles (left) and his son, Seafarer Miguel Robels Oiler Pedro Rivera stops by to register after completing a four-month tour aboard the tanker Oregon. November 2021 �Investigations Start, Officers Suspended In Cadet Alleged Sexual Assault Case In late September 2021, an anonymous member of the class of 2022 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at King’s Point, New York, submitted an account detailing her alleged sexual assault during her Sea Year. According to her writing, she was raped by the first engineer aboard her vessel (who was her supervisor as a member of the engine department). The anonymous victim’s report is posted online on the website of the organization Maritime Legal Aid and Advocacy. She describes sexual harassment as a common occurrence among the female students at King’s Point. In a joint letter addressed to the “Kings Point Community” and dated Oct. 2, U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg and Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley said, “We write today to express our unwavering support for the individual who has shared her story of a sexual assault that took place during Sea Year. Providing resources for students after these events happen is not enough. We must prevent them from occurring in the first place. We have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault and sexual harassment at USMMA and in the maritime industry. As we determine the appropriate steps required to increase and ensure the safety of our midshipmen, we pledge to listen to and work closely with the entire Kings Point community.” AP Moller-Maersk (APMM) is investigating the case, which was alleged to have occurred aboard a vessel operated by its U.S.-flag subsidiary, Maersk Line, Limited (MLL). The company has launched a comprehensive inquiry, and suspended five officers in relation to the case pending the outcome of their investigation. “There are enough details for us to be able to identify which ship and which employees are involved. That is why we have something that forms the basis for initiating an investigation, and that is why we have suspended the five involved officers who [were] on the ship,” APMM Techni- cal Manager Palle Laursen stated. “We are deeply shaken by this. The way in which the incident is described is not only contrary to ordinary decency, but also in particular to our values and what we stand for in Maersk.” MLL President and CEO Bill Woodhour said, “We are shocked and deeply saddened about what we have read. We take this situation seriously and are disturbed by the allegations made in this anonymous posting, which has only recently been brought to our attention. We do everything we can to ensure that all of our workplace environments, including vessels, are a safe and welcoming workplace, and we’ve launched a top to bottom investigation.” The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) released an anti-harassment statement, which reads in part: “Sexual harassment and assault have no place in our Union or on our vessels. The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association is committed to providing workplaces that are free of sexual harassment, assault, or other unwanted behavior. Simply put, M.E.B.A. will not tolerate sexual harassment or assault by any of its members or applicants.” The statement, which is available on their website, also provided contact methods for reporting any sexual harassment or sexual assault on board a vessel. The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, also weighed in, noting that the union and school take these types of allegations very seriously and believe that no one should be harassed or assaulted on the job (or anywhere else). That is why preventive lessons regarding sexual assault/sexual harassment regularly are taught at the school. Meanwhile, this is not the first instance of alleged sexual harassment and sexual assault issues stemming from the USMMA and Sea Year. After a series of reports in 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation temporarily halted USMMA’s Sea Year program for a review of its sexual assault/sexual harassment prevention protocols. Progress Made with CHS Clinic Services Tugboats and ferries (photo at left) take part in the boatlift ceremony to commemorate the 9/11 responders. (Photo courtesy of AMP) In photo at right, SIU Capt. Rick Thornton (center) is presented with a ceremonial key to the township of Morris Plains by Mayor Jason Karr (right). Thornton is joined by his wife, Grace (left). Boat Procession Commemorates Anniversary of September 11, 2001 Seafarers took part in commemorations of the twentieth anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 – events that honored the victims while also saluting an immediate response that constituted the largest water evacuation in history. Some of the boats that mobilized after the terrorist attacks in New York 20 years ago were part of a large, waterborne procession in New York Harbor on Sept. 10, 2021. They included SIU-crewed NY Waterway passenger ferries. Attending a directly related ceremony on the waterfront were U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) and Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Adm. Karl L. Schultz, among others. The event was hosted by the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), New York Council of the Navy League, Transportation Institute, Towboat and Harbor Carriers Association, Passenger Vessel Association, Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, Sandy Hook Pilots, and Seamen’s Church Institute. According to AMP, to which the SIU is affiliated, “A shining light on an otherwise dark and tragic day 20 years ago … was the heroic response by American maritime operators in New York Harbor who answered the call of the United States Coast Guard to spontaneously organize the evacuation of more November 2021 than 500,000 Americans at the southern tip of Manhattan – an effort that took only nine hours and became the largest water evacuation in U.S. history. Within minutes of the call for help, American maritime vessels of all shapes and sizes responded selflessly and ensured that the events on that fateful day were not even worse. The American Maritime Partnership remembers and mourns all Americans lost that day, and expresses its deepest gratitude to the men and women of American Maritime for their selfless response and service.” As part of the ceremony, approximately 100 vessels took part in a procession. In a separate event also on Sept. 10, Capt. Rick Thornton – who has sailed aboard SIU-contracted NY Waterway tugboats for 31 years – was awarded a ceremonial key to the township of Morris Plains, New Jersey. Thornton served as the keynote speaker at the gathering, attended by Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr, first responders and an audience that included schoolchildren. “Morris Plains was really affected by 9/11,” Thornton said. “They had a lot of commuters who were in Manhattan that day, and the community lost some lives in the towers. I had no idea what they were planning, and it was a total shock and honor when they gave me the key to the city.” Thornton has been part of many rescues during his career, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the Miracle on the Hudson in 2009, but nothing compares in scale to the evacuation of Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks. “With any large harbor, you have to share the waterfront with the private and recreational boaters,” he said. “On 9/11, you saw everyone working together in the best way possible. You couldn’t have gotten an ambulance down in Manhattan, so we had to do a lot of triage and medical transport, in addition to evacuating civilians.” He continued, “After the boatlift and the debriefing, they have a much better plan in place today in Manhattan, should we be called to action like that again. The ferries are definitely a big part of the evacuation plan now, should any sort of emergency hit Manhattan – whether it’s a blackout, or a dirty bomb, or even a hostage situation on a ferry – we’re all very prepared to handle it today.” He concluded, “On 9/11, we saw the worst in humanity, but we also saw the best in humanity. And it’s important to focus on the good things we saw that day. It’s what keeps me on the same routes – sometimes on the same boat – to this day.” During the Oct. 4 membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Administrator Maggie Bowen reported significant progress with efforts to facilitate the physicalexam steps used by SIU members. “During the past few months, I’m sure that more than a few of you have experienced problems with CHS and the medical exam process,” Bowen said. “ We ’ v e taken steps to rectify the difficulties and are making progress.” She continued, “Since April 2021, we have received weekly reports of changes in the backlog with the review process. At that time, there were 581 exams waiting for review by the doctor. As of Sept. 14, that number is 114 exams, which is a decline of approx- SHBP Administrator Maggie Bowen imately 80%. This decline is a direct result of our demand that more resources were required to fulfill our agreement with CHS, including adding additional doctors.” Bowen added that efforts are ongoing to continue reducing, if not ultimately eliminating, any backlogs. “We’re monitoring the process every day, and problems are brought to the attention of management as soon as they are noted,” she explained. “You can help us in this area by completing any surveys that CHS sends to you. Being honest about the service you receive at the clinics or with CHS directly will go a long way to helping us hold them accountable for providing the service you deserve. I would add that although venting on social media may make you feel better, it does not resolve the problem. If you need assistance with this process, please contact the SHBP Medical department at shbpmedical@seafarers.org.” Seafarers LOG 11 �ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Thanks to vessel master Capt. T. Pham for these photos from the Maersk Line, Limited vessel at Yeosu Ocean Shipyard in Korea. Pictured in the group photo at right are Chief Cook Xavier Burgos, Chief Steward Gerard Cox, AB Carlos Zapata, AB Tomas Calderon Robinson, AB D. Garcia, AB Peter Stoker, Recertified Bosun Gregoria Cudal and GVA Gene Ajost. The Michigan is second from right in the overhead photo above. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ARC ENDURANCE – The crew of the TOTE vessel had a BBQ, games and a cake for Bosun Kyle STUDENTS VISIT – The Tacoma hall on Aug. 2 welcomed local high school students (and faculty) who were participating Silva’s birthday on Sept. 19 while en route to Darwin, in a two-week program centered on maritime career opportunities. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at far right. Directly in front Australia. That’s Silva at left. Capt. Morgan Dailey is at of him is OMU Erl Jan Encina, who volunteered to help answer any questions. right. READY FOR WORK – The newest UA to ASD graduates are pictured in Piney Point, Maryland, holding their respective probationary B-books. SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey is behind the lens. He reportedly induced all of those smiles by urging the students to yell, “It’s time to go back out to work!” 12 Seafarers LOG WITH GLOBAL SENTINEL CREW – Hats off to SIU-contracted SubCom for a donation of survival suits to the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman submitted this photo of crew members who helped gather and transport the suits in Charleston, South Carolina. November 2021 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WITH RESOLVE CREW – Pictured next to the TOTE vessel in Houston are SIU reps and SIU crew members. From left: Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Patrolman Kelly Krick, Bosun Vasily Semes, AB Luis Mena and Patrolman J.B. Niday IV. ABOARD CAPE INTREPID – Crew members from the Ocean Duchess vessel extend best wishes to vessel master Capt. Gary Vargas, an SIU hawsepiper who completed the apprentice program in 1989. Vargas sailed with the SIU for eight years before becoming an officer. He’s holding the life ring in both photos. Pictured from left in the group photo above are GUDE Israel Serrano, Third Mate Benjamin Rush, Electrician Phillip Greenwell, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, Vargas, Third Engineer Logan Becker, and Relief Chief Engineer Chris Davis (also an SIU hawsepiper and trainee grad). The photo at right includes (from left) Recertified Steward Joia De Leon, Greenwell, Vargas and Davis. ABOARD CAPE VINCENT – MSC and MARAD representatives commended the work of the SIU steward department aboard the Patriot ship during a recent turbo activation. Additionally, fellow mariners said they appreciated the imaginative menus and quality meals throughout the activation. Pictured from left aboard the vessel are Chief Steward Sam Sinclair, SA Adriana Chavero, SA Fredy Bernardez and Chief Cook Cole Briggs. ABOARD MAERSK DURBAN – Chief Steward Donna Hickman (left) and Electrician Sammy Montana are pictured somewhere in the Mediterranean. A-BOOK IN HOUSTON – Congratulations to AB Andrew Bennet (right) on receiving his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. ABOARD MAERSK PEARY – SIU and AMO members teamed up aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel to assist in this year’s Pacer Goose operation (the Air Force’s annual resupply mission to Thule Air Base, Greenland). Pictured in the engine room are (photo at left, bottom left) Third Assistant Engineer Trevor Richards, (top left) Chief Engineer Garrett Long, First A.E. Paul Styx, Pumpman Rickey Yancey, QMED Rene Hallasgo, Second A.E. Bryan Soucey and Wiper Alex RuizFernandez. The ship photo at right shows the vessel departing Thule. Thanks to retired AMO Capt. Rob Lee for the photos. November 2021 Seafarers LOG 13 �Car Rental Discounts for Union Families Savings from loyalty programs With Union Plus car rental discounts, your next trip just got a lot cheaper. Union members can save up to 25% with exclusive deals at six nationwide car rental companies. Learn more at unionplus.org/carrental 11/21 SIU-CR-6-2-21 14 Seafarers LOG November 2021 �REC NY Reopens In New Location Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) issued the following notice on Sept. 21. It’s available on the SIU website in addition to the NMC site. Regional Exam Center (REC) New York has reopened for examination services in the Federal Building at 201 Varick Street in Lower Manhattan. Specific information regarding the REC’s physical address, hours of operation, and entry requirements can be found on the REC New York webpage (https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/recs/new-york/). The new mailing address for REC New York is 201 Varick St., 9th Floor, Suite 904, New York, NY 10014, and mariner applications may still be e-mailed to RECNY@uscg.mil. Mariner examination services will continue to be provided by appointment only. No walk-in appointments are available. Examination appointment request may be e-mailed to RECNY@uscg.mil and should include the applicant’s name, mariner reference number, requested testing date(s), phone number, and a copy of their Approved to Test letter(s). The NMC Customer Service Center remains open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Mariners may reach our call center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) and IASKNMC@uscg.mil. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, vaccination and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. November & December Membership Meetings Piney Point......................Monday: November 8, December 6 Algonac..........................Friday: November 12, December 10 Baltimore......*Friday: November 12, Thursday: December 9 Guam...........*Friday: November 26, Thursday: December 23 Honolulu.........................Friday: November 19, December 17 Houston..........................Monday:November 15, December 13 Jacksonville....*Friday: November 12, Thursday: December 9 Joliet............................Thursday: November18, December 16 Mobile......................Wednesday: November 17, December 15 New Orleans.................Tuesday: November 16, December 14 Jersey City.......................Tuesday: November 9, December 7 Norfolk...........................Friday: November 12, December 10 Oakland......................Thursday: November 18, December 16 Philadelphia..............Wednesday: November 10, December 8 Port Everglades..........Thursday: November 18, December 16 San Juan........*Friday: November 12, Thursday: December 9 St. Louis.........................Friday: November 19, December 17 Tacoma..........Friday: November 26, *Monday: December 27 Wilmington.....................Monday: November 22, December 20 * Baltimore, Jacksonville and San Juan changes in November due to Veterans Day observance. * Guam change in November due to Thanksgiving Day observance * Tacoma change in December due to Christmas Observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD SPAD Works For You. November 2021 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Sept. 13 - Oct. 14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Oct.14. Port Total Registered A Total Shipped All Groups B C A All Groups B C Trip Reliefs 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 6 1 1 1 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 22 3 1 4 11 0 4 0 22 14 7 2 3 12 4 1 0 3 4 0 10 105 Registered on Beach All Groups B C 22 4 2 42 8 17 12 66 57 49 5 17 35 22 5 2 7 38 2 44 456 10 3 5 15 1 8 7 36 45 16 5 5 21 6 1 6 7 13 2 16 228 3 1 0 10 0 2 0 13 11 8 4 4 6 0 1 0 1 4 0 5 73 A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 11 1 2 20 5 10 4 51 35 25 6 9 20 13 4 1 2 22 0 18 259 6 3 4 7 2 7 4 21 32 12 2 4 18 5 0 3 3 10 0 4 147 1 1 1 5 0 2 0 6 6 7 2 2 4 0 1 0 2 0 0 4 44 Deck Department 7 5 1 3 4 3 10 7 0 0 8 3 2 1 30 14 22 13 21 2 1 1 9 2 17 12 8 4 1 2 0 1 6 2 16 2 1 0 17 4 181 81 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 2 6 1 1 7 8 10 10 2 3 7 9 4 0 6 15 0 6 100 1 2 2 6 0 0 4 12 22 7 1 1 13 4 0 2 5 0 0 5 87 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 2 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 20 Engine Department 2 1 0 1 3 1 5 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 15 3 11 7 6 3 0 0 1 2 5 7 2 1 2 0 1 0 2 3 7 4 1 1 9 8 74 45 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 15 2 1 1 4 0 0 1 2 6 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 3 1 0 7 31 5 0 2 12 1 3 11 18 23 20 3 4 16 13 3 0 9 22 1 23 189 0 1 2 13 0 1 6 17 26 7 1 6 21 8 2 3 7 9 1 15 146 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 1 3 0 1 8 1 1 0 0 4 0 3 29 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 0 1 6 2 4 2 13 23 11 1 5 15 14 1 1 1 3 1 21 129 1 1 0 5 0 0 2 4 13 3 0 5 17 7 0 3 3 2 0 10 76 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 1 0 1 1 3 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 16 Steward Department 1 0 0 1 2 1 8 6 2 1 3 0 6 2 8 4 14 12 4 2 0 0 1 0 8 11 11 3 1 0 3 1 1 2 6 2 1 0 14 5 94 53 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1 0 1 4 0 1 6 4 4 3 0 0 3 4 0 0 1 1 0 11 44 7 0 1 13 1 7 5 24 30 17 1 5 24 22 1 3 2 14 3 33 213 2 1 0 7 2 0 1 11 18 3 0 11 14 13 0 4 8 3 0 21 119 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 3 2 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 1 3 0 1 21 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 6 0 2 14 10 0 1 3 2 2 1 16 20 16 0 0 22 13 0 1 0 8 1 15 131 9 2 2 1 1 1 3 10 52 5 2 0 19 4 2 14 4 8 0 7 146 Entry Department 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 7 0 11 0 6 0 1 0 0 0 12 1 5 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 7 0 0 1 10 9 69 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 7 21 2 0 2 12 2 1 9 1 6 0 1 69 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 2 0 3 18 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 4 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 10 0 5 31 19 1 1 7 2 3 2 20 36 25 1 0 24 23 0 1 0 18 1 30 214 13 4 1 4 2 0 7 17 91 13 2 2 29 9 1 10 6 13 0 9 233 GRAND TOTAL: 502 441 226 112 198 889 707 356 358 248 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was asked of apprentices and students enrolled in the chief cook assessment program at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: Why did you choose to join the Seafarers? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Hamzah Qatabi Apprentice There’s a lot of opportunities as a Seafarer, and there’s always a way to move up and improve your skills. I know a few people who have sailed, but I learned all about this lifestyle and made the decision on my own. Christopher Smith Apprentice I grew up in Ketchikan, Alaska, and pretty much half the economy there comes from the maritime industry. My brother and I used the William Lund Scholarship to come to the school and learn to become mariners. Shoutout to (SeaLink CEO) Ralph Mirsky! ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Anthony Hunter Apprentice My sister, QMED Deidra Hunter, is already in the union, and she has told me all about her career. When I got out of the Marine Corps, I signed up right away. Tyus White Apprentice I was in the Navy, and while I was in, I talked to guys working on the MSC side. They told me all about what it was like as a Seafarer. My dad was also an AB, and so he also told me stories about sailing as a merchant mariner. I finally decided to give it a try after the Navy. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Laura Katschman Apprentice I found out about the maritime industry through a program in Hawaii called Maritime Career Exploration. I figured it would be a good opportunity for me to learn a new trade, and see the world while making good money. Krystal Mosley Chief Cook I thought it was an excellent opportunity to travel the world and meet new people. I came from an architecture background, and now I’m learning a new trade and making good money doing it. 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 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 Jeremy Hebda Chief Cook I had been working on cruise ships for the past 10 years, and I wanted to upgrade my life with better pay and benefits. The fact that the CCAP program even exists is an amazing opportunity for people like me to get into a new career easily and quickly. Kanieyziah Conway Chief Cook It gives me a chance to enhance my culinary skills while travelling the world. I came straight from a technical trade school, and now I’m starting my career as a Seafarer. Pic From The Past SIU tugboat Capt. Norman Pokrywka stands aboard Curtis Bay Towing’s newest addition, the Cape Romain, in Baltimore in October 1979. According to coverage from the LOG, “The 105-foot-long tug is powered by two 12-cylinder General Motors engines capable of putting out 1650 horsepower each. The pilot house boasts a large array of modern electronic gear including radar, gyro compass, auto pilot, fathometer, two VHP radios and a single side band radio for long distance communication.” Pokrywka sailed with the SIU from 1957-87, when he went on pension. He passed away in 2012 at age 82. 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) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org November 2021 �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 ALFRED ACHEAMPONG Brother Alfred Acheampong, 72, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Sealift Mediterranean. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Acheampong’s final vessel was the American Pride. He is a Houston resident. JOE ALGIERE Brother Joe Algiere, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 1991. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. Brother Algiere last sailed on the Horizon Reliance and lives in Houston. MICHAEL BROWN Brother Michael Brown, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1980, first sailing aboard the OMI Willamette. He shipped in both the steward and deck departments and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Brown most recently sailed on the Liberty Island and resides in Norfolk, Virginia. JOHN DEAN Brother John Dean, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1993. He worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Dean’s first and last vessel (with 21 years in between) was the Endurance. He resides in Henderson, Nevada. STEVEN DIEKEN Brother Steven Dieken, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1997, initially sailing on the USNS Altair. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Dieken last shipped on the USNS Soderman and makes his home in Las Vegas. November 2021 JOSEPH DISARNO Brother Joseph Disarno, 65, signed on with the union in 1975. He first sailed aboard the Achilles and worked in the engine department. Brother Disarno upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Overseas Juneau and is a resident of Clarkston, Washington. JOEL FAHSELT Brother Joel Fahselt, 61, joined the SIU in 1980 when he sailed on the Thomas Nelson. He was a deck department member and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Fahselt most recently shipped on the Integrity and makes his home in East Tawas, Michigan. JOSE GARCIA Brother Jose Garcia, 65, signed on with the union in 1993, initially shipping on the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Garcia last shipped aboard the Maersk Pittsburgh. He lives in The Bronx, New York. PEDRO GARCIA-SANTOS Brother Pedro Garcia-Santos, 68, donned the SIU colors in 2005. He first sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Garcia-Santos upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Perla Del Caribe and is a resident of Puerto Rico. DONALD HAMRICK Brother Donald Hamrick, 66, started sailing with the union in 1988, initially shipping on the USNS Indomitable. A deck department member, Brother Hamrick upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. He concluded his career aboard the Charleston Express and calls Kensett, Arkansas, home. JACK HART Brother Jack Hart, 59, joined the union in 1981 and first sailed aboard the Producer. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Hart last shipped on the Overseas Chinook. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. WELDON HEBLICH Brother Weldon Heblich, 70, began his career with the SIU in 2001. A deck department member, he initially sailed aboard the Denali. Brother Heblich upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the SBX and resides in Wellton, Arizona. Constellation. He makes his home in Philadelphia. MICHAEL MURDOCK Brother Michael Murdock, 65, signed on with the union in 1977. He initially sailed aboard the Overseas Ohio and worked in the deck department. Brother Murdock upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the Newark Bay and is a resident of Middletown, New York. JOSE PEREA MICHAEL HOOPER Brother Michael Hooper, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1989 when he sailed with G&H Towing. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Hooper concluded his career on the Reliance and settled in Franklin, Texas. DOUGLAS HUNDSHAMER Brother Douglas Hundshamer, 61, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Hundshamer’s final vessel was the Gulf Express. He resides in Parish, New York. DONNELL LEWIS Brother Donnell Lewis, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2001. He initially shipped aboard the Overseas Chicago and was a steward department member. Brother Lewis upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the President Cleveland and resides in Highland, California. MICHAEL MCKNIGHT Brother Michael McKnight, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1979 and first sailed aboard a Cove Shipping vessel. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother McKnight’s final vessel was the Brother Jose Perea, 65, joined the SIU in 2001 and first sailed on the Maersk Maryland. He upgraded at the Piney Point school within his first year of membership and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Perea most recently sailed on the Maersk Columbus and makes his home in Brooklyn, New York. ers in 1979. He initially sailed on the American Mariner and was a deck department member. Brother Bochek upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He last shipped aboard the Sam Laud and resides in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. THEOPHIL IGIELSKI Brother Theophil Igielski, 69, joined the union in 2005 when he sailed on the Paul H. Townsend. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Igielski was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He settled in Alpena, Michigan. NATHANIEL RANA Brother Nathaniel Rana, 65, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2005. He first shipped on the Pride of America and sailed in all three departments. Brother Rana upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Ocean Glory and calls East Elmhurst, New York, home. RIGOBERTO RUIZ Brother Rigoberto Ruiz, 53, joined the SIU in 2000, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Ruiz most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Atlanta. He resides in The Bronx, New York. PERFECTO SAMBULA Brother Perfecto Sambula, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 2003. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Keystone Texas. Brother Sambula upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the USNS Stockham and lives in Vancouver, Washington. GREAT LAKES RONALD BOCHEK Brother Ronald Bochek, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafar- INLAND JOSEPH BUCHANAN Brother Joseph Buchanan, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1977. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Buchanan was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He is a resident of Tampa, Florida. RONALD JOHNSON Brother Ronald Johnson, 64, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1987 when he worked for G&H Towing. He was a member of the engine department and continued to work for the same company for his entire career. Brother Johnson makes his home in Kerrville, Texas. GENE RICKS Brother Gene Ricks, 65, joined the union in 2003 when he sailed with Moran Towing of Texas. He was a member of the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Ricks lives in Orange, Texas. PAUL RUSSELL Brother Paul Russell, 66, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1977. An engine department member, he upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Russell last shipped aboard the Sugar Island and resides in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JOSE BAGAT Pensioner Jose Bagat, 85, died August 27. He became a member of the SIU in 1970, initially sailing aboard the Steel Rover. Brother Bagat was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Challenger before retiring in 2000. Brother Bagat made his home in the Philippines. PATRICIO CAPITO He became a pensioner in 2001 and made his home in Pembroke Pines, Florida. TERRY MOUTON Pensioner Terry Mouton, 77, passed away September 15. He joined the union in 1969 and worked in the engine department. Brother Mouton’s first vessel was the Columbia Trader. He last shipped aboard the Cyprine before going on pension in 2010. Brother Mouton was a resident of Houston. Pensioner Patricio Capito, 91, passed away September 23. He began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1974 when he worked with Interocean American Shipping. Brother Capito sailed in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the Defender. He went on pension in 1995 and resided in Lathrop, California. Pensioner Aisea Mua, 78, died August 2. He donned the SIU colors in 2002, initially sailing aboard the Cape Borda. Brother Mua shipped in all three departments, most recently on the Keystone State. He retired in 2014 and lived in Santa Cruz, California. PAUL CHARLY ALI MUTANIA Pensioner Paul Charly, 81, died August 18. He joined the union in 1966 and first shipped on the Del Mar. Brother Charly sailed in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the John Paul Bobo. He became a pensioner in 2007 and settled in Mobile, Alabama. Pensioner Ali Mutania, 79, passed away May 28. He began his career with the SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Westward Venture. Brother Mutania sailed in all three departments and last shipped aboard the Midnight Sun. He became a pensioner in 2007 and resided in Chicago Ridge, Illinois. GARY EARL SCOTT CURTIS NICHOLSON Pensioner Gary Earl Scott, 85, passed away August 30. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1989. Brother Scott, a deck department member, first sailed aboard the USNS Invincible. His last ship was the USNS Bold, and he went on pension in 2001. Brother Scott lived in Dickinson, Texas. Pensioner Curtis Nicholson, 69, died August 21. He started shipping with the SIU in 1994 and first sailed aboard the USNS Altair. A deck department member, Brother Nicholson concluded his career aboard the USNS Watson. He retired in 2017 and lived in Chesapeake, Virginia. AISEA MUA SANT PERSAUD JOSE LOPEZ Pensioner Jose Lopez, 76, died September 27. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1970 when he worked for Intercontinental Bulk Corporation. Brother Lopez was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. 18 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Sant Persaud, 92, passed away September 22. He signed on with the union in 1991, initially shipping on the Cape Charles. A member of the deck department, Brother Persaud last shipped on the Commitment. He started collecting his pension in 2005 and resided in Canada. RAMEND PRASAD Pensioner Ramend Prasad, 73, died August 25. He joined the Seafarers in 1990 and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Prasad sailed in all three departments before concluding his career on the Patriot. He went on pension in 2019 and resided in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. JIMMIE REDDICK Pensioner Jimmie Reddick, 69, passed away September 10. He began shipping with the union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the USNS Capella. A steward department member, Brother Reddick concluded his career on the Observation Island. He retired in 2017 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. MANUEL SANCHEZ Pensioner Manuel Sanchez, 98, died August 31. He joined the SIU in 1942 and was a deck department member. Brother Sanchez first sailed aboard the Steel Apprentice. He last shipped on the Borinquen and went on pension in 1984. Brother Sanchez lived in Puerto Rico. THOMAS STINNETTE Pensioner Thomas Stinnette, 92, passed away August 25. He joined the union in 1948 and sailed in the engine department. Brother Stinnette’s first vessel was the Steel Architect; his last, the Hydro Atlantic. He began collecting his pension in 1992 and resided in Red Lion, Pennsylvania. EDGARDO VAZQUEZ Pensioner Edgardo Vazquez, 91, died September 22. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1963 when he worked with Waterman Steamship. A steward department member, Brother Vazquez also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 2002 and made his home in Brooklyn, New York. DWIGHT WUERTH Pensioner Dwight Wuerth, 69, passed away September 14. A steward department member, he donned the SIU colors in 1978. Brother Wuerth’s first vessel was the Santa Mercedes. He last sailed aboard the Overseas New Orleans and retired in 2006. Brother Wuerth was a resident of Port Charlotte, Florida. GREAT LAKES ANTHONY WILLOUGHBY Pensioner Anthony Willoughby, 75, passed away September 5. He signed on with the union in 1968 when he shipped with Zenith Dredge Company. Brother Willoughby was a deck department member and was last employed by Great Lakes Towing. He went on pension in 2008 and lived in Superior, Wisconsin. INLAND JOHN ASHLEY Pensioner John Ashley, 67, died September 1. He donned the SIU colors in 2003, initially sailing aboard the Green Mountain State. Brother Ashley was a member of the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Vision. He became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Adna, Washington. DANNIE CARD Pensioner Dannie Card, 75, passed away August 13. He signed on with the SIU in 1972 and first worked for Interstate Oil. A deck department member, Brother Card was last employed by Moran Towing of Philadelphia. He retired in 2010 and resided in Millsboro, Delaware. DANIEL EUBANKS Pensioner Daniel Eubanks, 77, died August 24. He joined the union in 1973 when he was employed by Dravo Basic Materials. Brother Eubanks was a deck department member and continued working for the same company throughout his entire career. He went on pension in 2006 and called Lucedale, Mississippi, home. THOMAS MACEY Pensioner Thomas Macey, 74, passed away July 28. He began his career with the union in 1973, and first sailed on the Santa Magdelena. Brother Macey was a member of the deck department and last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He retired in 2009 and lived in Cypress, California. JESSE MOORE Pensioner Jesse Moore, 96, died July 29. He joined the union in 1963 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Moore worked for Hvide Marine for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 1987 and settled in Kirbyville, Texas. JEROLD REGISTER Brother Jerold Register, 60, passed away August 13. He signed on with the SIU in 2003 when he shipped with Express Marine. Brother Register was a deck department member and continued his employment with the same company throughout his career. He was a resident of Interlachen, Florida. PACIFIC MARINE CHARLES GARDENHIRE Pensioner Charles Gardenhire, 87, passed away July 26. Born in Topeka, Kansas, he became an SIU member in 1976. Brother Gardenhire was a member of the steward department and first sailed aboard the Delta Peru. He last shipped on the President Truman before becoming a pensioner in 1996. Brother Gardenhire made his home in Renton, Washington. NMU GEORGIANA YOUNG VINCENT LORMAND Pensioner Vincent Lormand, 64, died August 21. He signed on with the SIU in 2004. An engine department member, Lormand worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2020 and lived in Cecilia, Louisiana. Pensioner Georgiana Young, 76, died August 18. She joined the union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Sister Young first sailed aboard the Chilbar and worked in the steward department. She last shipped on the Westward Venture before retiring in 2007. Sister Young lived in Mobile, Alabama, her birthplace. November 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MOHAWK (Pacific Gulf Marine), May 17 – Chairman Kerry Castillo, Secretary Allan Bartley, Educational Director Andres Nunez-Rochez, Deck Delegate Ibrahim Fisek. Chairman went over ship’s upcoming schedule. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep the mess hall clean and apologized for item shortages that were outside of his control. Educational director told everyone to check their documents for renewal and to renew them early. He reminded members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew went over current communications as well as items relating to COVID-19 pandemic. Members asked for clarification of AB working duties while on anchor watch and asked for better flight options when joining ship. Steward department expressed frustration with taking care of Officer rooms. Officer rooms have never been assigned in the past according to Chief Steward. Chairman spoke with Captain regarding room inspections. Inspections will be performed for departing crew. Members requested new mattresses and more item availability in the slop chest. Crew was reminded of no smoking policy for rooms. If caught smoking in rooms, a member can be terminated. Crew asked for company to provide coveralls. Wi-Fi is being worked on. Next Port: Bremerton, Washington. MAERSK MONTANA (Maersk Line, Limited), June 15 – Chairman George Phil- 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. lips, Secretary Christina Mateer. Crew was thanked for helping to keep the ship clean and their assistance with all the trash. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. As of May 31, 2021, Maersk is no longer providing pay for ship restriction. For all vessels still overseas, MOU will stay in effect until they return to their first U.S. port. Chairman advised crew to visit the SIU website. Members asked for a new medical provider after citing ongoing issues and delays with current provider. Crew requested increases to pension and vacation benefits as well as increases to medical coverage. Chairman discussed missingman wages and left the floor open for any additional issues that need to be addressed. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), June 30 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Nathaniel Simmons, Educational Director Robert Noble, Deck Delegate Luis Garcia. Ship restrictions lifted for members that have received the COVID-19 vaccine. If not vaccinated, members are to remain on ship. Educational director advised crew to upgrade as often as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested twenty vacation days for 30 days of employment. Crew hasn’t received 8 hours in lieu of day off. COLORADO EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), July 25 – Chairman Jonathan Cooper, Secretary Ronaldo Tarantino. Members discussed frustrations during transition from Charleston Express to Colorado Express. Allowances and payoffs were troublesome. Bosun handled beefs at Charleston payoff. Company payroll funds were not sent to banks in a timely fashion. Not enough garbage containers aboard ship. Educational director reminded crew to check all documents and to stay ahead of expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crewing up the ship was done successfully, despite disorganization and little to no company guidance. Members requested refrigerators, TVs, and DVD players for every room. Crew asked for increases to vacation and pension benefits. Members need company payroll department to send funds on time. Next Port: Charleston, South Carolina. SEABULK CHALLENGE (Seabulk Tanker), August 8 – Chairman Gregory Jenkins, Secretary Jermaine Robinson, Educational Director Randolph Scott, Deck Delegate Petronio Paragas, Engine Delegate Roberto Sabio, Steward Delegate Lea Ramos. Chairman reiterated the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine in order to fill jobs. Everything going great aboard ship as reported by secretary. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested higher wages for Seabulk carriers since they carry dangerous cargo. Vote of thanks given to crew for a job well done and special thanks to steward department for outstanding meals. Next Port: Houston. LIBERTY PRIDE (Liberty Maritime), August 15 – Chairman German Nunez. Chairman expressed gratitude for members working safely and looking after one another. Secretary gave thanks to unlicensed crew. Galley was pleased to serve such an outstanding group of sailors. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of the free upgrading opportunities afforded to them at the Paul Hall Center. Members requested new mattresses, refrigerators and fans for each room. Crew asked for clarification on Wi-Fi prices and SA job duties. Members discussed consequences for departing ship without proper relief. Crew went over concerns with the prices and availability of personal female hygiene products, particularly in the event of low supply during ship restriction. CAPE DECISIVE (Subcom), August 29– Chairman Victor Nunez, Secretary Gregory Johnson, Deck Delegate Santos Contreras, Engine Delegate Xyla Jillain, Steward Delegate Walter Schoppe. Members went over eligibility requirements for all benefit plans as well as requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations. Crew gave suggestions for new contract negotiations and addressed the passing of AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka. Additional topics were discussed including SAB actions for extended tours and 401k contributions. Secretary encouraged members to continue maintaining all unlicensed areas. Educational director urged crew to keep upgrading at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. MOHAWK (Pacific Gulf Marine), August 27 – Chairman Frank Hedge, Secretary Alan Bartley, Educational Director Andres Nunez-Rochez, Deck Delegate Douglas Simonson, Steward Delegate Sheryl Johnson. New mattresses arrived on ship. Wi-Fi still not available beyond the computer room. Contractually, steward department is not required to clean or service officer rooms. Chairman thanked crew for a safe and productive voyage. He reminded members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Chairman advised members to keep documents up to date and to take advantage of what the union has to offer. Secretary thanked crew for helping to keep the mess hall clean and apologized for any shortage of items throughout the voyage. Educational director reminded members to renew documents early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members motioned to increase monthly retirement payout by 50%. Permanent crew was directed to find a new ship since current vessel was sold and being turned over. Next Port: Sunny Point. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt November 2021 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck November 15 Lifeboat/Water Survival November 22 December 3 December 3 RFPNW November 15 December 3 Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10 Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT October 25 November 19 Welding October 25 November 12 Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook December 6 January 7 Advanced Galley Operations November 15 December 10 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training Revalidation November 15 November 15 December 3 December 3 December 10 December 10 Government Vessels November 15 November 19 November 29 December 3 December 13 December 17 Tank Ship Familiarization LG December 13 December 17 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 11/21 November 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class # 873 – Graduated Sept. 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Bjorn Anthony, Destini Dunlap, Xander Farris, Randy Madrid, Justin McClellan, Daniel Moran, Travis Morris and Daniel Sutter. Medical Care Provider – Graduated Sept. 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Austin Anderson, Michael Banks, Theodore Gonzales, Stephen Jenkins, Melody Mitchell and Isaac Stoutamire. Junior Engineer (Plant Management) – Graduated Oct. 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Marco Antonio Baez Millan, Micah Champion, Robert Clark, Christopher Corpuz, Gregory Crowder, Elhassene Elkori, Samuel Fanjoy, Keilah Freeman, Hussain Mohamed Hafid, Ferdinand Gabonada Hullana and Jessica Valentin. RFPNW (Phase 3) – Graduated Sept. 10 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Ramona Cabrera Appleby, Paul Calcaterra, Dylan Green, Martin Roi Briones Morales, Munassar Fadel Nagi Saleh, Ethan Stacy and Anoalo Tuimanua Stanley. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-contracted vessels. November 2021 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPEW (Phase 3) – Graduated Sept. 17: Christopher Emanuel (above, left) and Daniel Vanegas. They plan to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels upon the completion of their training. Government Vessels – Graduated Sept. 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Eugene Josafat Ajoste, Kenneth Bogner, Leone Buggage, Kevin Campbell, Kanieyziah Conway, Reno Ibanez Duque, Jean Favreaux, Ali Boobaker M. Ghalib, James Gregory, Jeremy Hebda, Ethan Mims, Krystal Mosley, Hassan-Saleem Rashad, Emanuel Lorenzo Spain, Benjamin Verrett and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. MSC Storekeeper Basic – Graduated Oct. 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Kevin Brown, Stclair Browne Jr., Randy Corey, Daniel Fields, Peggy Gregory and Timothy Jones. RFPNW (Upgraders) – Graduated Sept. 10: Jameeka Booker (above, left) and John Joseph Caraan Alcos. RFPEW (Upgraders) – Graduated Sept. 17: Emmanuel Nuez (above, left) and Jason Bullen. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated Sept. 24 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Kendrick Adams II, Glenn Valera Agustin, Jason Bullen, Antonio Agapito De Luna, Theodore Gonzales, Vernon Van Humbles, James Jones, Andrew Manning, Nestor Milagrosa, Arron Millar, Kenneth Townsend Jr., and Andrew Van Bourg. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated Oct. 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Mohamed Alghazali, Jermia Anderson, Robert Bell Jr., Jason Bullen, Julius Jumangit Dagoldol, Reno Ibanez Duque, Daniel Flanagan, Theodore Gonzales, Ashley Hudson, Vernon Van Humbles, Anton Ivanov Marchev, Nestor Milagrosa, Derick Yanier Morales-Berly, Gamal Kassem Muflahi and Kenneth Townsend Jr. 22 Seafarers LOG November 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Magnetic & Gyro Compasses – Graduated Sept. 10 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Jose Argueta, Carlton Banks, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Matthew Jenness, Glen McCullough and Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus. Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated Sept. 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Kanieyziah Conway, Jeremy Aden Hebda, Krystal Mosley and Benjamin Verrett. Chief Steward – Graduated Sept. 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Rocel Caballero Alvarez, Joseph Benitez Arigo, Marlin Carey Jr., Jasmine Garrett and Phuoc Chau-Hue Nguyen. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated Sept. 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Carlos Arjune, Sarah Hesham Awad, D’angelo Dickson, Maurice Henry Jr., Adrian Joseph, Patrick Cruz Lara, Jamal Matthews, McKinley Thorne, Juan Andres Vallejo and Ludi Zamudio, Important Notice To All Students November 2021 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 23 �NOVEMBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 11 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Chief Mate Gary Bigham (left) and Recertified Bosun Victor Nunez CS Decisive Crew Participates In JUPITER Cable System Project Crewmembers aboard the CS Decisive (photo above) prepare to bury cable using a device called a Plough. In addition to burying the cable two meters under the ocean floor, the mechanism also lays the cable. In the photo at immediate right, a vessel hauls shore end cable to the beach where ultimately it will be connected to a shore side station. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Victor Nunez for providing these photos. GVA Eric Mose The crew aboard the SIU-contracted and SubCom-operated CS Decisive in early September took part in the construction of the JUPITER Cable System off the coast of Oregon. A new transpacific submarine cable route, the system is approximately 14,600 km in length and consists of 5 fiber pairs with a design capacity of more than 60 terabytes per second. It connects Maruyama, Japan; Shima, Japan; Los Angeles, California; and Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines. The Decisive crew successfully burried some seven kilometers of cable over a two week period. AB Arsenio Brecio (left) and GVA Ron Burris As a new transpacific submarine cable route, the cable system will provide greater diversity of connections and enhanced reliability for customers, as well as optimal connectivity to data centers on the West Coast of the United States. Companies included in the JUPITER Cable Consortium include Amazon, Facebook, NTT, PCCW Global, PLDT and SoftBank. Crew members aboard the Decisive during the construction project were: Bosuns Victor Nunez; Boatswain’s Mate Santos Contreras; ABBs Jay Aki, Tyler Brenton and Chief Electrician Casey Frederick Ist Asst. Engineer Greg Thomas Harge Semilla; ABG Paul Nelson; ABs Arsenio Brecio and Emilio Abreu; MDR Michael Fregolle; Chief Electrician Casey Frederick; OMUs Kasim Ahmed and Henry Crespo and GVAs Khaleel Boatner, Ronald Burris, Calvin Johnson, Kassem Saleh, Albino Lotukoi, Cody Carroll, Dalerick Durden and Eric Mose. Remaining crew members were: Chief Steward Gregory Johnson; Chief Cook Walter Schoppe; 3rd Cook Virgilio Brosoto; SAs Virgilio Brosoto and Paul Erickson; and UAs Alexander Boothby and Joseph Bates. UA Alexander Boothsby OMU Kasim Ahmed GVA Dalerick Durden AB/Third Mate Tyler Brenton (left), AB/SJ Arsenio Brecio (center) and AB Paul Nelson apply floats to the umbilical cord of the Plough prior to launching it to begin the cable burial. GVA Cody Carroll UA Joseph Bates (left) and 3rd Cook Virgilio Brosoto � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource SIU GAINS JOBS AS TANKER REFLAGS MESSAGE FROM MARITIME LABOR UNION WELCOMES NEW SHIPBOARD JOBS MEMBERS RATIFY PACTS AT CROWLEY, G&H NEW ORLEANS-AREA SEAFARERS PERSERVERE THROUGH HURRICANE, MAINTAIN PROFESSIONALISM ON THE JOB SIU'S HEINDEL AMONG 2021 AOTOS HONOREES BIDEN: UNIONS ARE 'AMERICA'S HEART AND SOUL' SEAFARERS UNANIMOUSLY RATIFY NCL CONTRACT SIX BOSUNS REACH HIGHEST LEVEL OF DECK DEPARTMENT CONVENTION SALUTES SERVICE OF WWII MARINERS, EMPHASIZES ONGOING NEED FOR STRONG FLEET A VISITOR FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER 1945 SEAFARERS ENGAGE IN PHILANTHROPIC OUTREACH INVESTIGATIONS START, OFFICERS SUSPENDED IN CADET ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE PROGRESS MADE WITH CHS CLINIC SERVICES BOAT PROCESSION COMMEMORATES ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 CS DECISIVE CREW PARTICIPATES IN JUPITER CABLE SYSTEM PROJECT 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 11/01/2021 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. 83, NO. 11 2021 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/99828e8958cd00b6a5a8fb10b6dc02a4.pdf 573a7ac36fede770e5703327b870eafc PDF Text Text DECEMBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 12 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Happy Holidays 2022 Meeting Dates Page 5 Beck Notice Page 5 Summary Annual Reports Page 10 �President’s Report Positive Initial Steps The American maritime industry is taking appropriate steps to help ensure that our workplaces are free from sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH). I’m sure many readers know that SASH has been a primary topic since September, but regardless of your individual level of awareness, I encourage you to read the related articles in this issue of the LOG. Keep an eye on our website for updates, too, in between publications. Although the recent allegations by former Kings Point students do not involve SIU members, we are not sitting back and brushing aside any part of our shared responsibility to protect all of our shipmates. We are working with other unions, government officials, schools and businesses to improve shipboard life for everyone. It’s an ongoing process and we take it seriously. I believe the initial, industry-wide Michael Sacco response has been useful, and that this collective effort truly will lead to improvements.If you’ve spent any time in the SIU, you’ve probably heard me say that we’re more like a family than a union. In that spirit, continue treating your fellow members like sisters and brothers. Look out for one another, maintain your professionalism, and if you think something is wrong, use the proper channels to make it known. The American maritime industry is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. We’ve got our share of problems, like any other industry, but I believe that the overwhelming majority of U.S. Merchant Mariners are good people who work hard to make a living. We’ll continue teaming up to protect our crews and to correct any shortcomings. Path to Success Our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, remains a huge key to our success. And, the latest improvements there are nothing short of incredible. The school’s new Media Center – utilized for various classes – is absolutely cutting-edge. Student reaction to the massive upgrades has been quite positive, and the instructors also are embracing the latest technology. Be sure to check out our coverage elsewhere in this edition. One reason the school is so important is that it enables the SIU to provide well-qualified mariners to our contracted vessel operators. But, to the individual members, Piney Point is critical because it signifies opportunity. Opportunity to upgrade. Opportunity to earn more money. Opportunity to make the most of this unique career. You can go as far as you want in this industry, from apprentice all the way to captain. You have a chance to write your own success story, make good money, take care of your family and take advantage of top-of-the-line benefits. The school is there for you, as is the SIU. Happy Holidays Although we’re all still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve at least been able to take some steps toward normalcy during the past year. It hasn’t been easy, and I appreciate the sacrifices and efforts of everyone throughout our organization, starting with the rank-and-file members and most definitely including our staff and our officials. As we head into the winter holidays, I wish everyone safety and happiness. If you’re at sea during the holidays, thank you for helping fulfill our commitments. If you’re home, enjoy time with your family and friends. No matter what, guard your health and we’ll continue making progress in the New Year. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 12 Gen. Van Ovost Takes Helm At Transportation Command U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost on Oct. 15 became the first woman to lead the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), officially taking the reigns during a change of command ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. The components of TRANSCOM include the Army’s Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, the Navy’s Military Sealift Command and the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command. During the ceremony, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said, “I’m not the world’s most experienced logistician, but I am one of the world’s most experienced consumers. So, I know that I’m looking right now at the people who make the American military move. On any given day, some 115 TRANSCOM railcars are moving DOD equipment, 33 ships are getting underway and 1,500 trucks are delivering cargo. And about every two minutes, a TRANSCOM plane is taking off or landing somewhere around the world – hauling supplies, refueling aircraft or moving patients.” Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, commended the professionalism and capabilities inherent in the command. He said TRANSCOM is the key to American military successes going back to World War II, and noted the Red Ball Express (a convoy system) that kept Allied forces supplied over the beaches of Normandy in 1944 after the U.S. Merchant Marine delivered the cargo. That same spirit still permeates today’s U.S. Transportation Command, the chairman said. “I assure you, TRANSCOM will defend our nation through Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost Commander U.S. Transportation Command “When people ask me ‘How does TRANSCOM do it? What is the secret to success?’ I tell them the truth. We are blessed with incredible people from around the globe,” Lyons said. “To the men and women of TRANSCOM, it has been my greatest honor to serve as your 13th commander.” Van Ovost expressed her appreciation, and thanked Lyons for his leadership and service: “We are all grateful to have been under your command and to have taken part in your legacy,” she said. “It is an honor of a lifetime to be selected to lead the United States Transportation Command as we prepare to meet the challenges of tomorrow, today. Together, we will deliver.” White House Nominates Rear Admiral Phillips for Maritime Administrator President Biden on Oct. 14 announced the nomination of Rear Adm. Ann Phillips (USN ret.) to be the next U.S. Maritime Administrator. According to the press release from the White House, “Ann Phillips is a leader in the field of coastal resilience and climate impact on national security at December 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Rear Adm. Ann Phillips Nominee for Maritime Administrator Post 2 Seafarers LOG rapid power projection and sustainment, while continuing to build a unity of effort through the strong bonds of our industry partners and our allies and partners,” Van Ovost said. “We will also remain committed to our most critical asset – our people.” Van Ovost is a career mobility airman who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988 and has since commanded the 384th Air Refueling Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas; the 12th Flying Training Wing at Joint Base San AntonioRandolph, Texas; and the 89th Airlift Wing, or Presidential Airlift Wing, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. A pilot with more than 4,200 hours in 30-plus aircraft, Van Ovost led Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base since August 2020, overseeing 100,000 military and civilian personnel and 1,100 aircraft spanning aerial refueling tankers, massive cargo transport planes and VIP jets. She’s also served as the Joint Staff’s vice director; the Air Force’s staff director; U.S. Central Command’s head of mobility forces; and vice commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, a school focused on rapid-response and combat mobility operations. Austin said that Van Ovost is the perfect person to follow outgoing Commander Army Gen. Stephen Lyons and to continue the development of the command. “She’s a legend of a leader, and the American military is lucky to have her on the job,” the secretary said. “I know that she’ll continue to push the envelope and exceed all expectations, because that’s what she’s always done.” the regional, national and international level. In her current appointment as the first Special Assistant to the Governor of Virginia for Coastal Adaptation and Protection, she is building a collaborative, whole of government and community approach to address the impact of coastal flooding across the Commonwealth, including the development of Virginia’s first Coastal Resilience Master Plan. In particular, she coordinates across Federal, State, local and other partners to create equitable strategies to address rising waters and climate impact to federal, maritime, and other critical coastal infrastructure assets in Virginia.” Phillips served nearly 31 years on active duty prior to her current appointment. She received her commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps upon graduation from the University of North Carolina in 1983. She served aboard two vessels – the USS Cape Cod and the USS San Jose – during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She was the first commanding officer aboard the USS Mustin. As the executive assistant to the 6th Fleet Commander, Phillips was involved in the deploy- ment of goods in support of the Pakistani earthquake relief efforts. Prior to her retirement, she was commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, which included 14 vessels and 10 subordinate commands – all part of the Amphibious Expeditionary Forces along the U.S. East Coast. Phillips retired from the Navy in 2014. “The American Maritime Partnership congratulates Adm. Phillips on her nomination to lead the Maritime Administration, which plays a critical role in supporting our defense readiness, the domestic maritime fleet and hard-working American mariners throughout the world,” Mike Roberts, president, American Maritime Partnership, said in a statement. “We look forward to a swift Senate confirmation process, so we can begin working with Admiral Phillips to strengthen American maritime in support of our homeland and national security.” Phillips’ nomination will go before the U.S. Senate for approval. Lucinda Lessley is the acting administrator following RAdm. Mark Buzby (USN ret.), who served during the Trump administration. December 2021 �Maritime Industry Focuses Efforts On Helping Ensure Safe Workplaces The American maritime industry is ramping up efforts to promote workplace environments that are safe for everyone. Those joint endeavors involve the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and its Maritime Administration, U.S.-flag vessel operators, public and private maritime schools, maritime unions and others. As previously reported, in late September 2021, an anonymous member of the class of 2022 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at King’s Point, New York, submitted an account detailing her alleged sexual assault during her Sea Year. According to her writing, she was raped by the first engineer aboard her vessel (who was her supervisor as a member of the engine department). The anonymous victim’s report is posted online on the website of the organization Maritime Legal Aid and Advocacy. She describes sexual harassment as a common occurrence among the female students at King’s Point. A second alleged victim posted a similar account a few weeks after the initial one appeared online. Subsequent, ongoing investigations by the DOT and USMMA (and others) are aimed at pinpointing the scope and specifics of the problem and taking corrective action. In the interim, the USMMA “Sea Year” program has been suspended indefinitely. The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) have not been implicated in any of the accusations or investigations, but both the union and the school are actively working to shore up safety for everyone. Their joint efforts include conducting an anonymous, electronic sexual assault/sexual harassment (SASH) survey at the school; circulating a SASH flyer from the U.S. Coast Guard’s Investigative Service; developing a new SASH brochure; participating in industry-wide meetings (some of which have included DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg and DOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg); and reviewing the school’s SASH policy. The SIU also teamed up with other unions in issuing a letter to their respective members in late October. Signing the communication were SIU President Michael Sacco, American Maritime Officers President Paul Doell, MEBA President Adam Vokac, MM&P President Don Marcus, SUP President Dave Connolly, MFOW President Anthony Poplawski and ARA President Kelly Anderson. The letter reads: “As you know, our industry recently made unwanted headlines due to allegations of sexual assault and alcohol consumption aboard an American-flag vessel. We take the incident with utmost seriousness, but, regardless of how that particular case plays out, the undersigned unions – who represent the majority of deep-sea U.S. mariners – are taking this opportunity to reinforce our collective commitment to helping ensure that all seafarers have a safe workplace free of fear, harassment, bullying and any kind of assault. We are in the process of thoroughly but quickly re-examining and, where warranted, updating policies and practices that will facilitate educa- The SIU has helped circulate this flyer from the Coast Guard in an effort to promote safety. tion, protection and mutual respect within the ranks of our memberships and throughout the industry. “Turning a blind eye is not acceptable. All seafarers must be committed to active opposition to any type of harassment, bullying or discriminatory behavior. It is our collective duty to protect and respect our shipmates. As maritime professionals and decent human beings, we must look out for one another. “When a mariner experiences or observes harassment, bullying or discriminatory behavior, the alarm must go off. Such conduct must immediately be stopped and/or reported. The hierarchy aboard ship, the power relationship inherent in that structure and the closed shipboard environment can become coercive. Mariners must not be compelled to endure an unsafe workplace for the sake of their paychecks, careers, or reputations. “Each of our organizations is committed to ensuring the safety and fair treatment of every member. Realizing we are dealing with a social problem that can be magnified aboard ship, every member must share the commitment to speak out and act when they observe shipboard bullying, harass- ITF: Maritime Must Be Safe for Women The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated, recently weighed in on the maritime industry’s increased efforts to ensure safe workplaces. In early November, the federation issued a statement that read in part: “A brave female cadet recently published the horrific experiences of sexual assault she endured on board a vessel while attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The incident and response she details brings shame on the shipping industry and underlines the urgent need for action to elimi- December 2021 nate violence in the workplace. “Eliminating violence in the workplace requires action from employers, employees, and governments, since it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of seafarers, including women seafarers. “In her online post the cadet revealed the full horror of the incident that occurred on board a Maersk Line vessel while she was serving her year at sea in 2019. Going public prompted an independent inquiry from A.P. Møller–Maersk, and investigations by the Maritime Administration of the ment, discrimination, or assault. “We know that our members are professionals, and that the overwhelming majority of U.S. Merchant Mariners are decent folks who work hard to make a living in a unique industry. We are often in leadership positions aboard ship. Our personal example and insistence on the safety and respectful treatment of our shipmates is the essence of leadership. Whatever the rating, experience, or qualifications, a good shipmate protects their co-workers and does not tolerate any forms of abuse.” During the November SIU membership meeting in Piney Point, Sacco and SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez encouraged Seafarers to treat each other with respect and protect one another like family, whether aboard ship, at the hiring halls, at the PHC or elsewhere ashore. The Sea Year program in particular has gotten the attention of Congress. On Oct. 29, six members (all Democrats) wrote to Buttigieg calling for remediation. Signing the letter were Reps. Peter DeFazio, Adam Smith, Joe Courtney, Maria Cantwell, Jackie Speier, and Salud Carbajal. The letter in part said: “We are very con- U.S. federal Department of Transportation. “But we cannot leave it there. Policies need action.” Lena Dyring, women’s representative from the ITF Seafarers’ Section, stated, “Sadly, this is not an isolated incident, but a reality for many seafarers, both male and female, regardless of flag or company. We know that women’s experiences in the shipping industry, ashore and at sea often do not match the best intentions laid out in policies. Although many women seafarer trainees have great support during their education ashore, including as part of mentoring programs, it is an all-too-common experience that too many women seafarers suffer from harassment and bullying. Too many encounter discrimination in the workplace, and in the worst cases, assault.” Dyring said everyone in maritime has a responsibility to change the male-dominated culture and remove obstacles and barriers faced by women in the industry. Dyring also revealed that following a recent cerned with the recent allegations of sexual assault by a female cadet at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) during her Sea Year experience in 2019. This brave female cadet not only shared her story on the terrible circumstance she endured while at sea, but also detailed alarming statistics regarding the number of other female cadets within her class who have also been harassed and assaulted…. In 2016, the Department of Transportation stood down the Sea Year program to implement changes to better protect students. But those changes clearly did not work, and we are concerned that the cadets remain in danger.” They recommended suspending the Sea Year program for the current term and added, “Prior to the resumption of Sea Year, we request the USMMA develop a public written action plan that includes detailed steps that will be taken to ensure the safety of cadets at sea. While we understand the importance of a timely graduation for USMMA cadets, the safety of those same cadets should be your top concern. We stand ready to assist the Department in ensuring a complete educational experience and a timely graduation.” publication of an ITF statement condemning an assault on a female ITF inspector, she received a letter from a woman seafarer that contained a strong message to the industry “that is worth amplifying.” In the letter, the seafarer argues that “violence is NOT the only reason why the maritime industry cannot retain more women.” She suggests that it can be more difficult for women to advance their careers. Dyring said, “She is absolutely right that positive contribution of women at sea need to be celebrated and profiled. Together, we can make a career at sea safe. We can make it a secure place for everyone, including women, so that all seafarers can progress and achieve their full potential.” In 2020, women made up 1.28% of the overall global seafaring workforce. The ITF will soon be publishing its own support materials for women seafarers, and will be specifically including guidance on seafarers’ rights to safe, healthy and violence-free workplaces. Seafarers LOG 3 �Union Membership Meeting Dates for 2022 Port Traditional Date January February Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 3 7 Jersey City Tuesday after first Sunday 4 Philadelphia Wednesday after first Sunday Baltimore March April May June July August September October November December 7 4 2 6 5 8 6 3 7 5 8 8 5 3 7 5 9 6 4 8 6 5 9 9 6 4 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 11 8 6 10 8 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 11 8 6 10 8 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 11 8 6 10 8 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 12 9 7 14 9 Norfolk Friday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 12 9 7 14 9 Houston Monday after second Sunday 10 14 14 11 9 13 11 15 12 11 14 12 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 11 15 15 12 10 14 12 16 13 11 15 13 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 11 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 19 16 14 18 16 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 19 16 14 18 16 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 18 22 21 18 16 21 18 22 19 17 21 19 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 20 24 24 21 19 23 21 25 22 20 25 22 Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 21 25 25 22 20 24 22 26 23 21 25 23 * Dates in bold indicate that meetings are being held on other than traditional dates because of various holidays. These changes are as follows: Wilmington change in January created by Martin Luther King Day Observance Houston change in October created by Columbus Day Observance Wilmington change in February created by President’s Day Observance Algonac change in November created by Veteran’s Day Observance Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance Norfolk change in November created by Veteran’s Day Observance Piney Point change in July created by Independence Day Observance Guam change in November created by Thanksgiving Observance Piney Point change in September created by Labor Day Observance Meetings at all ports start at 10:30 a.m. 2022 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available under the 2022 Seafarers’ Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program. The grants are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows: Seafarers Scholarships Dependents Scholarships Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers: Five scholarships designated for dependents:  One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or  A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired Seafarers may apply. university  Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a community college or vocational school To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the About tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF). Although the booklet says 2021, all information is still current for the 2022 SHBP Scholarships. Please send me the 2021 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Street Address.................................................................................................................................................................................................... City, State, Zip Code......................................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) ................................................................................................................................................................................. This application is for (circle one): Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 4 Seafarers LOG 12/21 December 2021 �Piracy Incidents Plummet to Lowest Levels Since 1990s, but Violence Against Seafarers Continues The International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) International Maritime Bureau (IMB) recently released their “Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships” report for the period Jan. 1-Sept. 30, 2021. According to the latest IMB statistics, reported incidents are down to their lowest level in decades, but violence against seafarers has continued, with 51 crew kidnapped, eight taken hostage, five threatened, three injured, two assaulted and one killed during the period. According to the report summary, “IMB’s latest global piracy report recorded 97 incidents of piracy and armed robbery for the first nine months of 2021 – the lowest level of reported incidents since 1994. In 2021, IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre reported 85 vessels boarded, nine attempted attacks, two vessels fired upon and one vessel hijacked.” The Gulf of Guinea region saw 28 incidents of piracy and armed robbery in the first nine months of 2021, in comparison to 46 for the same period in 2020. Additionally, Nigeria only reported four incidents during the first nine months of 2021, compared to 17 in 2020 and 41 in 2018. “We welcome the decrease of piracy and armed robbery attacks in the Gulf of Guinea and the efforts taken by maritime authorities in the region,” said Michael Howlett, director, ICC International Maritime Bureau. “However, there needs to be sustained efforts to ensure the continued safety of seafarers as they transport essential goods throughout the re- gion. Coastal States must redouble their coordination and security measures to ensure that piracy and armed robbery incidents continue to decline.” There are still pockets of increased activity, as stated in the report: “The Singapore Straits reported 20 incidents of armed robbery – the highest number recorded since 1991. Reported incidents in the Singapore Straits are up from 15 in 2020 and just one incident in 2019. These attacks are low-level and opportunistic in nature, but IMB warns that the perpetrators pose a direct threat to seafarers and vessels underway. In four incidents, crew were either threatened, assaulted, or injured. “The Callao Anchorage in Peru is another area that has witnessed an increase of piracy activity with 15 reported incidents in 2021 – the highest number since 1991. As with the Singapore Straits, these incidents are lowlevel thefts with knives being reported in 60 percent of the incidents. Attackers in the region possess the capacity to carry out violent attacks with three crew taken hostage and a further one each assaulted or threatened during the first nine months of 2021,” the report continued. Launched in 1991, the IMB Piracy Reporting Center is a 24-hour manned facility that provides the maritime industry, governments and response agencies with timely and transparent data on armed robbery incidents received directly from the master or owner of vessels. Spotlight on Mariner Health Know Signs of Coronary Artery Disease Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common disease in the United States. It is also known as ischemic heart disease. Many individuals may experience the first sign that they have this condition by being diagnosed with chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Symptoms may include heaviness in the chest, shortness of breath, a sudden onset of sweating, general weakness, and pain with activity. CAD is caused by the buildup of plaque in the interior walls of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. This plaque is made from the deposits of cholesterol and other substances in the artery. Over time, plaque buildup will cause the inside of the arteries to narrow, which can partially or totally block the flow of blood. This is known as atherosclerosis. The risk factors for CAD are as follows: physical inactivity, being overweight, age, unhealthy eating habits, smoking tobacco products, and a family history of heart disease (genetics). Visiting your doctor and having routine testing like echocardiograms, stress tests, and lab work will help to detect problems early that can save your life. People can stay “heart healthy” by eating low- fat diets that include ample fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of water, limiting alcohol intake, exercising at least three times a week for 30 minutes, keeping doctor appointments, taking your medications as instructed, limiting stress, and not smoking. The Mayo Clinic advises: “If you think you’re having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. If you don’t have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last option. If you have risk factors for coronary artery disease – such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, obesity, a strong family history of heart disease – talk to your doctor. Your doctor may want to test you for coronary artery disease, especially if you have signs or symptoms of narrowed arteries.” Adds the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, “Symptoms of coronary heart disease may be different from person to person even if they have the same type of coronary heart disease. However, because many people have no symptoms, they do not know they have coronary heart disease until they have chest pain, a heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest.” Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW 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, AGLIW 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, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While nonmembers do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are 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 December 2021 Healthy Recipe German Paprika Roasted Hens (Servings: 25) Ingredients 10 pounds Cornish game hens, split in half 1 tablespoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons black pepper, ground ¼ cup smart balance 1⅓ tablespoon fresh garlic, minced fine 1 pint onion, finely chopped 1 quart roasted red pepper, finely chopped ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped 1⅛ pints tomato sauce 1 teaspoon granulated garlic ½ cup paprika, sweet 1⅓ tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes 1⅓ tablespoons chicken base 2⅔ tablespoons cornstarch, mix with cold water ½ cup cold water ⅔ cup sour cream, light Preparation Wash & dry the chicken. Season with salt and pepper, brown each side of the hens; on a med.-high temp. flat top grill. Place in 2” hotel pans. Bake in a 325-degree oven for 30-40 minutes until internal temp of 165 degrees F is reached. To make sauce: In a steam jacketed kettle or stock pot, saute the onion and roasted peppers with the smart balance over med-high heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, parsley, chicken base, paprika, granulated garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 3 minutes longer. Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry. Add the sour cream, blend well. Add the finished sauce to the pans of chicken evenly. Serve hot. Nutrition Information: Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 251 Calories; 16g Fat (57.6% calories from fat); 20g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 112mg Cholesterol; 442mg Sodium. Exchanges: O Grain (Starch); 2½ Lean Meat; ½ Vegetable; 1½ Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates. (Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agrements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act 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 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 2020 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representa- tion amounts to 79.73 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $398.65 (three hundred ninety-eight dollars and sixty-five cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2022 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2021 and November 30, 2022 will have this calculation applied to their 2022 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2023, your objection must be received by December 1, 2022. A report which delineates chargeable and nonchargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2020. Please note that as the chargeable and nonchargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect 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, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, 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 Seafarers LOG 5 �U.S. Representative Luria Thanks U.S. Mariners, American-Flag Fleet During Remarks to Congress Congresswoman Solicits Support for Workers, Industry U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) praised the work of American mariners and the U.S.-flag fleet while calling upon Congress to continue its support for these workers and the industry. Luria, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who served in the Navy for 20 years before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2018, made her statement on the House floor Oct. 25. “The United States needs a robust U.S.-flag maritime industry and a trained and qualified mariner workforce to support our surge sealift capabilities SAB Action Makes Official What’s Already Occurring A new action by the Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) means a formal return to business as usual when it comes to the Shipping Rules. Prior SAB actions temporarily amended the Shipping Rules in order to help meet manpower obligations during peak stretches of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those actions (numbers 480 and 481, respectively) are rescinded as of Nov. 15, 2021. “The new SAB (Action Number 486) makes official what has already been happening,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “The hiring halls long ago returned to normal business hours. Thanks to vaccinations and other safety measures, registration and other shippingrelated procedures which periodically and temporarily were done by phone or email are now back to being handled in-person, as prescribed by the Shipping Rules.” The full text of SAB Action 486 follows: WHEREAS, Article IX entitled Shipping Rules, Sections 7. and 9. grant the sole and exclusive authority to administer and/ or amend the shipping rules to the Seafarers Appeals Board. in responding to the crises and military operations around the world when called upon,” the congresswoman said. “Further, the U.S.-flag fleet routinely responds to disasters and emergencies, moves critical government and military cargo around the world, and carries American farm products in support of U.S. international development programs to help developing countries in need.” The member of both the House Armed Services and Homeland Security committees called for continuing support for the Maritime Security Program, which provides funds for militarily useful U.S.flag commercial vessels and crews available to the armed forces in the event of war or national emergencies. “The shipping industry is facing unprecedented challenges today, but one thing we know all too well is that a strong commercial maritime capability enhances our national security,” she added. She wrapped up her address by thanking “the U.S.-flag fleet and the U.S. Merchant Mariners who work every day to support our military and our nation.” U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) Retired Patrolman Sheehan Passes Away at 76 John James “Jack” Sheehan Jr. served the SIU membership for nearly half a century before retiring in 2011, building a well-earned sterling reputation along the way. Sheehan passed away Oct. 29 in New York, reportedly after stroke-related complications. He was 76 and a month shy of his birthday. The New York City native wore many hats with the SIU, most recently that of a patrolman and safety director based in Brooklyn, New York. He was hired in 1964 as a claims supervisor in his native city. In 1980, he transferred to the manpower office, also in the New York hall. Two years later, he served as a representative for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (then named the Seafarers Welfare Plan). He became a union representative in 1985. In 1991, Sheehan was called upon to serve as the SIU safety director in New York, a position he filled for nearly 17 years. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez worked with Sheehan for decades, and gave the eulogy at his funeral service in Staten Island, New York. Tellez described him as dedicated, likeable and full of integrity. “Jack was one of the good guys,” Tellez said. “I met him in 1978 and he was part of the manpower crew with Frank Pecquex, Bobby Selzer and Lou Delma. He was a dear friend and union brother. It was truly an honor and privilege to deliver the eulogy, and I hope Jack’s family eventually feels the heartfelt joy their fond memories of him will bring.” SIU Atlantic Coast Vice President Joseph Soresi said, “I have known Jack all Sheehan (center) celebrates the 2014 ceremonial opening of the Jersey City, New Jersey, hall with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and retired Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan. my working career and I’ve never met a more dedicated individual to this membership. He respected the rank-and-file members and he cared deeply about the SIU.” Retired SIU Vice President Government Services Kate Hunt said she “worked with Jack for many years in Brooklyn. Jack was a real gentleman and a real pro. One thing that always stood out to me is, the members really respected him and liked him. Nobody ever said a bad word about him. He treated everybody in a professional manner. He was just a great guy to work with.” When he retired and was asked to reflect on his career, Sheehan replied, “It was my pleasure to work at the SIU and with the membership. Through the years I met some really great people. I will miss all of them.” WHEREAS, by prior action the Seafarers Appeals Board has amended the Shipping Rules to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various U.S.flagged vessels, in particularly Actions #480 and #481 in which Shipping Rules 2, 4 and 5 where suspended due to Coronavirus Pandemic restraints; and WHEREAS, with the implementation of vaccinations, precautionary measures and protocols in place, the need for Actions #480 and #481 no longer exists. NOW THEREFORE, with the aforementioned in mind, the Seafarers Appeals Board hereby rescinds the conditions of SAB #480 and #481, effective November 15, 2021. Sheehan (left) chats with OMU Rafael Duran aboard the Sea-Land Challenger in 1993 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. 6 Seafarers LOG December 2021 �AMP: Domestic Industry Delivers Maritime Groups Respond to Supply-Chain Questions Two SIU-affiliated groups recently told U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg that the American maritime industry is providing certainty to American customers and consumers, undeterred by supply chain disruptions and congestion impacting global shipping and major international U.S. ports, particularly on the West Coast. Both the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) and USA Maritime were responding to government requests for comments, issued in late September and mid-October, respectively. AMP underscored the continued reliability of America’s domestic maritime services despite the current supply chain crisis. “While the supply chain issues pertaining to our import-export trades persist, the men and women of America’s domestic maritime industry will continue to do our part to deliver for Americans,” said AMP President Mike Roberts. “The current supply chain problems highlight once again the importance of maintaining a highly resilient and dedicated American supply chain for serving customers in our domestic markets.” Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign shipping supply chain crisis, American maritime has provided steady and reliable transportation service for Americans across the United States, in- cluding the non-contiguous areas of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, more than 500 trans-Pacific sailings were cancelled, or “blanked” by international carriers. On the other hand, few if any domestic voyages have been blanked by any Jones Act carrier during the same time period. The ability to continue this uninterrupted service during a crisis is due in part to the Jones Act, the fundamental law of the maritime industry. The USA Maritime comments were issued “to shed light on the critical need to protect, preserve, and grow our maritime workforce, specifically our mariners, for all Department of Defense cargo needs,” the coalition said in a statement issued by its chairman, C. James Patti. After reviewing a national security directive that spells out the ongoing need for strong sealift capability, Patti quoted several prominent U.S. military leaders past and present who have urgent called for maritime industry revitalization. He continued, “Without the capability provided by the U.S.-flag international fleet and its civilian American mariner workforce, the Department of Defense would be forced to either dedicate its resources to replicate, at significant cost to the American taxpayer, the commercial sealift readiness capability provided by our industry or to entrust the security of our nation and the safety and supply of American troops to foreign flag-of-convenience vessels crewed by foreign nationals who may not support U.S. defense operations. To do so would be to jeopardize the lives of American servicewomen and men who will no longer be guaranteed the supplies and equipment they need to do their job in support of our country.” He described a “dangerous decline in the American maritime manpower pool (that) must be reversed as we critically re-examine our national security supply chain. The Administration must focus on ways to stop the further loss of U.S.-flag vessels and the resultant outsourcing of American maritime jobs, and actively work to increase the number of vessels operating under the U.S. flag in order to create and support more maritime job opportunities for Americans. It is imperative to ensure that our country has the U.S.-flag commercial sealift capability and trained American mariners needed to support the Department of Defense throughout its supply chain. To this end, the Administration should invest in the U.S.-flag merchant marine as a critical component of our nation’s national security supply chain.” The USA Maritime statement then spells out the value of laws and programs Report Shows Strong Union Presence In America’s Renewable Energy Sector A new report “illustrates how America’s biofuel industry is growing union jobs and helping to rebuild the middle class,” according to backers in the renewable energy sector. In a joint statement from the Advanced Biofuels Business Council, Growth Energy, the National Biodiesel Board, and the Renewable Fuels Association, trade association leaders noted in early November that the report – titled “Union Jobs in Ethanol & Biodiesel Industries: An American Success Story” – “underscores the truth behind President Biden’s declaration that ‘doubling down on these liquid fuels of the future will not only make value-added agriculture a key part of the solution to climate change — reducing emissions in planes, ships, and other forms of transportation — but will also create quality jobs across rural America.’” The report was authored by veterans of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. General Services Administration, and KPMG International (the world’s third-largest accounting firm). They found that biofuel production supports more than 30,000 union jobs, primarily in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and utilities, construction, and professional and business services. These include jobs filled by members of the United Auto Workers, Steelworkers, Laborers’ International Union of North America, International Union of Operating Engineers, North America’s Building Trades Unions, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and many other labor organizations across 20 states. “Working people are front and center as we tackle climate change,” said Daniel Duncan, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Maritime Trades Department (MTD), AFL-CIO. “It is now clear that union members are not just on the production side of the American biofuel industry, but also build, operate, and maintain the infrastructure that keeps homegrown fuels like ethanol and biodiesel flowing. This sector is an important source of strength for union jobs, especially when it comes to growth in agricultural regions of the nation. We’re proud to be part of a supply chain that delivers for middle-class families.” December 2021 “Union labor has helped make America the world’s largest producer and exporter of biofuels,” said a spokesperson for the Seafarers International Union. “We should play to our strengths as we decarbonize energy production, and growing the U.S. biofuels industry means good-paying, green jobs for union members.” Indeed, the report concludes, “The U.S. biofuel industry supports union jobs in construction and manufacturing, but as importantly relies on sectors with high union densities to store and transport its products. A key takeaway is that continued support for the ethanol and biodiesel industries will have a positive causal effect on union jobs and is a pathway to an increase in union membership. Ethanol and biodiesel industries are also helping to mitigate against a downward trend in U.S. union density rates.” Another section in the report touches on why increased union membership is beneficial for the country. “The benefits of unions have long been studied and understood,” the report notes. “There is extensive literature linking union membership to higher wages and greater equality. Unions also increase the likelihood that workers will receive various forms of non-cash benefits, like health insurance and retirement plans, and reduce wage disparity. Unionized workers are significantly more satisfied with their jobs than their nonunionized counterparts in the post-Great Recession period. Unions also protect their members, and others working alongside their members, against dismissals and discipline without good cause, and ensure workers will have a voice in their workplaces, with a result that union members tend to have longer job tenures than non-union workers.” Those benefits provided by unions “help to define what it is to be a member of the middle class in our country,” the report adds. “For this reason, supporters of the American union movement, and those committed to restoring the American middle class, should welcome the growth of industries that employ a sizable number of unionized workers, particularly in industries that have declined over the last few decades.” including cargo preference and the Maritime Security Program. “In addition, to further halt and reverse the downward trend in the number of vessels operating under the U.S.-flag and the outsourcing of American maritime jobs we urge the Administration to consider strong, positive and innovative actions to develop and implement meaningful and effective programs and policies that will increase the number of commercially viable U.S.-flag vessels, increase the number of American maritime jobs, and increase the amount of America’s foreign trade carried aboard U.S.-flag ships,” Patti wrote. “To protect our nation’s supply chain, such initiatives should include the utilization of Federal tax law to incentivize shippers to utilize U.S.-flag vessels for a greater portion of commercial cargoes; tax and economic policies that encourage rather than discourage investment in the U.S.-flag shipping industry; the negotiation of bilateral shipping and cargo sharing agreements with our trading partners; and policies that include a greater reliance on U.S.-flag vessels as a means to achieve energy efficiency and a cleaner environment. In so doing, we can better guarantee that the United States will have the U.S.-flag ships and American mariners it needs to provide the assured logistics the Department of Defense requires.” Aboard the Great Republic SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (left in photo above) is pictured with Conveyorman Ali Musa and Recertified Bosun Amin Quraish aboard the Great Republic in mid-October in River Rouge, Michigan. In the photo below, deck-gang members tie up. Seafarers LOG 7 �GETTING OUT THE VOTE – Houston-area Seafarers turn out for a block walk in support of Elizabeth Santos, who is headed for a runoff election as a trustee of the Houston Independent School District. Pictured from left are GUDE Kevin Cruz, Recertified Bosun Lionel Rivas, GUDE Alpha Minko, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick, another local volunteer, and GUDE Oscar Amaya-Sanchez. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU FULL BOOK IN FORT LAUDERDALE – GVA Sam Pinnock (left) receives his full book at the hall. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – These snapshots are from an Oct. 15 servicing of the TOTE Services ship in Jacksonville, Florida. The group photo at left includes (from left) SA Jamika Thomas, Chief Cook Fernando Marques Ortiz, SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo and Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez Cruz. Wearing the medal in the other photo is ABG Luis Ramos Rosa, with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. Luis placed third in a “virtual 5k” that’s part of a military birthday series (more info here: https://tinyurl.com/24mcvr74). WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Two longtime members recently called it a career. In photo at left, Crescent Towing Capt. Kerry Wright (left, with SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook) picks up his first pension check. He is a second-generation Seafarer who sailed both deep sea and inland, beginning in 1984. Crescent Towing senior Engineer David Findley is in the middle in the photo at right, also receiving his first pension check. He sailed with Crescent for 39 years and was a longtime delegate. Kevin McDermott (right) (wheelman/deckhand delegate) worked with Findley on the same crew for the last 25 years and was on hand to congratulate him (and maybe razz him a little, too). Westbrook is at left. 8 Seafarers LOG A-BOOK IN JOLIET – AB Ramir Maldepena displays his newly acquired A-book at the hall in early October. ABOARD CAPE HUDSON – SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) and Recertified Steward Joe Gallo are pictured aboard the Matson-operated vessel in San Francisco. December 2021 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOOKS AND REMEMBRANCE IN JACKSONVILLE – In photo at immediate right, pictured from left (facing camera) are AB Rahsean Lillard, SA Lawanda Parker and Chief Storekeeper Donita Dowdell, receiving their full B-books at the September membership meeting. In the other photo, members are sworn in during the October meeting, which also included a tribute to the final crew of the El Faro. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is standing at right. Taking the oath are (from left) ABM Kenneth Hardy, AB Javaris Wright, GVA James Stanford, Chief Cook Cynora Hunter, Chief Cook Jumaane Allen and AB Tristan Johnson. Hardy, Hunter and Johnson received their respective Abooks. WITH SIU MEMBERS IN MARYLAND – SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (center in photo above) meets with Seafarers Sam McClelland (left) and Kevin Kuhne at the Maryland Pilots Transfer Station at Solomons Island. In photo below, FOWT Marco Baez Millan (left) receives his full B-book. He’s pictured in Piney Point, Maryland, with Torrey. B-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – STOS John Paul Yap (right) receives his full B-book. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Safety Director Gordon Godel. PROMOTING SIU, MARITIME – From left: Recertified Bosun Lionel Rivas, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and AB Anwar Martinez are pictured Oct. 20 at maritime career fair in La Porte, Texas. December 2021 WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – AB Obaid Ali (left), who sailed with the union from 1979 until September of this year, picks up his first pension check at the hall. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right. DEDICATED AND CREATIVE READER – Recertified Bosun William Yurick shared these snapshots of his son, Jamie, “reading the LOG and then using it as a hat.” (Editor’s note: We take no offense to using the LOG for creative individual purposes – once readers have at least checked to see who retired and who crossed the bar, of course.) B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – OMU Robert Thomas (left) receives his full B-book. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. Seafarers LOG 9 �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, 2020 to December 31, 2020. 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 $300,647,795 as of December 31, 2020 compared to $239,118,635 as of January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $61,529,160. 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 total income of $150,056,069. This income included employer contributions of $126,536,677, employee contributions of $504,000, realized gains of $374,878 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $21,212,545 and other income of $1,427,969. Plan expenses were $88,526,909. These expenses included $13,362,500 in administrative expenses and $75,164,409 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: An accountant’s report. Financial information and information on payments to service providers. Assets held for investment; and 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $12 for the full 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: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, 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 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, 2020 to December 31, 2020. 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 $9,873,587. These expenses included $1,149,262 in administrative expenses and $8,724,325 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 15,700 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 $158,781,538 as of December 31, 2020 compared to $143,294,725 as of January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $15,486,813. 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 total income of $25,360,400, including employer contributions of $9,953,970, employee contributions of $117,214, gains of $920,787 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $14,365,924 and other income of $2,505. The plan has a contract with The Prudential Insurance Company of America which allocates funds toward individual policies. 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: 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. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and Information regarding any common or collective trust, 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: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.00 for the full 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: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, 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, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the SEAFARERS VACATION PLAN, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. 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 $32,348,901 as of December 31, 2020 compared to $28,942,105 as of January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $3,406,796. 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 total income of $77,288,729. This income included employer contributions of $74,272,675, realized losses of ($56,144) from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $2,825,099 and other income of $247,099. Plan expenses were $73,881,933. These expenses included $6,346,000 in administrative expenses and $67,535,933 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: An accountant’s report. Financial information and information on payments to service providers. Assets held for investment; and 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $12.75 for the full 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 10 Seafarers LOG 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 Capital Gateway Drive, 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, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Summary Annual Report For Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) PLAN, (Employer Identification No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. 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 $4,905,314. These expenses included $76,670 in administrative expenses, $4,760,850 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $67,794 in other expenses. A total of 15,502 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 $54,083,520 as of December 31, 2020 compared to $46,556,626 as of January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $7,526,894. 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 total income of $12,432,208, including employee contributions of $6,211,250, other contributions of $420,507, earnings from investments of $5,737,408 and other income of $63,043. 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: An accountant’s report. Financial Information and information on payments to service providers. Assets held for investment. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $11 for the full 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: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, 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, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) December 2021 �Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act Notice/Reminders About SIU Text Message Alerts The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to members’ careers, including important news about the SIU, its contracted companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins. The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to 97779. To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to 97779. Terms and Conditions By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell phone service plan that you have with your provider. You are providing your cell phone number and your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else without your express consent and that this service will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections for union office. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights - Union members have: Equal rights to participate in union activities Freedom of speech and assembly Voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments Protection of the right to sue 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 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 Certain Discipline: A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA 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 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. 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: Conduct elections for officers of national unions or intermediary districts at least every four years by secret ballot. 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. 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 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt December 2021 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 11 �The brand new Media Center, which replaced the Library that previously occupied the same space. A replica of the American rial’s statue PHC Unveils State-of-the-Art Media Another campus improvement has come to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland, and it’s a big one: the state-of-the-art Media Center. Standing on the site of the old library building, the new multi-function facility contains multiple modern classrooms, high-tech meeting rooms and a brand-new computer lounge. Furthermore, the entire building is equipped with the fastest high-speed Internet available on campus, making it a draw for students looking to complete their classwork or catch up with friends and family. Acting PHC Vice President Tom Orzechowski stated, “With this renovation, the Media Center now becomes the focal point of the campus. It represents a huge investment from the union and trustees, and sets us up for the next 20 years in terms of space. The work was done as part of the overall vision for the school: to bring us into the 21st Century with unfettered Wi-Fi and countless technological advancements that serve to move the school in line with what’s happening in colleges and technical schools across the country.” The meeting spaces are equipped with a full suite of wireless microphones, allowing anyone in the room to be heard with the push of a button. The classrooms are outfitted with cutting-edge projection systems which allow instructors to use the projectors as electronic whiteboards without the use of an external computer, through the use of digital “markers.” PHC Assistant Director of Training Wayne Johnson Jr. said, “The technology in the Media Center takes our school to the next level. One example being in the classroom, our interactive Epson Projector’s allow for instructor-controlled digital whiteboards utilizing a built-in camera system, while simultaneously projecting a lesson, also interactive, to students. The whiteboard notes from each lesson can be shared digitally with everyone attending, as well as any notes or updates made by the instructor during the lesson. This creates a seamless experience from classroom time to study time for our students.” Johnson Jr. continued, “Students have options. If they prefer working on PCs, we have them. If they prefer working with Macs, we have those. A dedicated quiet room is on s quiet environment if they prefer. Stu out’ devices provided by the school in their hotel rooms, or around camp In addition, the building has a mu years past, because it utilizes energy a more efficient, modern HVAC syst “The Media Center has greatly en vided by the instructors,” said PHC Szepesi. “The improved technology delivery of instruction. This allows t dustry in education.” “It’s a very nice place to come an Abraham Allamot. “You’ve got all lounging areas, it’s well-lit and the I SIU Guests attend a meeting within one of the new meeting spaces 12 Seafarers LOG December 2021 �In photo above, students study hard within the new study area. Trainees (photo below) take advantage of the latest computer hardware and fastest Internet speeds on campus. chant Marine Veterans Memo- Center allow students to work in a also have the ability to ‘check prefer to work on homework aller carbon footprint than in ent LED lighting fixtures and d the quality of training proulum Coordinator Monica es an interactive and dynamic U to continue to lead the in- g out,” said Chief Cook computers out here, some t is a lot better. The computContinued on Page 14 ent Michael Sacco (left) addresses a class of Recertified Bosuns inside one of the new classrooms. December 2021 Seafarers LOG 13 �Posters and memorabilia from World War II adorn the walls and serve as the focal point of the main hall. Facility Boasts Modern Amenities, Still Honors Past Continued from Page 13 ers in the computer lab are fast, and the World War II memorial looks beautiful in the center of the room.” Chief Cook Richetta Jackson remarked, “I like everything about it. The way they changed it is very nice, the computer lab is very nice and well-lit, the computers are very good.… It’s quiet and peaceful, too.” While the facility is undoubtedly modern, careful attention has been paid to honoring the past. Countless artifacts from throughout the history of the union and the school line the walls and adorn the meeting rooms, preserving the rich maritime history. In addition, a touchscreen pedestal computer is centrally located within the Media Center, containing a wealth of information on the history of the industry and the SIU. Serving as a focal point of the Media Center is a collection of merchant mariner posters from World War II, as well as a miniature version of a sculpture created by Wilmington, California, sculptor Jasper D’Ambrosi. The original statue, which depicts two merchant mariners climbing a Jacob’s ladder after making a rescue at sea, is part of the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial in San Pedro, California. “I’m very impressed with the new media center,” said Chief Cook Virnabeth Cano. “It’s very spacious, quiet, very conducive to study and I love the place. I was very impressed, it’s a big difference from what it was before.” “Everything in the media center is excellent and updated,” said Storekeeper Randy Corey. “The people over there are very nice, and it’s actually just a beautiful sight to see. It’s money well spent, and it’s being used to help us [the members] grow.” Trainees brush up on thier studies at the Paul Hall Center 14 Seafarers LOG Part of the WWII exhibit within the Media Center. Culinary students taking a break in the lounge area. December 2021 �Luedtke Pact Ratified A new, six-year agreement between the SIU and Luedtke Engineering Company recently was negotiated and unanimously ratified. The pact features annual wage increases for its first three years, followed by a wage and benefit reopener for the period April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2027. It also maintains benefits, boosts the board provision and creates a daily financial supplement for when employees are required to live aboard a tug. The SIU negotiating committee consisted of Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell, Port Agent Todd Brdak, and Port Agent Chad Partridge. Brdak stated, “Both the company and the union worked hard throughout the negotiating process and reached an agreement that is both fair and equitable for the SIU membership as well as for Luedtke Engineering Company. The SIU looks forward to continuing the good working relationship with Luedtke and representing the SIU membership working for Luedtke.” Luedtke operates a fleet of tugs and dredges performing marine construction services on the Great Lakes. Watco Contract Approved SIU members employed by Watco Transloading, LLC (some of whom are pictured above and below) recently ratified a five-year contract featuring wage gains, additional holidays and other improvements. Voting took place Nov. 10; members approved the agreement, which also maintains health and pension benefits, by an overwhelming majority. SIU Patrolman James Bast (standing at far right in photo below) credited delegates Andres Rivera and Lawrence Rizzo for their outstanding work during negotiations. Watco Seafarers are based in Brooklyn, New York, and Elizabeth, New Jersey. December & January 2022 Membership Meetings Piney Point...........................Monday: December 6, January 3 Algonac...............................Friday: December 10, January 7 Baltimore......................Thursday: December 9, January 6 Guam..........................Thursday: December 23, January 20 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Oct. 13 - Nov. 14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Nov. 14. Total Registered Port A Total Shipped B All Groups C A Registered on Beach B All Groups C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 20 1 2 19 4 5 9 38 30 28 4 8 19 4 4 2 6 19 2 19 253 5 2 3 7 0 8 2 19 31 5 3 2 15 2 3 2 4 9 3 10 135 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 7 7 0 1 4 7 3 0 1 0 3 0 2 40 Deck Department 6 3 1 0 2 0 1 2 2 18 3 4 4 1 0 10 4 0 7 1 0 30 10 5 23 25 5 19 8 3 3 2 1 6 1 2 18 9 5 12 2 0 2 0 0 3 1 1 3 3 0 16 7 1 2 3 0 26 11 1 209 98 31 3 0 2 11 0 4 2 20 26 16 2 1 12 4 0 2 0 10 3 8 126 27 5 2 34 6 11 12 71 54 51 3 17 30 21 6 1 8 37 1 32 429 11 2 6 18 0 12 6 36 48 13 4 6 23 4 3 5 6 15 3 13 234 2 1 0 5 0 2 0 10 9 4 2 2 8 3 1 0 0 3 0 5 57 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 1 4 9 1 4 3 7 19 15 1 2 17 3 1 2 4 11 0 12 118 1 0 3 5 0 3 3 11 17 7 0 4 11 4 0 1 3 6 0 6 85 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 1 5 1 0 0 0 2 2 2 22 Engine Department 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 3 1 8 4 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 3 5 1 7 9 2 15 14 1 13 5 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 8 11 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 6 5 0 4 2 3 0 0 1 13 4 2 95 66 19 4 0 1 5 0 0 3 5 9 7 1 1 6 1 0 2 6 3 0 8 62 2 1 4 10 1 4 9 13 23 18 2 4 20 7 4 1 7 23 1 17 171 0 1 2 10 0 3 3 15 27 9 0 8 18 8 1 2 6 11 0 12 136 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 6 2 0 0 0 5 1 2 24 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 0 1 13 2 3 6 15 18 6 1 2 12 5 4 4 2 5 1 11 115 0 3 0 8 2 1 2 8 12 8 0 3 17 6 0 8 7 4 1 7 97 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 4 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 15 Steward Department 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 5 6 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 12 6 2 10 11 2 10 4 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 9 10 1 6 7 0 1 0 0 2 3 2 1 4 0 6 2 0 2 1 0 8 3 0 79 65 9 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 9 7 2 0 2 4 4 0 2 3 4 0 8 49 7 0 0 17 2 6 9 23 31 12 1 5 22 17 3 4 3 10 0 25 197 2 1 0 10 2 0 2 8 15 5 0 7 16 10 0 8 6 4 0 18 114 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 4 2 0 0 1 2 0 1 18 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 12 5 3 0 6 2 1 3 10 23 9 0 1 15 7 1 0 0 10 1 12 109 3 1 2 6 1 2 5 15 55 17 0 1 25 1 0 15 3 6 1 4 163 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 6 Entry Depatment 3 3 2 0 0 2 2 3 1 1 1 0 2 0 10 9 14 29 9 6 0 1 0 0 10 17 6 2 1 1 0 18 0 1 6 2 1 1 8 3 76 99 2 2 1 1 0 0 1 3 9 0 1 0 5 1 0 4 1 2 0 1 34 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 4 4 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 9 0 4 31 14 1 1 8 1 2 2 15 33 25 0 1 28 20 0 1 0 16 1 20 189 11 1 1 5 2 2 10 17 84 20 1 1 29 3 1 6 8 13 0 9 224 426 240 389 271 828 673 323 Honolulu..............................Friday: December 17, January 14 Houston................................Monday:December 13, January 10 Jacksonville.....................Thursday: December 9, January 6 Joliet.................................Thursday: December 16, January 13 Mobile...........................Wednesday: December 15, January 12 New Orleans......................Tuesday: December 14, January 11 Jersey City............................Tuesday: December 7, January 4 Norfolk............................Friday: December 10, January 7 Oakland...........................Thursday: December 16, January 13 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: December 8, January 5 Port Everglades...............Thursday: December 16, January13 San Juan..............................Thursday: December 9, January 6 St. Louis.........................Friday: December 17, January14 Tacoma...............*Monday: December 27, Friday, January 21 Wilmington........................................December 20, January 18 * Tacoma change in December due to Christmas Observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m December 2021 GRAND TOTAL:498 305 158 Seafarers LOG 15 �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 OBAID ALI Brother Obaid Ali, 72, started his career with the union in 1978 when he shipped on the Santa Mariana. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Ali most recently sailed on the Cape Island. He makes his home in Seattle. JOHN ANDERSON Brother John Anderson, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1981, initially sailing aboard the Overseas New York. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Anderson’s final vessel was the OMI Star. He is a resident of Crestview, Florida. RONALD AUBUCHON Brother Ronald Aubuchon, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1981. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Manhattan. Brother Aubuchon upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and last sailed on the Taurus. He lives in Elsberry, Missouri. RALPH BROADWAY Brother Ralph Broadway, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1973, first sailing aboard the Overseas Rose. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Broadway most recently sailed on the Atlantic Guardian. He resides in Baltimore. EUGENE BROWN Brother Eugene Brown, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he worked for G&H Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Brown’s last vessel was the Gemini. He resides in Jefferson, Louisiana. 16 Seafarers LOG MICHAEL CARVALHO Brother Michael Carvalho, 55, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2000, initially sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Carvalho most recently shipped on the Grand Canyon State and calls Woodland, Washington, home. ROBERT COUVILLON Brother Robert Couvillon,72, joined the SIU in 1992 when he sailed on the Independence. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Couvillon most recently shipped on the Cape Intrepid and makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. JAMES DAVIDSON Brother James Davidson, 66, signed on with the union in 1974. He first sailed aboard the Transeastern and worked in the deck department. Brother Davidson upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the OMI Star and is a resident of Essington, Pennsylvania. LORENCIO DE LEON Brother Lorencio De Leon, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1977, initially shipping on the Long Lines. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother De Leon last shipped aboard the Midnight Sun. He lives in Tacoma, Washington. occasions. He most recently sailed on the Liberty Grace and is a resident of Waianae, Hawaii. MAGDY ELKEIK Brother Magdy Elkeik, 65, started sailing with the union in 2007, initially shipping on the Pride of Hawaii. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2009. Brother Elkeik concluded his career aboard the Maersk Sentosa and calls Brooklyn, New York, home. ALLAN OYAO Brother Allan Oyao, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1998. He initially shipped aboard the Overseas Boston and was a deck department member. Brother Oyao upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Overseas Texas City and resides in Anchorage, Alaska. ALBERT FRETTA Brother Albert Fretta, 65, joined the union in 1979 and first sailed with El Paso Southern Tanker Co. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Fretta last shipped on the Global Mariner. He lives in Deltona, Florida. Sister Elena Lee, 70, began her career with the SIU in 2005. A steward department member, she initially sailed aboard the Empire State. Sister Lee upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. She most recently shipped aboard the Maersk Hartford and resides in Sunrise, Florida. LEOPOLDO MALOLOS Brother Leopoldo Malolos, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2005, sailing first aboard the Pride of Aloha. A deck department member, Brother Malolos concluded his career on the Pride of America. He makes his home in Honolulu. ALEJANDRO MEJIA Brother Alejandro Mejia, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2002, initially sailing aboard the Little Hales. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at on the USNS Hess and sailed in the deck department. Brother Peterson upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1994. He concluded his career aboard the ITB Baltimore and calls Minden, Nevada, home. ABDULLA QUARAISH Brother Abdulla Quaraish, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1991. He sailed in all three departments and first shipped on the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Quaraish upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the President Jackson and lives in Lackawanna, New York. RICHARD PARKER Brother Richard Parker, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1982 and first sailed aboard the Santa Adela. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Parker’s final vessel was the Courier. He makes his home in Pensacola, Florida. ELENA LEE ERNEST DUMONT Brother Ernest Dumont, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in the steward department. Brother Dumont upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Mejia’s final vessel was the Independence. He resides in Miami. RONNIE RANKIN Brother Ronnie Rankin, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1995, first sailing aboard the Belofin Kestrel. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Rankin most recently sailed on the Overseas Los Angeles and resides in Oakland, California. RICHARD PAULSON Brother Richard Paulson, 65, signed on with the union in 1978. He initially sailed aboard the Del Oro and worked in the steward department. Brother Paulson upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the President Kennedy and is a resident of San Francisco. WALTER RITVALSKY Brother Walter Ritvalsky, 59, starting sailing with the Seafarers in 1991. He was a deck department member and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Ritvalsky’s first vessel was the Cape Farewell; his last, the Cape Rise. He makes his home in Portsmouth, Virginia. JAMES ROMEO PERCY PAYTON Brother Percy Payton, 69, joined the SIU in 1970 and first sailed on the Arizpa. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Payton last sailed on the USNS Effective and makes his home in Denver. Brother James Romeo, 67, joined the union in 1978 when he worked on the San Pedro. A deck department member, he upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Romeo concluded his career on the Maersk Yorktown. He lives in Canadensis, Pennsylvania. DARRELL PETERSON Brother Darrell Peterson, 65, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1986. He first shipped December 2021 �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. MARK SCARDINO Brother Mark Scardino, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1980, initially sailing on the Ultrasea. He was a steward department member and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Scardino last shipped aboard the Horizon Pacific and resides in Longview, Washington. on multiple occasions. Brother Yournett’s final vessel was the West Virginia. He lives in Orange Park, Florida. FRANCISCO ZUNIGA ARZU Brother Francisco Zuniga Arzu, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1997. He sailed in the steward department and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Zuniga Arzu upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the American Liberty and lives in Homestead, Florida. RALPH THOMAS Brother Ralph Thomas, 68, signed on with the union in 1978. He first sailed aboard the John Tyler and worked in the engine department. Brother Thomas upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He most recently shipped on the Alliance Fairfax and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. MICHAEL WELLS Brother Michael Wells, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1982, initially sailing aboard the Aquarius. He upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school and shipped in the engine department. Brother Wells last sailed on the Alliance Fairfax. He calls Enon, Ohio, home. WALTER WISE Brother Walter Wise, 72, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1989 when he sailed with Orgulf Transport. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Wise most recently shipped on the USNS Bowditch and makes his home in Ava, Missouri. MILTON YOURNETT Brother Milton Yournett, 65, signed on with the union in 1978, initially shipping on the Monticello. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school December 2021 the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Butterworth concluded his career with Hvide Marine and lives in Bonifay, Florida. INLAND LOUIS AHRENS Brother Louis Ahrens, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1977. A deck department member, he was first employed by National Marine Service. Brother Ahrens upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1996. He concluded his career with Higman Barge Lines and is a resident of Centerville, Texas. EUGENE ARCAND Brother Eugene Arcand, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2005 when he shipped aboard the Advantage. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Arcand was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in Englewood, Florida. WALTER BECKETT Brother Walter Beckett, 67, signed on with the union in 2000. He sailed in the deck department and worked for the Association of Maryland Pilots for the duration of his career. Brother Beckett settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ARTHUR BUTTERWORTH Brother Arthur Butterworth, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed with Lynnhaven Services. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at EARL DAIL Brother Earl Dail, 70, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2000. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Dail worked for Allied Transportation for the duration of his career. He resides in Edenton, North Carolina. STEPHEN DIAZ Brother Stephen Diaz, 62, signed on with the union in 1976. He primarily sailed in the deck department and worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services for his entire career. Brother Diaz upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He makes his home in Orlando, Florida. CHRISTOPHER DINNES Brother Christopher Dinnes, 62, joined the SIU in 1978. He was first employed by Northern Towing and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Dinnes upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school within his first year of membership. He concluded his career on the Paul Buck and resides in Spicewood, Texas. RICHARD DOGGETT Brother Richard Doggett, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1986, initially working for C.G. Willis Inc. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Doggett was last employed by Allied Transportation. He is a resident of Portsmouth, Virginia. remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Fort makes his home in McClellanville, South Carolina. ous occasions. Brother Parrish was employed by Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He makes his home in Merritt Island, Florida. BRENDA HUNTER Sister Brenda Hunter, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001 when she sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. She was a member of the steward department and concluded her career aboard the Mississippi Queen. Sister Hunter lives in Vinegar Bend, Alabama. MARK PHILLIPS Brother Mark Phillips, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1985 when he sailed with Hvide Marine. He worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Phillips’ final vessel was the Buccaneer. He lives in Port Arthur, Texas. ROBERT LAPOINTE GARY TAYLOR Brother Robert Lapointe, 64, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. He first shipped on the Leo and worked in the deck department. Brother Lapointe upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He last worked on Padre Island and resides in Canada. Brother Gary Taylor, 64, signed on with the union in 1975. He sailed in the deck department and worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. Brother Taylor makes his home in Barataria, Louisiana. ROBERT MARSHBURN Brother Robert Marshburn, 63, signed on with the union in 1976. He sailed in the deck department and worked for C.G. Willis for his entire career. Brother Marshburn upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1979. He makes his home in Tyner, North Carolina. SAMUEL NAING Brother Samuel Naing, 69, joined the SIU in 2007. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Naing worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He resides in Katy, Texas. STEVEN NELSON Brother Steven Nelson, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1973, initially sailing with G&H Towing. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Nelson was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and is a resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana. TONY VARNUM Brother Tony Varnum, 62, joined the SIU in 1979. A deck department member, he was employed by Cape Fear Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Varnum resides in Supply, North Carolina. BRITT VICKERY Brother Britt Vickery, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and continued working for the same company for his entire career. Brother Vickery is a resident of Lake City, Florida. KERRY WRIGHT Brother Kerry Wright, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1984. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Wright worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for most of his career. He calls Gretna, Louisiana, home. STEVEN PARRISH WARREN FORT Brother Warren Fort, 63, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978 when he worked for Marine Contracting and Towing. He was a member of the deck department and Brother Steven Parrish, 64, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numer- Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA AHMED BAABBAD Pensioner Ahmed Baabbad, 71, died August 8. He started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he shipped on the Del Sol. Brother Baabbad sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Comet. He became a pensioner in 2015 and settled in Bakersfield, California. RANDOLPH BOLLING Pensioner Randolph Bolling, 66, passed away September 5. He joined the union in 1972 and was a deck department member. Brother Bolling first sailed aboard the Warrior. He last shipped on the Honor in 2016 and went on pension in 2020. Brother Bolling lived in Slidell, Louisiana. LEON BUTLER Pensioner Leon Butler, 94, died October 31. He donned the SIU colors in 1968 when he sailed aboard the Overseas Evelyn. A steward department member, Brother Butler last shipped on the Cape Hudson. He retired in 1992 and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. RAYMOND ELSNER Brother Raymond Elsner, 41, passed away July 12. He signed on with the union in 2000, initially shipping aboard the Kenai. Brother Elsner worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the Balboa in 2008. He resided in Tok, Alaska. MICHAEL HOOPER Pensioner Michael Hooper, 65, died August 7. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1989 when he sailed with G&H Towing. Brother Hooper shipped in the deck 18 Seafarers LOG department and concluded his career on the Reliance in 2003. He became a pensioner in 2021 and lived in Franklin, Texas. FRANCISCO MONSIBAIS Pensioner Francisco Monsibais, 86, passed away October 26. He joined the union in 1962 and first shipped on the Taddei Village. Brother Monsibais last sailed on the Commitment and went on pension in 2006. He called Galveston, Texas, home. CRAIG SMITH Pensioner Craig Smith, 66, died September 7. He became a member of the SIU in 1974, initially sailing aboard the Erna Elizabeth. Brother Smith was an engine department member. He last worked on Padre Island and retired in 2019. Brother Smith made his home in Carriere, Mississippi. JESSE TREVINO Brother Jesse Trevino, 33, passed away July 8. Born in The Woodlands, Texas, he began sailing with the union in 2016. Brother Trevino was a deck department member and first sailed on the USNS Able. He most recently shipped aboard the Honor and resided in Houston. EDWIN VIEIRA Pensioner Edwin Vieira, 94, died October 21. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1945 and first sailed with Alcoa Steamship. A steward department member, Brother Vieira last worked on the Julius Hammer in 1995. He retired the same year and settled in Kenner, Louisiana. OSHEMA WATSON Sister Oshema Watson, 39, passed away September 22. Born in Martin, North Carolina, she joined the SIU in 2008. Sister Watson first shipped on the Houston and was an engine department member. She most recently shipped aboard the Severn and called Williamston, North Carolina, home. GREAT LAKES LOUIS BUNKER Pensioner Louis Bunker, 87, died September 4. He became a member of the SIU in 1962 and was first employed by Arnold Transit. Brother Bunker was a deck department member and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 1996 and lived in St. Ignace, Michigan. FRED HART Pensioner Fred Hart, 78, passed away October 19. He joined the Seafarers in 1998 and was a member of the engine department. Brother Hart first sailed aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart. He last shipped on the Alpena and retired in 2011. Brother Hart made his home in Alpena, Michigan. BOYD MESSER Pensioner Boyd Messer, 68, died September 3. He signed on with the union in 1974 and sailed primarily in the deck department. Brother Messer’s first vessel was the Adam E. Cornelius; his last, the American Mariner in 2015. He began collecting his pension in 2019 and resided in Gulliver, Michigan. DONALD SAUSMAN Pensioner Donald Sausman, 74, passed away October 16. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1965 when he shipped on the Reiss Brothers. Brother Sausman sailed in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the Presque Isle. He became a pensioner in 2006 and made his home in Eveleth, Minnesota. AHMED SHAIBI Pensioner Ahmed Shaibi, 86, died August 9. Signing on with the union in 1970, he first shipped on the H.N. Snyder. Brother Shaibi worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the Southdown Challenger. He retired in 1999 and called Lafayette, Louisiana, home. the Seafarers in 1967 when he worked for Inland Tugs. A deck department member, Brother Pellegal was last employed by Southern Ohio Towing. He went on pension in 1999 and made his home in Vicksburg, Mississippi. CURTIS WOODS Pensioner Curtis Woods, 85, passed away September 27. He began sailing with the SIU in 1970 and was a member of the deck department. Brother Woods worked for Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. He started collecting his pension in 1995 and called Lumberton, Mississippi, home. INLAND RUSSELL COGNEVICH Pensioner Russell Cognevich, 74, passed away October 18. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1974. An engine department member, Brother Cognevich sailed with Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. He began collecting his pension in 2006 and lived in West Monroe, Louisiana. JOHN GREENWAY Pensioner John Greenway, 88, died September 28. He donned the SIU colors in 1976, initially sailing with Allied Transportation. Brother Greenway was a member of the deck department and was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He became a pensioner in 1998 and settled in Watkinsville, Georgia. WILLIAM MATHEWS Pensioner William Mathews, 76, passed away October 13. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, he signed on with the union in 1967. Brother Mathews first worked for Victory Carriers and sailed in both the steward and deck departments. He concluded his career with Penn Maritime before retiring in 2007. Brother Mathews resided in Aydlett, North Carolina. NMU IRVING MELTON Pensioner Irving Melton, 82, died October 15. He joined the Seafarers during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother Melton was an engine department member and last sailed on the Chelsea. He retired in 2004 and was a New Orleans resident. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Agu, Hussain 86 Albuliwi, Mirshid 87 Alexander, Samuel 88 Araujo, Felipe 94 Cervantes, Ruperto 98 Chan, Peter 98 Echement, Robert 73 Feliciano, Noel 81 Foreman, Rudolph 88 Gazali, Hamood 78 Gibson, Vernon 88 Gordon, Robert 92 Hanson, George 93 Hayes, Paul 96 Llano, Efrain 78 Martinez, Ernesto 96 Meggs, Cleveland 95 Murphy, John 92 Olander, Jon 81 Padro, Jose 83 Parchment, William 95 Trachin, John 86 Wells, Willie 82 Yandacka, Joseph 85 DOD 07/04/2021 07/30/2021 08/01/2021 09/01/2021 09/21/2021 09/01/2021 07/21/2021 10/15/2021 09/18/2021 07/27/2020 09/13/2021 10/16/2021 10/23/2021 09/20/2021 08/30/2021 07/14/2021 09/10/2021 03/10/2021 10/20/2021 08/27/2021 09/09/2021 09/15/2021 09/05/2021 07/09/2021 JEROME PELLEGAL Pensioner Jerome Pellegal, 87, died September 6. He joined December 2021 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by the most recent class of recertified bosuns at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Richard Grubbs Recertified Bosun I joined straight out of the Navy, to continue the lifestyle of the sea. We have a strong union that has allowed me to reach my goals in life, and for that I especially want to thank (SIU President) Mike Sacco. This union will allow you to get to the goals you set. Tavell Love Recertified Bosun I joined the union because I had a cousin that worked as a secretary in Jacksonville. She thought it would be a good fit since I like money. I started in 2002. I fell in love with the travel, the respect and the type of work I was doing. I’ve stayed with the union because I like what I do and I’ve made a good living by being part of it. Lionel Rivas Recertified Bosun Life has blessed me for being part of this great organization. I have to say the SIU has been good to me and my family. If you know anyone who’d like to be part of it, I personally encourage them to do so. Joseph Gierbolini Recertified Bosun I started sailing in 1999, out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on the USNS Pathfinder. In the years since, starting in Sasebo, Japan, I have seen the world. I have been to Spain and the Philippines. I’ve seen ports in the Middle East and sailed the northern oceans. This union has given me ability to control my future. But it not only provided a career, it has given me the privilege to help other sailors to become better sailors and better men and women as they pursue their goals. Brian Guiry Recertified Bosun I joined the SIU in 1999, to travel and see the world. I’ve remained in the union because I found a home in the organization. I have built my entire adult life from the skills and opportunities I have learned and gained from the SIU. I am very grateful for the union and hope to continue as a member for a long time. Samuel Porchea Recertified Bosun I’ve been SIU in the for 24 years and I still love it. This is the right job for me, and it has made me not only the man I am today, but the person I always wanted to be. I really do love my job. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 December 2021 The SIU-contracted Overseas Arctic is pictured shortly before its launch in 1970. Built at Bethlehem Steel’s Sparrows Point yard, the tanker weighed 62,000 dwt and had a capacity of 524,000 barrels. It could sail at 15.5 knots and was 731 feet long, with a breadth of 105 feet. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Start Date Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers February 7 February 18 Machinist March 14 April 1 Pumpman April 4 April 8 Welding February 14 April 25 June 6 March 4 May 13 June 24 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic May 2 May 20 MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3 Date of Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook January 10 February 14 March 21 April 25 May 30 July 11 February 11 March 18 April 22 May 27 July 1 August 12 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck February 14 April 4 May 23 March 4 April 22 June 10 Lifeboat/Water Survival January 17 February 14 March 14 January 28 February 25 March 25 Advanced Galley Operations January 24 April 4 June 20 February 18 April 29 July 15 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 June 24 Chief Steward February 28 May 9 March 25 June 3 RFPNW January 24 February 28 April 25 February 11 March 18 May 13 Celestial Navigation August 22 September 16 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 Advanced Shiphandling Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting February 7 April 4 February 11 April 8 August 12 Medical Care Provider February 14 February 18 August 22 September 2 Basic Training Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 January 31 April 4 June 6 February 4 April 8 June 10 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Basic Training Revalidation January 14 February 7 February 25 January 14 February 7 February 25 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW April 25 May 20 FOWT January 24 June 13 February 18 July 8 Junior Engineer January 24 July 11 March 18 September 2 Marine Electrician May 16 June 17 Marine Refer Tech April 4 May 13 Advanced Refer Containers February 7 February 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ 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 #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation March 7 March 11 Government Vessels January 17 January 24 February 21 January 21 January 28 February 25 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) March 14 March 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL April 4 May 2 June 27 April 8 May 6 July 1 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 9 May 23 May 13 May 27 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 12/21 December 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #874 – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Maximo Bencosme, Xavier Brown, Anthony Luis Gonzalez, Joseph Hall, Zane Jeremy Kama Koal Hauanio, Paul Jimenez, Damonta Johnson, Mikael Lassiter, Brianna Majors, Zion Xavier Oliphant, Darius Parker, Teryana Privott, Johnny Smith and Ryan Torok. Class instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right. (Note: One individual pictured above discontinued this course several days before graduation.) UA to AS Deck – Graduated Oct. 15 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Jorge Alamo Pagan, John Noel San Buenaventura Alicaway, Rhiannon Buttrum, Joshua Cutchin, Stephen Fretwell, Joseph Anthony Gasparino IV, Joseph Lawrence Murphy III, Terrance Lamonte Paige, Luke Isamu John Satsuma, Mica Lucas Sexton and Melvin Singletary. Government Vessels – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Renee Michelle Clayton, Larry Lanzar Dizon, Mark Edmonds, Richard Flores, Robert Greenwood, William Hall, Isaka Koanda, Andrew Malidore, Jamaal Nelson, Christian Oding, Roy Frayna Robles, Kevin Tyson, Derek Willis, Maurice Woodhouse Jr., and Craig Wooten. (Note: Not all are pictured.) December 2021 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated Oct. 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Scarlett Amburgey, Pauline Crespo Guillen, Maurice Flemings, Troy Glatter, Mackenzie Latta, Claude Alferez Letts, German Sebastian Nunez, Samuel Pentowski, Luisito Silot Pipo, Lloyd Walton Jr., and Artis Williams. Advanced Galley Operations – Virnabeth Tomo Cano, above, graduated from this course Oct. 22. Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order): John Joseph Caraan Alcos, Jameeka Booker and James Jones. Marine Electrician – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Dennis Blake II, Bobbie Gibbs, Arvin Tarroza Heras, Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez, Orlando Vallangca Pajarillo Jr., Ryan Palmer and James Pascocello. Junior Engineer – Graduated Oct. 29 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Marco Antonio Baez Millan, Micah Champion, Robert Clark, Christopher Corpuz, Gregory Crowder, Elhassene Elkori, Samuel Fanjoy, Keilah Freeman, Hussain Mohamed Hafid, Ferdinand Gabonada Hullana and Jessica Valentin. Class instructor Christopher Morgan ia at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated Oct. 22 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Emmanuel Olabode Adeoti, Rahsaan Alexander, Stephen Burkhalter, Clinton Lopez Cephas, Louis Ferrigno, James Hines, Robert Johnson, Anthony Pacely Jr., and Joseph Toth. 22 Seafarers LOG December 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT – Graduated Nov. 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Oswaldo Jose Barrera, Nicholas Rocco Chiappini, Michael Jamal Garcia, Darius Alexandre Jackson-Jordan, Julian Misla Mendez, Isaac Pili, Makanaonalani Sing, Daryl Thomas Jr., Tara Trillo, Ahbram Ventura-Bishop, Roberto Abel Wadsworth and Kelly White. Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated Oct. 29 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Darvin Brown, August Cramer, Charles James, Charles Toliver and David Tucker. Certified Chief Cook – Graduated Oct. 22 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Leone Buggage, Jonte Crenshaw, Leighanne Deano, David Johnson Jr., Andrzej Marek Mikosz, Jarek Stephan Ramos Santos, Gil Serrano and Luke Vandegrift. Importance Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. December 2021 Seafarers LOG 23 �DECEMBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 12 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O WWII Mariner Shares Memories Missive Recalls ‘Liberty Ships and Japanese Repatriation’ Editor’s note: This article was written by Mark S. Gleeson, a World War II mariner and longtime vice chairman of the Merchant Mariners Fairness Committee, part of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. The committee helped spearhead a successful effort to extend the cutoff date for recognizing World War II merchant mariners as veterans so it matched the date used by the armed services. Even before the Japanese signed the surrender on September 2, 1945, there were decisions the Allied Command had to make. There was the decision about which troops would take command of specific parts of Japan, how to get occupation forces to Japan, and how to get the country up and moving again. Among the difficult issues to face: There were almost seven million Japanese soldiers and civilians scattered on all the islands, in China, Manchuria, Formosa, from Japan down to Australia, from China to almost the Hawaiian Islands. The troops had to be demilitarized, equipment disposed of, and everyone brought home. How to do this? The Japanese merchant fleet and a good part of their naval forces had been destroyed or were partially inoperable. In late 1945, the Allied Command, in conjunction with the War Shipping Administration, decided that they would allocate, on a temporary basis, 100 Liberty ships now in the Philippine area, and 100 landing ship tanks (LSTs) from the Marianas Island area. Sufficient hospital ships would also be made available to the Japanese government to aid in repatriation. It was planned that the Liberty ships would board 3,200 troops as opposed to a normal 2,500, and an LST would board 1,200 rather than a normal 700. The ships started to arrive in Japan in February 1946. I was a member of the crew of the SS William Dean Howells, riding at anchor in Manilla Harbor waiting for another assignment when we were notified in the middle of February that we would be one of 100 Liberty ships designated for the repatriation operation. We departed for Japan the last week of February, arriving at Yokohama, Japan, on March 1. The distance was about 1,600 miles and the weather was terrible. We hit a bad storm halfway there. We laid up in Yokohama harbor for four days and then were assigned a dock. A group of Army engineers and carpenters came aboard and constructed a line of open-seat wooden toilets hanging over the port side. There were about 25 seats hanging over open water. A railing was also attached to provide the individual something to hang on to when relieving himself. No additional toilet facilities were available for 3,500 men. We were to be ready to leave our ship on March 5, in two days. We were to leave everything as we found it, just take our bags. Two notations appear in the ship’s log: Yokohama, Japan, March 5, 1946, 3:00 PM Delivered vessel to the United States War Department on a bareboat basis and Master, Officers and Crew left the ship for repatriation. Harry T. Gower, Master This photo of the SS William Dean Howells is believed to be from the late 1940s, and was taken by Walter E. Frost. The author sailed aboard this vessel. Yokohama Japan, March 5, 1946, 4:00 PM The Master and Purser were billeted in Camp Battalion #2, Yokohama, Japan, and the remainder of the crew were billeted at the 4th Replacement Depot at Mitsubishi, Japan to await transportation to the United States. Harry T. Gower, Master The deboarding of the ship began in early afternoon, following a noon luncheon. As soon as our kitchen crew finished, a large group of Japanese cooks came aboard and immediately started food preparation. There was a large kettle in the galley and one cook started cutting big radishes and cabbage to make some sort of soup. Not a word was spoken as we passed down the gangplank to the awaiting Army trucks. No special buses. It was cold. Articles written about the lending of ships say it was necessary to have all the instruction information for operation of the vessel relabeled in Japanese. It seemed strange, but we were turning over an armed vessel. The eight 20mms were removed from the ship when it returned to Boston from Europe in late August 1945. The war was over. In the middle of October 1945 all armed merchant ships at sea were notified to throw all the ammunition overboard. I helped do this in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The three- and five-inch guns had not been removed, so a Naval Armed Guard was part of our crew. He kept the guns oiled and in shape. The Armed Guard departed to a local naval base when we deboarded. It was a long ride to the assigned replacement depot. Our temporary quarters turned out to be a typical Army barrack: a large, open room full of cots. Each cot had a folded blanket, two sheets and a pillow. That was it. Although the ship’s log reads that the master and purser were in another camp area, none of the officers were included in our crew quarters. They had to be with the master and purser. Sometime after 6 p.m. it was dinner time. We were the only crew that evening. When we got to the mess area, we were issued the Army metal mess kit, tin cup and metal utensils. Our first meal was the famous ground beef on a shingle, mashed potatoes, fruit salad and black coffee. We were shown how to clean our mess kits by dipping them in successive big tubs of boiling water and were told to take them with us for the next meal. We stayed at the replacement depot for 16 days, eating two meals a day, standing in line with other crews who had their ships taken, and Army replacements. Occasionally there were altercations when some Army personnel would try to cut into the line to get served first. There was nothing to do. There was a bathroom next to our sleeping area, and once a week we were taken to a big shower area nearby and given a large towel for our weekly bath. Nothing fancy and we realized that the Japanese soldier had had nothing fancy. Perhaps the officers were doing better. We listened to the Armed Forces Radio all day playing the big band music and getting the latest occupation news. Arrangements were made in a few days to take buses into Yokohama for shopping and tours. The big day to start home appears in the ship’s log: Yokohama, Japan March 21, 1946, 8:00 PM The Master, Officers, and Crew embarked aboard the USS General M.B. Stewart (PA-140) for repatriation to the United States. Harry T Gower, Master Regardless of what time the ship’s log states, we departed for the transport after our noon meal, this time in buses. The big C-4 transport would hold 3,500 men, and included in this total were six crews from Liberty ships. It was a large ship, and the merchant crews were assigned to the bunk areas in the lower decks, in the stern area of the ship. Someone figured that this area was the roughest and noisiest. As the stern came up in rough water, the most noise and vibration from the shaft was in this area. I think we only had three high pipe bunks. Meals twice a day again, and limited opportunity to visit a PX on board. I cannot remember one meal that was served but we did use a metal tray and utensils for meals, no mess kits. Certain times were set for various areas to spend time on deck. The plumbing did not work all that well and when I went to check out the shower area there was an inch of water sloshing around in the showers. That ended the use of the showers, but the rest of the toilet facilities worked. The ship master and officers were provided better accommodations topside. Some years later when I joined the Mon Valley Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans and got to know some of my new friends, I found one shipmate who had been on the USS M.B. Stewart as part of the crew. Although the Stewart was an Army transport, the crew were merchant seamen. Fifteen days after we departed Yokohama, we arrived at Seattle. We settled in a local hotel for several days until it was time to sign off and go home. I took the Great Northern sleeper train from Seattle to Chicago, a three-day trip. I changed to a 10-hour Pittsburgh train, arriving in Pittsburgh about 8 p.m. The local train to my hometown did not leave till 10:30. I picked up my bags and went to a large USO trailer that was stationed just outside the entrance of Penn Station. When I got to the trailer, two large Navy Shore Patrol appeared and stood in front of the door to the trailer. One asked me where I was going. I replied I would like a cup of coffee and something to eat. I told him I had been en route home for over a month: seven days from Manilla to Japan, six days in Yokohama harbor, 16 days in a replacement camp, 15 days at sea to Seattle, three days in Seattle, and four days of train rides to Pittsburgh. One of the SPs put his club against my chest and told me I could not go in as I was not a veteran, I was merchant marine. We did not get served. I was too tired to argue; I picked up my sea bags and went back to wait for my train home. It turned out that the repatriation arrangement worked well for the Japanese. With 188 Japanese ships and 191 Liberty ships and LSTs sailing, it was possible at the end of July 1946 to return 55 of the 100 Liberty ships back to the United States. The first ships left Japan on August 16, 1946. All the returning Liberty ships had Japanese crews who were returned to Japan on transports. The ship’s card for the SS William Dean Howells says the ship was returned to San Francisco in July 1947. By the end of 1948, the repatriation of almost seven million Japanese men and women was complete. � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2021 Description An account of the resource GEN. VAN OVOST TAKES HELM AT TRANSPORTATION COMMAND WHITE HOUSE NOMINATES REAR ADMIRAL PHILLIPS FOR MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR MARITIME INDUSTRY FOCUSES EFFORTS ON HELPING ENSURE SAFE WORKPLACES ITF: MARITIME MUST BE SAFE FOR WOMEN PIRACY INCIDENTS PLUMMET TO LOWEST LEVELS SINCE 1990'S BUT VIOLENCE AGAINST SEAFARERS CONTINUES U.S REPRESENTATIVE LURIA THANKS U.S. MARINERS, AMERICAN-FLAG FLEET DURING REMARKS TO CONGRESS RETIRED PATROLMAN SHEEHAN PASSES AWAY AT 76 SAB ACTION MAKES OFFICIAL WHAT'S ALREADY OCCURRING AMP: DOMESTIC INDUSTRY DELIVERS REPORTS SHOW STRONG UNION PRESENCE IN AMERICA'S RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR PHC UNVEILS STATE-OF-THE-ART MEDIA CENTER LUEDTKE PACT RATIFIED WATCO CONTRACT APPROVED WWII MARINER SHARES MEMORIES 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 12/01/2021 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. 83, NO. 12 2021 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f3dd83933ea188abc414deaf2e09906b.pdf a8bec59237341077396b603c5024e5a1 PDF Text Text JANUARY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 1 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O U.S. Mariners ‘Are True Patriots’ Gen. Van Ovost Praises Merchant Marine; SIU’s Heindel Receives AOTOS Award Addressing a maritime industry audience of more than 600, Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (right in photo directly above, with SIU President Michael Sacco, left, and AMO President Paul Doell) on Dec. 3 offered unequivocal support for American mariners and the industry. The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command described U.S. Merchant Mariners as “true patriots” and said the nation must maintain a viable American-flag fleet. She made the remarks in New York during the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea awards dinner, a prestigious event sponsored by the United Seamen’s Service. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (photo at left) was a main honoree. Page 3. Holiday Event Returns Following a pause in 2020 for safety reasons, the yearly pre-Thanksgiving feast at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, returned to action Nov. 23. Always a popular and well-attended event, the 2021 iteration featured remarks by several U.S. congressional representatives. Pictured before the gathering are (front, from left) Seafarers James Abilad, Michael Todman, Ali Munsar and Abdulla Mused. Those standing include SIU VP Nicholas Celona (second from right), SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (far right), retired Recertified Steward George Pino (second from left) and members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard. Page 5. SIU’s Year in Review While the ongoing pandemic was an ever-present factor, the year 2021 for the SIU could have been nicknamed the year of the contract. No fewer than 15 new agreements were reached during that span, including ones at Crescent Towing in New Orleans and in Mobile, Alabama. In photo above, Mobile-area boatmen are pictured with SIU Port Agents Jimmy White (second from left) and Chris Westbrook (sixth from right). Page 20. CIVMARS to the Rescue Page 4 Thanksgiving at Sea Pages 10-11 �President’s Report America’s Shipyards The state of American shipbuilding is a noteworthy example of the effects of government policy. While we in the SIU remain justifiably proud of the outstanding work performed by union shipyard employees, the worldwide shipbuilding statistics are sobering. Only onethird of a percent of the world’s ships carry the “Made in the USA” label. By contrast, China produces around 40 percent, while Korea and Japan account for 25 percent each. The main reason for that disparity is straightforward: the U.S. eliminated its construction differential subsidy program in 1981 but didn’t attempt to secure any sort of reciprocity from other shipbuilding nations. Asian yards, buoyed by billions of dollars Michael Sacco in subsidies, took over the global market. It only took a little more than a decade for America to go from being the biggest commercial shipbuilder in the world to no longer producing any vessels for international trade. All of that said, things are hardly hopeless. We still have more than 100 shipyards in the U.S., most of them smaller facilities but all crewed by capable, well-trained employees, many of whom belong to unions, including ones affiliated with the Maritime Trades Department (where I also serve as president). In particular, union yards in Philadelphia and San Diego in recent years have constructed some of the world’s most modern, state-of-the-art tonnage, including tankers, containerships, and container/roll-on, roll-off vessels. But those ships are for the Jones Act trade, which largely has been recapitalized. In order to truly bounce back, our shipyards need a commitment from the federal government and a solid plan to rebuild the Navy. Legislation has been introduced in Congress to do both. Bringing back a modern version of the construction subsidy program also would help level the playing field for securing contracts to build commercial vessels for global trading. In the interim, America would benefit by taking better advantage of the Title XI Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program. According to the U.S. Maritime Administration, Title XI “provides for a full faith and credit guarantee by the United States Government to promote the growth and modernization of the U.S. merchant marine and U.S. shipyards. The program … provides U.S. Government guaranteed debt issued by (1) U.S. or foreign shipowners for the purpose of financing or refinancing either U.S.-flag vessels or eligible export vessels constructed, reconstructed or reconditioned in U.S. shipyards and (2) U.S. shipyards for the purpose of financing advanced shipbuilding technology and modern shipbuilding technology of a privately owned, general shipyard facility located in the U.S.” Title XI is not a subsidy program and it has been under-utilized for too long. Studies have shown that for every dollar invested in the program, $20 worth of economic activity is generated. America’s shipbuilding capability, like other parts of the maritime industry, is vital to national, economic and homeland security. That’s why the SIU believes it is of utmost priority to promote, protect and grow United States shipyards from coast to coast. (More U.S.-flag ships also mean more SIU jobs.) To do otherwise is to risk eventual full dependence on foreign countries both for the nation’s commercial trade and, more importantly, supporting the troops. Those risks are obvious and unacceptable. We need to do something about it. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 1 January 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Administrator Reports More Progress with CHS The union and the Seafarers Plans are continuing to work with Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) to identify and implement improvements in services for SIU members. In mid-November, the union and Seafarers Plans hosted a meeting at SIU headquarters that included the CHS CEO and their program manager for the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan. Attendees thoroughly discussed ways to speed up the physical exam steps used by SIU members. Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, in her December report to the SIU membership, noted, “We met with them to reiterate the seriousness of the problems our participants have been facing during the exam process. They once again committed to providing the quality of service that you need and deserve. CHS indicated that they are in the process of upgrading their technology to make the communication and flow of information between them and the clinics a more seamless process. These major upgrades are due to take place during second quarter of 2022. They are also developing new surveys to identify areas that con- tinue to need improvement. We will monitor their progress in all areas to ensure that they deliver on their promises, and will keep you posted on the outcomes.” In a previous report, Bowen said CHS had eliminated most of its backlog of exams that were awaiting review through mid-September. That improvement “is a direct result of our demand that more resources were required to fulfill our agreement with CHS, including adding additional doctors,” she stated. Meanwhile, the administrator in the December report also mentioned that multiple mailings were sent to SHBP participants in November. They included a cover letter and notice outlining the positive changes to the SHBP due to the No Surprises Act. The changes include out-of-network emergency treatment being covered at the 90% in-network levels; out-of-network ancillary services at an in-network facility (such as an anesthesiologist, radiologist or surgeon) will be covered at 90% of the qualifying payment amount; and, out-of-network air ambulance service will be covered at 90% of the qualifying payment amount. NASSCO Christens USNS Milk New jobs are on the horizon for members of the SIU Government Services Division following the Nov. 6 christening and launch of the USNS Harvey Milk. The ceremony took place at union shipyard General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, where the vessel was built. According to NASSCO, the USNS Harvey Milk is the second ship for the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet oiler program. The new vessel’s crew will include SIU CIVAMARS. Stuart Milk, nephew of the ship’s namesake and co-founder and president of the Harvey Milk Foundation, served as the principal speaker at the ceremony, which also featured remarks from NASSCO and U.S. Navy representatives. U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (DCalifornia) and Paula Neira, Navy veteran and clinical program director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health, were the ship’s sponsors. Prior to launching the 742-foot-long ship down the ways, Neira christened the vessel with the traditional champagne bottle break alongside the hull. “We are justifiably proud of every ship we build, but this one is special because of her namesake. Today, we are honoring Stuart’s lifetime of selfless service, his hope for equality, and a world without hate,” said David Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “On behalf of the 3,500 employees of General Dynamics NASSCO, I am proud to present the future USNS Harvey Milk for christening.” Former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus declared the John Lewis-class of oilers be named after leaders who fought for civil and Above, guests listen to remarks during the christening ceremony for the USNS Harvey Milk. In photo at left below, Paula Neira does the honors, breaking a champagne bottle alongside the hull. (Photos courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO) human rights. The second of six ships honors Harvey Milk, an activist who dedicated his life promoting equality. “Leaders like Harvey Milk taught us that diversity of backgrounds and experiences help contribute to the strength and resolve of our nation,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “There is no doubt that the future Sailors aboard this ship will be inspired by Milk’s life and legacy.” “The christening of the USNS Harvey Milk marks another historic milestone in the history of our Navy and our country. Harvey Milk’s words and actions brought hope and inspiration to many for whom our nation’s lofty rhetoric of equality and inclusion were not yet reality,” said Neira. “Today, while we must continue to carry on his work, and much work still needs to be done, by christening and launching this ship we honor his legacy, celebrate the progress that has been made in advancing diversity and inclusion for so many, and we know that wherever the USNS Harvey Milk will sail, she will bring that message of hope and inspiration to present and future generations.” In 2016, General Dynamics NASSCO was awarded the contract by the U.S. Navy for the detailed design and construction of the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis class. The contract calls for the design and construction of six 742-foot-long oilers with a full load displacement of 49,850 tons. Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, the oilers have the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and up to a speed of 20 knots. These vessels will replace the current T-AO 187-class fleet replacement oilers. In addition to the christening of this ship, two vessels in the T-AO class fleet oiler program for the U.S. Navy – the future USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), and the future USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) – are currently under construction. The lead ship, the future USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), was launched earlier this year. January 2022 �Van Ovost Backs Jones Act, U.S. Mariners Gen.Van Ovost describes U.S. mariners as “true patriots.” The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) recently voiced her strong backing of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the laws and programs that keep it afloat. Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost (USAF) addressed more than 600 attendees Dec. 3 in New York during the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea event, sponsored by the United Seamen’s Service. The audience included maritime labor leaders (many from the SIU), industry executives, other military officers, international maritime officials and others (see story, this page). Gen. Van Ovost was the first speaker. She said, “The Department of Defense relies on you to deliver our decisive military force – a job you have done for decades. This industry is critical to advancing American interests. As a seafaring nation, our country has been, and is, and will continue to be reliant on the strength of the maritime industry and the many mariners who are known for their determination, their grit and selfless service. You are true patriots.” She pointed out that mariners “are the first to go and the last to return” during major conflicts, and added that their role isn’t limited to those periods. “You are America’s economic lifeline during peacetime,” she stated. “I’ve referred to you as TRANSCOM’s fourth component.” Gen. Van Ovost touched on current challenges facing both the armed services and the maritime industry. She emphasized the partnership between the public and private sectors, their shared goals, and the value of regular sealift exercises. She also underscored the importance of “minimizing our reliance on foreign entities” She referred to a relatively recent study that led to the creation of the new U.S. Tanker Security Program and added, “Programs such as the Tanker Security Program, the Maritime Security Program Pictured from left are honorees Tony Naccarato, Kathy Metcalf and David Heindel. and the Jones Act ensure that we have reliable access to industry capabilities to meet our needs.” The general then recalled a quote from retired Gen. Henry Hugh Shelton, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who said: “Our national security depends on a vital merchant marine foundation.” Gen. Van Ovost concluded, “I could not be more proud of the relationship between TRANSCOM and the maritime industry. We value the U.S. mariners operating U.S. vessels, and we recognize the important role our mariners play in the strength of our nation.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel was one of the main honorees at the awards dinner, and the union had a strong turnout that included SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice Presidents Dean Corgey, Tom Orzechowski, Joseph Soresi, Nick Marrone and Nicholas Celona and many other officials. Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer Commander, MSC SIU’s Heindel Honored with AOTOS Award Metcalf, Woodhour, Naccarato, Mariners Also Recognized On a night when much of the spotlight focused on him, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel mainly wanted to talk about others. Heindel on Dec. 3 received the Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award in New York, a prestigious honor presented each year by the United Seamen’s Service (USS). This year’s honorees also included Bill Woodhour, president and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited (MLL); Kathy Metcalf, president and CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America; and longtime labor relations icon Tony Naccarato, who garnered what is dubbed a Special AOTOS Award. Three Seafarers-crewed vessels also were recognized with USS Mariners’ Plaques: the USNS Patuxent, American Pride, and Horizon Reliance. The plaques, bestowed for various acts of heroism at sea, were presented by Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, USN, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Prior to those presentations, Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, USAF, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, addressed the audience of more than 600, including SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and others (see story, this page). Heindel called his award “the honor of a lifetime,” and he thanked many people for supporting his work throughout the years, including his family, Sacco, other SIU officials, and colleagues from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), several of whom travelled to the awards dinner from overseas. (Heindel chairs the ITF Seafarers’ Section.) He emphasized that throughout his decades as a union official, following several years as a rank-andfile mariner, his aim remained constant. January 2022 “Whether we’re talking about the crew-change crisis that has consumed our many hours on Zoom or the latest issue with the supply chain, shipboard automation, alternative fuels, training requirements or almost any other maritime-related topic, my focus ultimately is on the wellbeing of the individual seafarer,” Heindel said. “That’s what motivates me, and on the rare occasions I look back, it’s what I’m most proud of.” Reflecting on his time with the union, Heindel recalled, “I joined the SIU in the early 1970s, and one reason I’ve always believed in the union is that we don’t stand still. We constantly strive to make improvements, and the results speak for themselves. Today, our members have free access to world-class vocational training at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. They’re part of a top-of-the-line, fully funded pension plan that gives them security when they look ahead to retirement. They’re covered by excellent medical benefits, and they’re protected by great contracts – which means their families are protected, too. “Another way we’ve helped our rank-and-file members is by keeping up with the times regarding recordkeeping, getting them easy access to their individual shipping and registration information, and being able to communicate quickly using multiple outlets, regardless of whether they’re at sea or ashore,” he continued. “That’s been a main focus throughout my tenure as the SIU’s secretary-treasurer, and while – like so many other things – the work is always ongoing, and we’ve made extraordinary progress over the years.” He also credited the USS and ITF and cited examples of their recent accomplishments. Metcalf and Naccarato both applauded the industry for its collectively cooperative nature, while also sharing insights about their respective backgrounds. Woodhour, unable to attend because of a medical procedure, delivered his remarks via recorded video. He stressed the critical importance of the U.S. maritime industry and listed potential steps to expand it. MLL President/CEO Bill Woodhour delivers his remarks via video. Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II (left) meets with Chef Kellie Puff, a professor and chair of the culinary department at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Part of the union’s outreach includes stops at the Alaska Youth Military Academy, whihc is where the photo at right was taken. Marrone is in the foreground, with students. Union Ramps Up Recruiting in ‘Last Frontier’ It’s nothing new for the SIU to help make Alaskans aware of maritime career opportunities, but the union in recent months has increased its outreach in the Last Frontier. SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II has spearheaded a broad outreach for prospective applicants to the apprentice program at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland; and for individuals already working as credentialed mariners. “We have gotten an enthusiastic reception everywhere we’ve gone” Marrone said. “People are very interested in the union and receiving their training at the school. They’re eager to work!” Such was the case Nov. 12 at the Alaska Military Youth Academy, where Marrone spoke separately with each platoon. Afterward, around two dozen students showed interest in the apprentice program, which is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. Another recruiting stop a few days later proved it’s a small world. While manning a booth at the Anchorage Job Expo, Marrone met STOS Melvin Mitchell, an active Seafarer. (The SIU booth received very favorable reviews from attendees and from Alaska Works Partnership, the sponsoring entity.) Other stops for the port agent have included Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson (where he regularly meets with separat- ing military members); King Tech Career Center/Alaska Middle College School (AMCS); the State of Alaska Anchorage/ Muldoon/Mat-Su D.O.L. Job Center Network; West Anchorage High; and the Culinary Arts University of Alaska Anchorage. Meanwhile, upgrades are happening at the hiring hall in Anchorage, including adding phone lines, improving internet connectivity and modifying some of the interior layout to facilitate daily operations. Members Ratify 5-Year Contract With Virginia Pilot Association Wage Hikes, Improved Benefits Highlight Package SIU members at Virginia Pilot Association late last year secured a new five-year contract that increases wages and improves benefits. The agreement covers 24 Seafarers who work at the Virginia Beach, Virginia-based company. “We did really well. This is the best contract we’ve ever had,” said Oliver Meyer, a launch operator who served on the negotiating committee along with fellow member John Cameron, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Port Agent DeCarlo Harris. Meyer said he particularly appreciates the increased pension credits, along with the pay raises. He credited Soresi (“Joe was awesome”) and also noted this was the first contract negotiated with new management at the company. Like Meyer, Cameron hadn’t previously served on a bargaining com- mittee, but he said the experience went well. “I’d heard some horror stories and I know it’s never easy, but Joe was fantastic,” said Cameron, who also is a launch operator. “We chimed in and voiced our opinion while remaining professional. Overall, we’re really impressed and really thankful. It’s the best contract we’ve ever gotten.” Seafarers at Virginia Pilot Association typically work one week on (with each work day consisting of a 12-hour shift) followed by a week off. During a work week, they sleep ashore at a headquarters facility that Cameron said functions similarly to a firehouse. Soresi stated, “I’m glad the members are pleased with the contract, which I believe is a very fair agreement both for the union and for the company. This agreement means stability for everyone concerned.” Pictured from left are Seafarers Randy Grinnan and John Cameron, SIU Port Agent DeCarlo Harris and Seafarers Gage Harper, Tyler Elswick, Oliver Meyer, Joel Otroba and Will Henson. SIU CIVMARS Help Rescue 2 in Gulf of Oman Two Iranian fishermen signal for assistance Nov. 27 after their boat had been adrift for eight days in the Gulf of Oman. (U.S. Navy photo) 4 Seafarers LOG CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division helped rescue two fishermen who’d been stuck at sea for more than a week. On Nov. 27, the USNS Charles Drew was involved in a rescue in the Gulf of Oman. The dry cargo ship received word of a distress call at 10 a.m. local time from Combined Maritime Forces, an international maritime coalition headquartered in Bahrain. The Charles Drew proceeded to the site of a stranded fishing vessel, and provided food, water and medical care to the two occupants – who had been adrift at sea for eight days. The men from the disabled craft were then transported to an Omani coast guard vessel. “This is what we are trained and ready to do,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “As professional mariners, we have a responsibility to help people in need at sea. We appreciate the government of Oman for its assistance and support in helping us return the mariners home.” January 2022 �Pictured from left in photo at immediate left are U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-California), SIU VP Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), SIU VP Nicholas Celona and U.S. Rep. Jim Panetta (D-California). In photo above, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California) addresses the crowd. Oakland Thanksgiving Event Resumes Locally Renowned Gathering Features Congressional Remarks Some of the details were different, for precautionary reasons – but the enthusiastic fellowship and great food were familiar to those attending the annual pre-Thanksgiving feast at the hiring hall in Oakland, California. The popular gathering skipped 2020 for safety reasons, but returned on Nov. 23, 2021 (in its usual slot, which is the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week). Guest speakers included U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee, John Garamendi, Jerry McNerney and Jim Panetta (all California Democrats). Other guests included military personnel; maritime union members, pensioners and officials; numerous building-trades union personnel; shipping company executives and staff; and others. SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona, long the driving force behind the decadesold yearly event, said the mood was upbeat for the 2021 feast. “We took many precautions, including serving the meals in individual containers instead of going with the usual buffet-style arrangement,” Celona said. “We made sure plenty of hand sanitizer was available and we asked that everyone bring their vaccination cards. We also spaced out the tables more than usual. People said they were glad to be back.” With 120 people in attendance, the congressional representatives gave brief remarks mainly focusing on the holiday season, the infrastructure bill, and the importance of creating and maintaining good jobs in the U.S. They also emphasized the country’s ongoing need for American mariners and U.S.flag ships. Yardena Wolf (left), chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California), and SIU VP Nick Marrone The hall hosted 120 people for the Thanksgiving gathering. January 2022 Retired Recertified Steward George Pino (center) displays the U.S. Merchant Marine flag. Lt. Col. Kevin. P. Arnett, commander of the San Francisco District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and retired Recertified Steward George Pino SIU VP Nicholas Celona (second from right) welcomes guests Guests enjoy the holiday event in Oakland, California. Seafarers LOG 5 �HONORING VETERANS IN HOUSTON – Seafarers and SIU officials are pictured with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (front, wearing mask) at a Veterans Day event. SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo is second from left. Among those also pictured are Bosun German Nunez (right), Recertified Steward Fausto Aranda (left), SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala (directly behind the congresswoman), SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and ITF Inspector Shwe Aung. BACKING PRO-WORKER REP. – The hiring hall in Philadelphia hosted an outdoor labor breakfast for Pennsylvania State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D). She’s in the center, with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR – SIU Safety Director Ben Anderson snapped this photo during a mid-November servicing of the Alaska Tanker Co. vessel. Pictured from left are QMED Leland Peterson, Steward/Baker Albert Sison, SA Ahmed Moosa, Chief Cook Nasr Almusab, GUDE Abdulrehman Shayef, AB Bonifacio Fortes and Recertified Bosun Greg Hamilton. FINAL FRONTIER – Bosun Kyle Silva (left) is pictured with astronaut Mike Foreman at San Jacinto Maritime in La Porte, Texas. The occasion was a “pool session” conducted by Bastion Technologies of Houston. “Bastion engineers equipment for NASA as well as the maritime industry,” explained Silva. WITH SEAFARERS IN JACKSONVILLE – Pictured from left near the hall are Chief Cook Larry Griffin, Recertified Steward Breon Lucas and Chief Steward Robert Seim. SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo submitted the photo and noted, “As someone who also sailed in the steward department, it would be a real honor to work with any of these men. It’s why I took the photo.” UPGRADE COMPLETE – Seafarer Luis Ricardo Venegas Nolasco (right) proudly displays his first ABW registration after recently upgrading at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He’s pictured at the hall in San Juan, with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. 6 Seafarers LOG WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Bosun Denyse Sineath (right) picks up her first pension check at the hall. She’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. Sineath sailed with the SIU beginning in 1997. GENEROSITY IN TACOMA – Retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella (left) donates two bikes for the annual Santa’s Castle toy drive. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo. PHILANTHROPY IN PUERTO RICO – SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes (right) and Juan Sanchez of the AFT check inventory of books stored at the San Juan hall for eventual donation to area students. The donations are part of a long-running outreach called BookWaves. January 2022 �FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) congratulates AB Luis Mena after swearing him in for a full B-book at the hiring hall. ABOARD ATB MILLVILLE – Pictured aboard the Key Marine vessel in Florida are Chief Mate Ed Melvin, AE Duncan Markie, SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins and ABT John Daunoras. Thanks to Capt. Michael O’Connell for the photo. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD HUDSON EXPRESS – Pictured at the gangway in Jacksonville, Florida, (photo at left) are AB Anthony Ellison (right) and SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman. The group photo above includes (from left) Chief Cook David Johnson, Steward/Baker Antonio Holmes, GSTU Kanish Johnson, AB Falando Williams, Wiper Terence Trip, AB Andrew Graham, Bosun Zeki Karaahmet, AB Glenn Davis (seated), Pittman, Relief Bosun Damon Anderson and AB Jonathan Eitz. The Marine Personnel and Provisioning ship is one of the reflagged vessels that have replaced the older Express ships running to Europe and back. Thanks to SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo for the photos. ABOARD CS DEPENDABLE – Now sailing under the Stars and Stripes, the SubCom ship will serve in the newly established U.S. Cable Security Fleet. These snapshots – courtesy of vessel master Capt. Yann Durieux – were taken in Guam. The photo at left includes Bosun’s Mate Mohamed Saleh, OMU Abdullah Alamri, OMU Nasser Ahmed, GVA Fayez Obad, AB Altoria McKinney, OMU Damian Langley, Apprentice Patrick Estavillo, AB/SJ Dominador Diaz, GVA/SA Julien Arevalo, GVA Kyree Carter, GVA Sarah Wilson, AB/SJ Alejandro Cusi, GVA Nirale Rolle, Chief Electrician Boyko Kovatchev, Apprentice Bjorn Anthony, AB/SJ Hunter Cox, GVA Kenard Turner, GVA Travis Smith, AB/SJ Joel Saul and Bosun Steven Whiting. The photo at right includes (from left) GVA/SA Philip Agcaoili, GVA/SA Julien Arevalo, Chief Steward Raul Napoles, 3rd Cook Ammar Sailan, SA Shamori White and Chief Cook Leone Buggage. ABOARD ARC INDEPENDENCE – These photos were taken during a weekend servicing in Jacksonville, Florida, in late October aboard the TOTE Services ship. Pictured from left in photo at left are Bosun Edward Wright, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson and Recertified Steward Gerald Hyman. The photo at right includes (from left) SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman, Hyman, Chief Cook Jasmin Franklin, Oiler David Hain-Mendez, Wright and AB Rodney Edwards. January 2022 Seafarers LOG 7 �1/22 8 Seafarers LOG January 2022 �Organized Labor Applauds Passage Of Infrastructure Bill Leaders of the AFL-CIO and affiliate unions, including the SIU, hailed congressional passage of the five-year $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, which President Joe Biden signed on Nov. 15. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez was an invited guest at the outdoor signing ceremony. “The Seafarers International Union enthusiastically applauds President Biden and Congress for enactment of the bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act,” the SIU said in a prepared statement. “This legislation is a massive victory for our country, and a credit to President Biden, Vice President Harris and the legislators who supported it. “We are confident that, in addition to many other worthwhile outcomes, the bill will directly lead to new investment in America’s maritime industry,” the statement continued. “The legislation holds great promise for building new U.S.flag vessels and creating new job opportunities for the U.S. Merchant Marine. The SIU is honored to have been invited to the signing ceremony – a further reflection of the Administration’s respect for the labor movement. We look forward to supporting the resultant efforts to help revitalize American maritime.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “Victories like this are why we campaigned so hard for President Biden.” She called the legislation “a monumental political and legislative accomplishment. After decades of delay and decline, America’s workers stand ready to rebuild our country. This $1 trillion investment in roads, bridges, transit, rail, climate change mitigation, electric vehicles, clean drinking water, high-speed Internet, resilient transmission lines and more is centered around the creation of good union jobs.” The law includes a number of strong “Buy America” provisions, which U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) had strongly pushed for several years. “America’s infrastructure used to be the envy of the world,” said Brown. “But after years of neglect, we see it crumbling all around us – at our airports, on bridges and roads. We have lead in too many pipes, transit systems in need of upgrades, and too many communities still without broadband. Plenty of politicians have talked about fixing this infrastructure, but it’s all been empty talk – until now. Now, under President Biden, we are finally getting this done, with the bipartisan infrastructure bill.” A White House statement described the bill as “the largest investment in the resilience of physical and natural infrastructure in American history. Millions of Americans feel the effects of climate change each year when their roads wash out, airport power goes down, or schools get flooded. People of color are more likely to live in areas most vulnerable to flooding and other climate change-related weather events. The law makes our communities safer and our infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change and cyber-attacks, with an investment of over $50 billion to protect against droughts, heat waves, wildfires, and floods – in addition to a major investment in the weatherization of American homes…. These investments will unlock the full potential of a clean energy economy that combats climate change, advances environmental justice, and creates goodpaying, union jobs.” January & February Membership Meetings Piney Point...........................Monday: January 3, February 7 Algonac...............................Friday: January 7, February 11 Baltimore......................Thursday: January 6, February 10 Guam..........................Thursday: January 20, February 24 Honolulu..............................Friday: January 14, February 18 Houston...........................Monday: January 10, February 14 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Nov. 9 - December 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Dec. 9. Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups Port A B All Groups C Mobile...........................Wednesday: January 12, February 16 New Orleans......................Tuesday: January 11, February 15 Jersey City............................Tuesday: January 4, February 8 Norfolk............................Friday: January 7, February 11 Oakland...........................Thursday: January 13, February 17 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: January 5, February 9 Port Everglades...............Thursday: January13, February 17 San Juan..............................Thursday: January 6, February 10 St. Louis.........................Friday: January14, February 18 Tacoma....................................Frida:January 21, February 25 Wilmington.........*Tuesday: January 18, *Tuesday: February 22 * Wilmington changes in January and February due to Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day observances, respectively. A B Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 15 0 5 18 0 6 9 53 30 28 3 10 24 10 5 1 8 30 4 22 281 6 2 6 11 1 5 4 16 26 2 3 1 10 4 4 5 4 5 2 11 128 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 8 3 2 1 5 1 3 0 2 1 5 0 5 42 Deck Department 13 3 1 0 1 0 4 5 1 15 4 2 3 1 0 9 8 2 8 3 0 34 11 6 16 18 2 23 5 0 2 1 1 5 1 3 15 7 1 9 3 1 4 2 0 1 3 0 4 7 0 17 4 4 2 2 0 16 6 2 200 95 26 6 0 6 12 0 9 7 22 14 16 2 1 9 5 4 3 4 14 1 6 141 25 2 3 28 8 7 13 75 57 45 4 17 27 19 5 2 8 47 2 36 430 8 2 3 19 1 10 5 29 50 7 3 6 18 3 4 6 4 15 1 13 207 3 1 0 2 0 1 1 10 8 5 0 0 7 4 1 1 1 1 0 5 51 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis 1 Wilmington TOTALS 6 0 2 8 0 3 4 9 18 11 1 0 10 6 1 2 2 15 2 9 108 2 0 5 8 2 3 3 6 17 2 1 2 14 4 0 2 1 7 0 8 89 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 1 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 13 Engine Department 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 4 0 6 5 0 0 1 0 3 2 1 3 2 0 8 4 2 11 11 2 16 3 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 6 6 1 2 7 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 1 0 9 3 1 0 0 0 7 4 3 88 55 12 3 0 2 8 0 4 1 8 4 11 1 2 5 4 1 0 1 5 1 6 66 6 1 1 10 1 3 11 12 27 16 3 3 16 9 2 1 2 21 2 19 165 2 1 1 14 1 5 5 13 30 9 0 5 22 5 0 3 3 10 1 11 142 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 8 0 0 0 0 2 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 0 1 9 0 5 9 16 16 9 2 1 15 9 2 0 5 16 2 19 141 1 1 1 4 1 0 1 3 10 4 0 2 12 8 1 5 2 4 0 12 72 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 9 Steward Department 3 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 7 2 1 1 1 0 3 1 0 1 1 0 11 2 0 8 8 1 6 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 8 7 1 6 6 0 1 0 0 1 5 1 3 0 1 1 2 1 2 0 0 13 4 0 77 47 8 0 1 0 7 0 3 1 5 10 4 0 1 6 7 0 2 2 4 0 5 58 8 0 0 16 1 5 14 28 32 10 1 6 22 19 3 3 4 20 0 31 223 1 0 1 11 2 0 2 7 17 4 0 5 18 10 1 6 4 6 0 19 114 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 5 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 15 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 2 15 13 2 0 0 0 2 4 7 15 7 0 1 11 8 1 1 1 13 0 16 102 8 0 4 4 0 2 7 19 38 11 2 1 15 2 1 10 1 7 1 4 137 Entry Department 0 6 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 4 6 3 7 27 1 7 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 8 12 1 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 3 6 4 0 1 1 1 11 3 11 60 75 5 0 0 1 0 1 2 2 9 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 7 0 3 34 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 3 3 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 8 0 4 26 15 2 1 6 0 3 6 16 34 19 0 2 23 17 1 1 1 18 1 19 185 9 1 3 7 1 2 14 23 82 21 0 2 31 4 2 11 6 12 2 11 244 391 201 376 299 844 648 328 Jacksonville.....................Thursday: January 6, February 10 Joliet.................................Thursday: January 13, February 17 Registered on Beah 0 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m GRAND TOTAL: 545 January 2022 257 121 Seafarers LOG 9 �Thanksgivin SIU Steward Departmen The tradition of SIU steward department members putting forth extra effort to make holidays special for their shipmates is practically as old as the union itself. Thanksgiving 2021 proved no exception, as galley gangs on SIU-crewed ships around the world went all-out with traditional menus, decorations and good cheer. Based on emails sent to the LOG and reactions observed online, the food itself and the work that went Fo “The Faulk of Th enoug Ab memb “I Ot SIU’s deavo Sim Stew ment W skill Ed imme ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – Recertified Steward Dennis Dizon (far right, wearing white top in photo directly above) submitted these photos (at immediate left and above) from the Patriot ship. ABOARD MOKIHANA –Pictured from left in the photo at the immediate right aboard the Matson ship are ACU Marilou Gumapas, Chief Cook Salah Omar, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi and vessel master Capt. Dean Ventimiglia. The photo below shows some of the Thanksgiving fare that was served aboard the vessel. ABOARD MAERSK HAR Bernardez, Recertified St The two photos at the ime 10 Seafarers LOG January 2022 �g at Sea s Brighten Holiday t were greatly appreciated. mple, Maersk Peary vessel master Capt. Michele Laycock (an SIU hawsepiper) wrote, rd department did an excellent job preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Chief Steward Lamont the rest of the department stayed up late the night before and rose early on the morning iving to make sure everything was ready to go for our 1400 feast. The vessel was lucky be in port at the time in Souda Bay, Crete. Lovely weather and a lovely dinner.” the USNS Red Cloud (Patriot), Chief Steward Dennis Dizon praised his department Chief Cook Vanessa Brumsey, SA Emily Lepley and SA Salman Alhobabi. t so proud of my whole team,” he said. ppreciated their work, too. Reactions to Red Cloud Thanksgiving photos posted on the book page included requests for home delivery and kudos for an obviously spirited en- y, Steward/Baker Fakhruddin Malahi (aboard Matson’s Mokihana) and Recertified i Matari (Maersk Hartford) said they greatly appreciated the Thanksgiving compliived from shipmates aboard their respective vessels. his is only a representative sample, many online commenters said it speaks well of the nthusiasm demonstrated by SIU members sailing in the steward department. note: The photos on these two pages were submitted on Thanksgiving and in the days y afterward. Many more are available for viewing on the union’s Facebook page. ABOARD G&H BOAT – Crew members aboard the Mark K enjoy the feast. Pictured from left are Chief Engineer Peter Ntaamah, Oiler Daniel Reas, Mate Kent Hayward and DDA Ken Meaney. Thanks to Capt. John Cox for the photo. ABOARD MAERSK PEARY – Pictured in the galley (photo at left, from left) are SA Lakeeba Bazemore, Chief Steward Lamont Faulks and Chief Cook Osmar Ramos. Seated in the crew mess in the photo above are AB Doug Hemphill, QMED Mike Joel, Bosun Orvin Mejia and Wiper Laith Ali. RD – Pictured in the photo above are SA Mario Ali Matari and Chief Cook Christopher Coston. right also came from the vessel. January 2022 ABOARD EL COQUI – Chief Cook Steven Lopez and Chief Steward Bryan Alvarez are pictured during Thanksgiving dinner prep aboard the Crowley ship. Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by students at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in November 2021 Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What are some of your plans for the rest of this year and/or the New Year? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Bernard Nieves Chief Cook To complete this class and to become a full-fledged chief cook, and after that, go on vacation in the Philippines. Abraham Allamoth Chief Steward Go out there, make some money and enjoy the shipping life. Buy a new house. Brandy Griffin Chief Cook Finish my chief cook class, go out and make a ton of money, and spend time with my family. They’re in Virginia, Philly and Michigan. Naila Kling Apprentice To be experiencing the stars and the moon and, instead of fireworks, the real world. Meeting people who are seasoned travelers and who want to explore the world. Sophia Lewis Chief Cook Travelling to all the places I have dreamed about but haven’t been able to get there until now, and learning all of the flavored dishes that each country offers. Cody Quinn Apprentice Hopefully, in the New Year, I’m looking forward to being on a ship. This has been a good experience at the school but I’m ready to get out there and get started. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG Original caption from the January 1975 LOG: “Deck delegate AB Aden Ezell Jr. (center) tells AB Ed Spooner it doesn’t hurt a bit as Dr. Manuel Alvarez administers the first of seven shots needed for the trip.” Photo was taken aboard the Sam Houston in Brooklyn, New York, before the Waterman vessel began its first overseas voyage. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org January 2022 �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 Performance and makes his home in Cleveland. KAREEM AHMED Brother Kareem Ahmed, 50, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Ahmed’s final vessel was the Horizon Anchorage. He is a resident of University Place, Washington. JOHN RUIZ DEBRA GARDINER Sister Debra Gardiner, 65, signed on with the union in 1991. She first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in the steward department. Sister Gardiner upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. She last shipped on the USNS Regulus and is a resident of Monroe, North Carolina. MARTIN ALLRED Brother Martin Allred, 57, began sailing with the SIU in 1989. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Green Valley. Brother Allred upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Race and lives in Little River, South Carolina. ISABEL MIRANDA Brother Isabel Miranda, 65, signed on with the union in 1991, initially shipping on the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Miranda last shipped aboard the Resolve. He lives in Missouri City, Texas. JOSEPH ARTIS Brother Joseph Artis, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1975, first sailing aboard the Baltimore. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Artis last shipped on the Mokihana and resides in Cathedral City, California. Williams and resides in Guam. Brother John Ruiz, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1971. An engine department member, he initially sailed aboard the Overseas Progress. Brother Ruiz upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1974. He concluded his career aboard the Star of Texas and makes his home in Houston. INLAND PETER BISHOP Brother Peter Bishop, 71, donned the SIU colors in 1971. A deck department member, he first shipped aboard the Ponce. Brother Bishop concluded his career working for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He is a resident of Venice, Florida. JAMES CHASE Brother Miguelito Salada, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1998 when he sailed aboard the USNS Pathfinder. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Salada concluded his career on the Maersk Montana and settled in Toms River, New Jersey. Brother James Chase, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2007 when he shipped aboard the Terrapin Island. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2015. Brother Chase was employed by Great Lakes Dredge and Dock for the duration of his career. He resides in Carriere, Mississippi. DENYSE SINEATH AHMED MOZEB Sister Denyse Sineath, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1997, initially sailing aboard the USNS Silas Bent. She worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Sister Sineath’s final vessel was the Alliance Fairfax. She calls Hilliard, Florida, home. PAUL CALIMER TIMOTEO NUNEZ JOHN THOMPSON Brother Paul Calimer, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1977. He worked in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Calimer’s first vessel was the St. Louis; his last, the Beaver State. He resides in Aberdeen, Washington. Brother Timoteo Nunez, 66, started sailing with the union in 2004, initially shipping on the Cape Douglas. A steward department member, Brother Nunez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Pomeroy and lives in Miami. Brother John Thompson, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1978 and first sailed aboard the Thomas Lynch. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Thompson’s final vessel was the Gemini. He makes his home in Canton, Maine. DONOVAN CHRISTIE JOSEPH QUITUGUA Brother Donovan Christie, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1983, initially sailing on the Aquarius. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Christie last shipped on the Brother Joseph Quitugua, 73, joined the union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Patriot. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 2006. Brother Quitugua last shipped on the Dewayne T. GREAT LAKES MARC TANTRE Brother Marc Tantre, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1989. He initially shipped aboard the Adam E. Cornelius and was a deck department mem- in 2005. Brother Freitas worked for Penn Maritime for his entire career. He makes his home in Oviedo, Florida. SERVILLANO LOZANDI MIGUELITO SALADA Brother Ahmed Mozeb, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1999. He first sailed aboard the USNS Henson and worked in the steward department. Brother Mozeb upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the President Adams and is a San Francisco resident. January 2022 ber. Brother Tantre upgraded at the Piney Point school multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the John Boland and resides in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Brother Servillano Lozandi, 65, joined the SIU in 2002 when he sailed on the McDonnell. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Lozandi most recently shipped on the Legacy and makes his home in Miami. DOMENIC MALLACE Brother Domenic Mallace, 63, donned the SIU colors in 2003, initially working for Crowley. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2008 and continued his employment with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Mallace is resident of Collingdale, Pennsylvania. SCOTT CHEW MICHAEL MULHARAN Brother Scott Chew, 61, signed on with the union in 2000. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Chew worked for the Penn Maritime for his entire career. He settled in Bangor, Michigan. Brother Michael Mulharan, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed with CSX Lines. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Mulharan was last employed by OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Chiefland, Florida. RICHARD CORNELIUS Brother Richard Cornelius, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1976 when he sailed with Mariner Towing. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Cornelius concluded his career with OSG Ship Management and lives in Delmar, Delaware. DAVID FINDLEY Brother David Findley, 61, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1982. An engine department member, he worked fo Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Findley resides in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. RONALD FREITAS Brother Ronald Freitas, 71, signed on with the union in 2004. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center OWEN O’KEEFE Brother Owen O’Keefe, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1983, initially sailing on the Aquarius. A deck department member, he most recently sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother O’Keefe lives in Jacksonville, Florida. GARY SMITH Brother Gary Smith, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1978. He first shipped on the Maryland and worked in the deck department. Brother Smith upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation and resides in Rogersville, Tennessee. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA WILLIAM BAKER Pensioner William Baker, 96, died October 8. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1943 and first shipped with Joshua Hendy Corporation. Brother Baker sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Ultrasea. He became a pensioner in 1995 and settled in Sugarland, Texas. barked on his career with the SIU in 1993, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Guevara was a steward department member. He most recently sailed on the Sunshine State last year before becoming a pensioner. Brother Guevara called Jacksonville, Florida, home. BYRON COLEMAN Pensioner Byron Coleman, 66, passed away August 25. He signed on with the SIU in 1991, initially sailing aboard the USNS Titan. Brother Coleman was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Liberty Wave in 2003 and went on pension in 2019. Brother Coleman lived in Seattle. DAVID KOORY Pensioner David Koory, 71, died October 24. He joined the union in 1990 and was a deck department member. Brother Koory first sailed aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. He last shipped on the Patriot and went on pension in 2015. Brother Koory was a resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan. DOMINICO DACUA CLIFFORD LACON LOUIS ESCARRA DAVON MCMILLAN Pensioner Louis Escarra, 96, passed away August 24. He joined the SIU in 1957, initially working for Penn Navigation. Brother Escarra was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the Voyager. He became a pensioner in 1992 and settled in Hollywood, Florida. Brother Davon McMillan, 65, died September 4. Born in Monroeville, Alabama, he signed on with the union in 1978. Brother McMillan’s first vessel was the Great Land. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and most recently sailed aboard the Resolve. Brother McMillan resided in Pensacola, Florida. Pensioner Clifford Lacon, 82, passed away November 7. He donned the SIU colors in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Anders Maersk. A deck department member, Brother Lacon last shipped on the Maersk Kentucky. He retired in 2010 and made his home in Mechanicsville, Virginia. ALBERT MOORE Pensioner Richard Gegenheimer, 70, died October 28. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1974. A steward department member, Brother Gegenheimer first sailed with States Steamship. After concluding his career aboard the Maui, he retired in 2011. Brother Gegenheimer made his home in Dunnellon, Florida. Pensioner Albert Moore, 80, passed away November 5. He joined the SIU in 1960 when he sailed on the Arizpa. Brother Moore shipped in the deck department and concluded his career on the Explorer. He became a pensioner in 2005 and lived in Mesa, Arizona. Pensioner Erasmo Guevara, 79, passed away October 31. He em- 14 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Richard Provost, 69, passed away October 12. He donned the SIU colors in 1971 when he shipped on the William Reiss. Brother Provost was a member of the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Anders Maersk and began collecting his pension in 2017. Brother Provost lived in Marengo, Wisconsin. Pensioner Francisco Sanchez, 89, died November 4. He joined the union in 2001 and initially sailed on the Cape Victory. Brother Sanchez shipped in the steward department and concluded his career on the USNS Fisher. He retired in 2006 and made his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. ALI SHAIBI RICHARD GEGENHEIMER HERMUS PATRICK Pensioner Hermus Patrick, 85, died May 15. He began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in away October 30. He signed on with the SIU in 1988 when he sailed aboard the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Filarski worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Presque Isle. He became a pensioner in 2001 and resided in Alpena, Michigan. RICHARD PROVOST FRANCISCO SANCHEZ Pensioner Dominico Dacua, 82, died November 3. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1989. A steward department member, his first vessel was the Independence. Brother Dacua last shipped on the R. J. Pfeiffer before retiring in 2005. He resided in Kapolei, Hawaii. ERASMO GUEVARA 1976, initially sailing on the TransIndiana. Brother Patrick worked in the engine department. He last sailed on the USNS Denebola and went on pension in 2001. Brother Patrick resided in Brooklyn, New York. Pensioner Ali Shaibi, 65, has passed away. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 and first shipped on the TransColorado. A deck department member, Brother Shaibi last sailed on the Philadelphia in 1996. He went on pension in 2019 and called the Bronx, New York, home. WILLIAM STEELE Pensioner William Steele, 80, died November 19. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1967. A deck department member, Brother Steele was first employed by Higman Barge Lines. He last shipped aboard the USNS Algol before retiring in 1998. Brother Steele was a resident of Buna, Texas. INLAND DONALD MORGAN Pensioner Donald Morgan, 91, passed away October 4. He donned the SIU colors in 1972, initially sailing with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Morgan was a member of the deck department and was last employed by Allied Transportation. He became a pensioner in 1992 and settled in Newport News, Virginia. WILLIAM FURMAN Pensioner William Furman, 80, died November 22. A member of the deck department, he joined the union in 1970. Brother Furman was employed with Allied Transportation until his retirement in 1998. He made his home in Portsmouth, Virginia. MICHAEL LEAGER Pensioner Michael Leager, 66, passed away November 17. He began sailing with the SIU in 1973 and worked in the deck department. Employed by Interstate Oil for most of his career, Brother Leager last sailed in 1987. He became a pensioner in 2020 and settled in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. JASPER MAMOLITI Pensioner Jasper Mamoliti, 98, died November 6. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1962. Brother Mamoliti sailed with Moran Towing of Maryland for the duration of his career. He began collecting his pension in 1984 and resided in Lewes, Delaware. MELVIN POTTER Pensioner Melvin Potter, 74, died October 28. He embarked on his career with the union in 1965 when he worked for R.K. Davis Transportation. Brother Potter sailed in the deck department and was last employed by Express Marine. He retired in 2010 and lived in Bath, North Carolina. DANIEL WEBSTER Pensioner Daniel Webster, 82, passed away June 11. He joined the SIU in 1973 when he worked for Interstate Oil. Brother Webster last sailed with Mariner Towing. He began collecting his pension in 1993 and called Saugus, Massachusetts, home. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Cloutier, Richard Del Rio, Jose Dias, Arthur Holloway, Jay Mitchell, Claude Mojica, Gloria Palmore, Walter Patiniotis, Roseto Scace, Rodman Sims, Harold Townsend, Albert AGE 80 98 72 93 89 90 93 90 92 94 92 DOD 10/07/2021 09/28/2021 09/24/2021 08/19/2021 10/01/2021 06/05/2021 11/08/2021 08/28/2021 09/10/2021 10/04/2021 11/10/2021 Missed an Issue of the Log? PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website GREAT LAKES ALBIN FILARSKI Pensioner Albin Filarski, 85, passed January 2022 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), July 21 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Pedro Castillo, Educational Director William Mercer, Deck Delegate Michael Sinclair, Engine Delegate Brandon Purcell, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Chairman reminded everyone to sanitize quarters and wash hands regularly. Educational director advised crew to go to the Piney Point school and upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested Wi-Fi. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), July 29 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Shari Hardman, Educational Director Robert Noble, Steward Delegate Juan Palacios Clother. Chairman discussed COVID-19 vaccines and encouraged crew to get vaccinated. Members discussed pay for sanitation and union meetings. Secretary reported transportation problems when going from ship to gate in Port Arthur, Texas. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested 20 vacation days for 30 days of employment. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida. GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), August 21 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Pedro Castillo, Educational Director Alexander Capellan, Deck Delegate Clinton Crowden, Steward Delegate Medardo Thomas. Chairman reiterated the importance of practicing good hygiene and keeping quarters clean. Educational director urged crew to check documents and upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), August 29 – Chairman Charles Hill, Educational Director Robert Noble, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Tresten Porter, Steward Delegate Shari Hardman. Ship restriction back in effect, per company orders. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reported they are not getting eight hours in lieu of days off. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), September 3 – Chairman Roy Madrio, Secretary Marcelo Alicea, Educational Director Jerome Culbreth, Deck Delegate Jon Mark Newman, Engine Delegate Matthew Yowell, Steward Delegate Sherre Wilson. Chairman reiterated the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. He encouraged all departments to work safely and use proper PPE. Chairman advised members to take care of medical certificates as soon as possible to avoid processing delays. Secretary reminded crew to stay on top of documents. Educational director urged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Better Wi-Fi needed aboard ship as well as new converters/transformers in each room. Crew requested media entertainment options aboard ship and raises in vacation benefits. Members reviewed medical coverage and provided suggestions to improve relief practices. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), September 14 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Troy Smith, Educational Director Dhahabi Quraish, Engine Delegate Mark Canada, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Crew requested Wi-Fi availability and computer access aboard ship. No complaints from crew, everything going great overall as reported by secretary. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were encouraged to contribute to the union’s voluntary political action fund (SPAD). Ninety percent of ship crew has received the COVID-19 vaccination. MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), September 19 – Chairman Hussein Mohamed, Secretary Randall Campbell, Educational Director George Bieselin, Deck Delegate Milton Estrada, Engine Delegate Juan Rochez. Effective October 1, proof of COVID19 vaccine (or an exemption and/ or a recent negative test result) will be required to enter all hiring halls. Secretary encouraged crew to continue following safety protocols for COVID-19. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. Crew requested better Wi-Fi and for vacation accrual to increase to day-per-day rate. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), September 26 – Chairman Darryl Smith, Secretary Antoinette Amato, Educational Director Mbarek Nouhairi, Engine Delegate Jeffrey Murray. Chairman encouraged members to contribute to SPAD and to renew documents as early as possible. Educational director reminded crew to advance their skills by upgrading at the Piney Point school. Members discussed disputed OT for ship restrictions. Incorrect mattresses received. Crew discussed plans for revisiting topic of ship restriction in contractual negotiations. Members offered suggestions concerning ServSafe courses. Crew asked for the minimum of relief positions be changed to 60 days or for sea time requirement for collecting vacation checks be lowered to 45 days. Members requested 20 vacation days for 30 working days and indicated operators are not transferring seatime documentation to headquarters in a timely manner. Members were instructed to turn off devices when not in use to avoid compromising accessibility for shipmates. Matson reportedly continues to deny reimbursement for work boots. Crew members would prefer to buy work boots of their choice rather than being restricted to Matson’s voucher program for Red Wing shoes. Steward department was thanked for good food and clean house. Deck department was thanked for a job well done. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. DECISIVE (SubCom), October 11 – Chairman Victor Nunez, Secretary Gregory Johnson, Educational Director Casey Frederick. Members discussed recent progress with CHS medical exams and also talked about COVID-19 vaccinations. The Decisive and Dependable are enrolling in the new U.S. Cable Security Fleet. Next project to start October 30 in Gulf of Mexico; will mobilize in next port of call. Congratulations given to UA Joseph Bates and UA Alex Boothby for a job well done during their second phase. Crew discussed several suggestions for next contract negotiation, including changing “Earned Day” to “Day off” with language that also reads “and in Port.” Members would like company-provided Wi-Fi, and a reinstatement of “Penalty Meal Hour” in the CBA. Crew suggested additional manning for OMU/Welder position with a higher pay rate. Contract should include specific, cablerelated work for deck department during cable operations. Crew mentioned contractual wage increases for personnel assigned to the Global Sentinel, due to federal clearance requirements and lack of communication during cable operations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Mobile, Alabama. INDEPENDENCE (Eco-Tankers Crew Management), October 24 – The Winner USNS Fisher vessel master (and SIU hawsepiper) Capt. Jennifer Senner submitted this photo of Chief Cook Stevon Taylor, who won the “fried-chicken faceoff” aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel. Chairman Dave Coleman, Secretary Charles Roldan, Educational Director Kelly Mayo, Deck Delegate Emil Norales, Engine Delegate Mario Moralita, Steward Delegate Jermin Matthews. Chairman announced payoff at sea and instructed members to give paperwork to captain when signing on. Seafarers LOGs can be seen in member portal. Educational Director reminded members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department trash cans to be replaced and secured for bad weather. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great work. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt January 2022 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Start Date Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 Machinist March 14 April 1 Pumpman April 4 April 8 Welding February 14 April 25 June 6 March 4 May 13 June 24 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic May 2 May 20 MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3 Date of Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook February 14 March 21 April 25 May 30 July 11 March 18 April 22 May 27 July 1 August 12 Advanced Galley Operations January 24 April 4 June 20 February 18 April 29 July 15 Chief Steward February 28 May 9 March 25 June 3 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck February 14 April 4 May 23 March 4 April 22 June 10 Lifeboat/Water Survival February 14 March 14 April 11 February 25 March 25 April 22 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 June 24 RFPNW January 24 February 28 April 25 February 11 March 18 May 13 Celestial Navigation August 22 September 16 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting February 7 April 4 February 11 April 8 Medical Care Provider February 14 April 11 February 18 April 15 Basic Training January 31 April 4 June 6 February 4 April 8 June 10 Basic Training Revalidation February 7 February 25 March 21 February 7 February 25 March 21 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW April 25 May 20 FOWT January 24 June 13 February 18 July 8 Junior Engineer January 24 July 11 March 18 September 2 Marine Electrician May 16 June 17 Marine Refer Tech April 4 May 13 Advanced Refer Containers February 7 February 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ 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 #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation March 7 March 11 Government Vessels January 17 January 24 February 14 January 21 January 28 February 18 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) March 14 March 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL April 4 May 2 June 27 April 8 May 6 July 1 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 9 May 23 May 13 May 27 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 1/22 January 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #875 – Graduated Nov. 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Jordan Banks, Omar Caldwell, Elijah Dejean Diallo, Mark Dixon, Ervin Flynn, Levi Gorokhovsky, Jeffery Griffin, Eachen Hoffrichter, Naila Kling, Caleb Miller, Dane Paulson, Jack Pier, Cody Quinn, Julian Ramirez, Domingo Sadia, Brett Sardinas, Errol Wade-Cephas and Rose Wilson. Welding – Graduated Nov. 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Kwasi Alexander, David Argo Jr., Merville Lariosa Gallema, Seth Schrader and Anthony Solovyov. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. UA to Able Seafarer (Deck) – Graduated Dec. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Diquan Adamson, Bryan Aleman Medina, Lamar Doctor, Jeffery Griffin, Roger Mathews, David May, Tanner Page, Kelvin Ivan Soto-Melendez and Johnny Young. Their instructor, Peter Luhn, is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated Dec. 3 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Georgia Bussink, Matthew De Maria, John Farash, Alexander Jackson, Jaquaz Jenkins, Kumasi Johnson, John Paul Mauras Garcia, Jessie Yusalina Merced Jr., Michael Reardon, Orlando Rosa Aguirre, Luis Francisco Soto Collazo, Bradley Tucker and Garrett Williams. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of union-contracted vessels. January 2022 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPEW – Graduated Dec. 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Jorge Garcia, Ryan Sotomayor and Darrell Whitaker. Instructor Christopher Morgan is third from left. Watchkeeping – Graduated Nov. 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Matthew Jenness, Glen McCullough and Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus. Government Vessels – Graduated Nov. 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Darvin Brown, Kevin Brown, Sheree Brown, Nicholas Ehret, Jacarta Gibson, Lisa Hamilton, Jon Harvey, Joshua Heath, Gregory LaSeer, Sean Outlaw, Fahmi Saeed, Jessica Valentin and Angel Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated Dec. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Qaid Mohammed Alnaawi, Joseph Altamura, Jonathan Augusto Bernardez, Maurice Antonio Brodie, Luis Oscar Cordero-Fuentes, Adolf Lopez Floresca, Jeremy Harris, Michael Ingram, Sterling Kirk, Terrance Paige, Amy Torres and Frederick Wilson. Government Vessels – Graduated Nov. 19 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Miguel Angel Abad, Leonard Anicola, Mark Brownell, Michael Clark, Torrika Devine, Jamal Field, Kenneth Greenidge, Anna-Maria Halstead, Supattara Inthapanti, Enchantress Johnson, Joshua Lux, James Rockett, Eileen Singer, Keith Williams, Jeffrey Woods and Abdulrazak Obadi Yahia. Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated Nov. 26 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Leonardo Dumagan Bagnol, Brandy Griffin, Sophia Lewis, La’sonia Littles, Pedro Sadrac Maysonet Gonzalez, Mary Moelk, Bernard Martinez Nieves II, Eric Amauris Rivas-Martinez and Chadon Tshaye `Williams. Importance Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. 18 Seafarers LOG January 2022 �Maritime Briefs DOT, MARAD Release Report on Academy The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) on Nov. 24 released a new report titled, “Organizational Assessment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA): A Path Forward” and an accompanying Implementation Plan prepared by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). “USMMA students are remarkable leaders committed to serving the nation and supporting positive change,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “They deserve a modern, safe, and inclusive learning environment where they have the training and resources that will prepare them to succeed in the U.S. merchant marine and in our armed forces. We acknowledge, and have been working to address, the many urgent issues raised by NAPA’s report and to put USMMA on a path to modernization.” NAPA’s assessment affirms that USMMA faces “longstanding systemic issues” across almost all areas of its operations, including educational programs; facilities maintenance and capital management; sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) prevention and response, including during the Sea Year; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and internal and external governance. The full report, including numerous recommendations for corrective and preventive actions, is available online. Lakes Task Force Honors Sen. Peters The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force has recognized the tremendous work done by Michigan U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D) for protecting and advancing the Great Lakes Navigation System. “Senator Peters has moved the needle on several extremely important projects in the Great Lakes,” the organization (to which the SIU is affiliated) said in a news release. “He continues to be instrumental in efficiently funding the construction of a new large navigational lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. Senator Peters understands the economic benefits of Great Lakes shipping and the need to make our ports competitive and reliable even during the winter season. To that end, he cosponsored the Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act, which would make icebreaking a higher priority for the U.S. Coast Guard and ensured $350 million was included in the pending House Reconciliation Bill for another heavy Great Lakes icebreaker. In addition, he has worked tirelessly with the Port of Monroe to resolve import and export issues associated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s interpretation of rules that hampered further port development with containerized cargo.” Council Thanks Rep. For Jones Act Support Solidarity with the Jones Act was the topic of a recent discussion between the leadership of the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council (PMC, part of the Maritime Trades Department) and a newly elected member of Congress from the Aloha State. During a November meeting, PMC President Randy Swindell and Secretary-Treasurer Hazel Galbiso (the SIU’s port agent in Honolulu) thanked U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele (D-Hawaii) for his support. Elected to the Congress in 2020, Kahele serves on both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Armed Services Committee. Kahele also is a 20-plus-year veteran of the Hawaii Air National Guard, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel. The congressman reminded the PMC officials of his staunch support for the nation’s freight cabotage law. (The Jones Act states that cargo moved between domestic ports must be carried aboard a U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed, U.S.built and U.S.-owned vessel.) He referred Swindell and Galbiso to his posted remarks on the law: “The Jones Act plays a critical role in support of U.S. national security. Eliminating the Jones Act would allow foreign-built ships to operate in our domestic trade, which only rewards countries like China at the expense of U.S. businesses and jobs. Jones Act carriers provide a reserve force of well-trained seafarers who in times of national emergency can crew reserve sealift vessels, while ensuring the United States does not need to rely on foreign carriers to move people and military assets.” SIU Forges Ahead Despite Pandemic Continued from Page 20 Patrolman John “Jack” Sheehan died on October 29. Rescues and New Tonnage SIU crews were on-hand for several rescues last year, jumping into action to save lives in dire circumstances. In each instance, Seafarers used their training and skills to rescue stranded boaters – the training they hoped never to need to use. In March, the survey vessel Wolf River, returning from a crew change on the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock-operated Padre Island, diverted course when the crew saw a group of people whose vessel was taking on water in the bay. The crew saved a family of six, two adults and four children. Also in March, the crew of the CS Decisive rescued a boater in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In April, the crew aboard the Sunshine State rescued two boaters from their disabled craft, and in July, the CIVMAR crew of the USNS Patuxent rescued 15 people off the coast of Somalia. Nine days later, the Patuxent would again divert, rescuing four fishermen who had been adrift for 12 days in the Gulf of Aden. The crew of the Golden State rescued two boaters near Key West in August – just before a tropical storm came through the area – and in November, the CIVMAR crew of the USNS Charles Drew rescued two Iranian sailors who had been adrift for eight days in the Gulf of Oman. New tonnage entered the fleet, including the reflagged tanker Pohang Pioneer and (for the SIU Government Services Division) the USNS John Lewis and USNS Harvey Milk. Union and Industry Beginning in September, the maritime industry was alerted to reports of alleged sexual assault and sexual harassment involving U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadets who said they were victimized while serving their Sea Year aboard U.S.-flag vessels. The SIU, while not involved in any of the allegations, is committed to continuing to educate members about the ongoing importance of protecting shipmates from any and all harassment, and will continue supporting those who have been victimized at sea. While a U.S.-flag vessel was not the cause of a major blockage in the Suez Canal in April, SIU members were negatively impacted by a historic backup as crews worked to clear the obstructing vessel. Many Seafarers shared their stories during this time, and provided photos to better illustrate the magnitude of this incident. Within the SIU: Union election results were tallied and announced in January, with SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and others re-elected by large margins; longtime SIU official Kate Hunt retired, and Nick Celona was appointed to serve as the Vice President of the Government Services division; Heindel was named an Admiral of the Ocean Sea recipient by the United Seamen’s Service; the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center opened a brand-new, state of the art Media Center on campus; and as of press time, significant progress was being made in clearing the backlog of medical paperwork with CHS. 2022 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available under the 2022 Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program. The grants are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows: Seafarers Scholarships Dependents Scholarships Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers: Five scholarships designated for dependents:  One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or  A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired Seafarers may apply. university  Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a community college or vocational school To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the About tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF). Although the booklet says 2021, all information is still current for the 2022 SHBP Scholarships. Please send me the 2022 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Street Address.................................................................................................................................................................................................... City, State, Zip Code......................................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) ................................................................................................................................................................................. This application is for (circle one): Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 January 2022 1/22 Seafarers LOG 19 �JANUARY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 1 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Hoisting the U.S. Flag aboard the Pohang Pioneer (from center of flag, clockwise) are:Third Assistant Engineer Emily Blake, First Assistant Engineer Hunter Smith, Chief Cook Steven Johnson, Chief Engineer James Cook, Captain Chris Fox, Chief Mate Bill Harris, Third Mate Callum Foley, Bosun Ahmed Ghalib, Steward Rudy Lopez and AB Larry Rawlins. The SIU pushed for governments to prioritize mariners for COVID-19 vaccines. The work particularly paid off in Puerto Rico, where numerous Seafarers completed their respective vaccinations in April. That group included SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo, AB Edwin Pagan, ABM Raul Colon, ABM Jose Nunez, Bosun Jorge Soler, Jr. Engineer Richard Vega, Bosun Adrian Surrillo Diaz, Recertified Bosun Isaac Vega, Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, QMED Jep Sumpter, ABM Luis Ramos Rosa and others. SIU’s Year in Review: 2021 Seafarers Persevere as Pandemic Continues Outside of the SIU, the year 2021 could easily be confused for 2020. The world was still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, including a number of variants which evolved and threatened even the vaccinated population. By December 2021, more than 48 million cases of COVID-19 were reported in the United States alone. At the same time, 196 million people in the U.S. have been fully vaccinated, and an estimated 231 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination numbers are always climbing, and seemingly signify a real chance at putting the pandemic in the rearview mirror. Within the SIU, 2021 arguably should be known as the year of the contract. As of early December, at least 15 different contracts had been ratified during the year, and those agreements dominated the Seafarers LOG headlines. The pandemic certainly had an effect on how those negotiations took place, with countless video conference calls replacing or supplementing in-person meetings. But the work still got done, and each contract included major wins for Seafarers. The following is an overview of some of the year’s top stories for the union, the maritime industry as a whole and the labor movement. the labor movement as a whole. In January, President Biden issued a “Buy American” executive order, which specifically mentioned the administration’s support of the Jones Act. The executive order also calls for federal dollars to be spent on goods made by American workers using domestic content, and attempts to close loopholes that have allowed jobs and production to be shipped out of the country. In June, the White House issued guidance to provide transparency around the process of waivers from the established Made in America Laws, which includes any potential Jones Act waivers. As part of his Labor Day proclamation, Biden doubled down, saying, “In my White House, labor will always be welcome. I intend to be the most pro-union president leading the most pro-union administration in American history.” The House passed the “Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019” in March, which has been identified as a critically important piece of legislation for the labor movement. Despite this, no further actions have been taken regarding the PRO Act. Arbitration Decision In August, the union lost its arbitration against the American Maritime Association (AMA), which had required all mariners sailing aboard any of their affiliated companies’ vessels be vaccinated against COVID-19. The union’s argument was that the AMA should have first negotiated with the SIU, rather than impose the mandate unilaterally. In the months that followed, vaccine mandates became the norm across many industries, and federally required for all government employees. As of December, the union’s vaccination rates are very high, with union employees and officials having reached a 98 percent vaccination rate. Those who remain unvaccinated have received medical exemptions. Crossing the Bar The labor community lost AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on August 5. A true giant in the movement and a longtime friend of the SIU, Trumka helped fight for the union way of life right up until his death, making an impassioned speech in support of the Mine Workers just days before he passed. His legacy will continue to have a lasting impact on workers’ rights. In the wake of Trumka’s passing, Liz Schuler was elected the next president of the AFL-CIO. She’s the first woman to fill that position. Additionally, AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney passed away February 1; American Maritime Officers (AMO) Executive Vice President Mike Finnigan died on March 19; longtime Paul Hall Center Instructor and Director of Training J.C. Wiegman passed away on May 5; maritime industry pioneer David Tolan passed away on July 6; and retired SIU Continued on Page 19 Contracts The year 2021 saw contract after contract successfully negotiated and ratified, and across the board each agreement included gains for the covered members. Without exception, each contract boosted wages while maintaining or improving benefits. Newly ratified pacts included: three-year contracts with Crescent Towing, Seabulk, OSG Inland, Penn Terminal, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning/Crowley ATB, Argent Marine, Crowley Towing and Transportation, and G&H Towing; four-year agreements with Inland Lakes Management, American Steamship Company and Virginia Pilots (which has been ratified as of press time); five-year contracts with Matson and Watco Transloading, LLC; a six-year contract with Luedtke Engineering Company; and a groundbreaking nineyear agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line that significantly improved on the old contract. Legislative News The Biden Administration has proven to be a consistent ally to Seafarers, as well as The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continued providing courses for upgraders and apprentices, and also opened a cutting-edge media center that’s being utilized for various classes. Students are pictured in the state-of-the-art facility. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2022 Description An account of the resource U.S. MARINERS 'ARE TRUE PATRIOTS' ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS MORE PROGRESS WITH CHS NASSCO CHRISTENS USNS MILK VAN OVOST BACKS JONES ACT, U.S. MARINERS SIU'S HEINDEL HONORED WITH AOTOS AWARD UNION RAMPS UP RECRUITING IN 'LAST FRONTIER' MEMBERS RATIFY 5-YEAR CONTRACT WITH VIRGINIA PILOT ASSOCIATION SIU CIVMARS HELP RESCUE TWO IN GULF OF OMAN OAKLAND THANKSGIVING EVENT RESUMES ORGANIZED LABOR APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF INFRASTRUCTURE BILL THANKSGIVING AT SEA SEAFARERS PERSERVERE AS PANDEMIC CONTINUES 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 01/01/2022 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. 84, NO. 1 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/777f2801d9ea76d88c0d50d7e8d2832b.pdf 4d98004a6f4bf3f0185b43c07e40b100 PDF Text Text FEBRUARY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 2 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Seafarers Back Military Families Through Annual Holiday Project Members Again Step Up for ‘Santa’s Castle’ For the second year in a row, the pandemic didn’t deter Seafarers from taking part in Santa’s Castle, an annual holiday gift drive that benefits U.S. military families in the Pacific Northwest. The union’s participation in Santa’s Castle goes back more than a dozen years. Pictured at immediate left, retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella (left) donates bikes at the Tacoma hall, a collection point. SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, who spearheads the union’s outreach, is at right. The remaining photos show Seafarers (including Chief Cook Hernando Basilan, photo at right) loading toys into trucks and vans following a luncheon for Santa’s Castle representatives, fellow members, pensioners, SIU staff and other guests. Page 24. Maersk Peary Crew Members Save Life at Sea SIU members and AMO officers aboard the Maersk Peary saved an individual late last year as part of a multinational search and rescue operation in the Aegean Sea north of Crete. Bosun Damon Zschoche (left) and AB Roni Castillo are pictured aboard the Peary following the rescue. Page 4. Pandemic News Page 3 Tax Tips for 2022 Filing Season Pages 12-14, 20 �President’s Report Fight for Voting Rights Continues Despite a congressional setback in late January, the AFL-CIO and other proponents of voting-rights legislation will continue the fight. As you may know, our efforts are focused on two bills: the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would reinstate federal power to review some state voting laws in order to avoid discrimination, and the Freedom to Vote Act, a wider-ranging piece of legislation that aims to establish national guidelines for voting by mail, early voting and other segments of the electoral process. I believe that the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would protect the right of every American to cast our vote and have that vote counted. Collectively, the bills are an appropriate federal response to the attacks on voting rights happening in state legislatures all across the country. “Advancing voting rights is how we deMichael Sacco fend America against those who want to tear workers apart,” stated AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Mobilizing on voting rights is also how we can take on the filibuster, which has been used for generations to block progress for workers.” The federation has noted dozens of states in recent years have modified their voting laws to make the process of casting a ballot more difficult or to replace nonpartisan election officials with those professing support for only one side. Unfortunately, any action on two bills has been stalled by the threat of a filibuster, which under current Senate rules calls for 60 senators to declare they are willing to allow either measure to simply be debated. There is nothing more fundamental in a democracy than the right to vote, and that’s why we’ll continue working with the federation and other allies to defeat voter suppression tactics and secure voting rights for working people nationwide. Put simply, voting is a fundamental right. I encourage Seafarers to be involved, to know the issues and to meet the candidates. This union doesn’t care what party they belong to. We just ask them to stand up for the workers and their families who elected them. Annual BLS Report Around press time, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) issued its annual report on union membership. It showed a decline in 2021 to the same rate as in 2019, which was 10.3 percent, and an overall total membership of 14 million. In 2020, membership rates had increased, but that was mostly because union jobs proved more secure than nonunion ones during that stretch of the pandemic. One stat that jumped out at me from the report: On average, union members earn an additional $10,000 per year compared to unrepresented workers. They also typically enjoy better benefits. While it isn’t immediately reflected by the raw data, I don’t think there’s any question the past year saw remarkable union momentum – high-profile campaigns at flagship American employers, major moves in new industries, and widespread strikes as workers stood up for a fair deal and a better life. The substantial level of union activity in 2021 demonstrates that workers want and value unions. The fact that unionization nevertheless declined is a glaring testament to how easy it is for employers who oppose unions to exploit our weak and outdated labor laws to thwart workers’ attempts at organizing, and how broken U.S. labor law really is. It is urgent that Congress pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. In some ways, the 2021 union numbers are a wakeup call. The Biden administration and Congress must institute policies (such as the PRO Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act) that promote the right to union representation and collective bargaining as we rebuild our economy. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 2 February 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG This illustration from the U.S. Maritime Administration shows the general look of the multi-mission vessels Domestic Shipbuilding Gets Boost With Keel-Laying at Philly Shipyard Multi-Mission Vessel Achieves Construction Milestone A ceremony late last year signaled good news for U.S. shipbuilding. Philly Shipyard – a union facility – on Dec. 10 conducted a keel-laying event for the first of up to five state-of-the-art training vessels for the nation’s state maritime academies. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez attended the ceremony, along with a wide range of guests from the industry, government and the military. “These new vessels – known as National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs) – are designed to provide world-class training for America’s future mariners and to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need,” the shipyard noted in a joint news release with TOTE Services, the vessel construction manager. “Today’s first NSMV keel laying is a critical milestone in an innovative effort that is producing stateof-the-art vessels in an American shipyard that will both train the next generation of American mariners and provide a new disaster response capability for the nation,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “We commend everyone who is working hard to keep this effort on schedule and on budget, and we look forward to the final delivery of the first ship.” The keel laying is a ceremonial recognition in which the first grand block of the vessel is loaded into the building dock. Keel laying traditions are said to bring good luck to the ship during construction and to the captain, crew and cadets that will sail on the vessel throughout her operating life. The first NSMV is scheduled to be delivered to SUNY Maritime College in 2023. Steinar Nerbovik, president and CEO of Philly Shipyard, stated, “Today represents a momentous achievement in U.S. maritime education and a significant investment in the local economy and job creation.” According to the release, “The NSMV is an important investment in America’s shipbuilding indus- try, which supports nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs. Each NSMV will be built using 7,000 metric tons of steel produced by U.S. mills and fabricated by skilled labor. The first of four main generator engines, manufactured by Wabtec Corp. in Grove City, Pennsylvania, recently arrived at the shipyard and will be lowered into the hull in the first quarter of 2022.” The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and accommodations for up to 600 cadets to train at sea. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) selected TOTE Services to be the vessel construction manager for the NSMV program in May 2019 “to ensure the utilization of best practices in commercial ship construction,” the agency reported. “As an industry leader in vessel services, ship management and marine operations, TOTE Services will oversee development of these new vessels, which will provide a strong U.S. maritime fleet, crewed by the world’s best-trained merchant mariners.” In April 2020, TOTE Services awarded Philly Shipyard a contract to construct up to five NSMVs. These ships will be owned and operated by MARAD. “TOTE Services’ contract with MARAD demonstrates a new acquisition process to federal shipbuilding, where the government benefits from commercial best practices to design and construct vessels that are built by union labor in a U.S. shipyard with U.S.-made steel and U.S.- made engines,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “Our aim is straight – we’re committed to the success of this program and to delivering these vessels for MARAD, so that our future cadets have the modern training platforms they deserve.” Congress has appropriated funding to replace aging training vessels at SUNY Maritime College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy and Texas A&M Maritime Academy, respectively. TOTE Services retains an option for a fifth NSMV for the California State University Maritime Academy, if additional funding is appropriated by Congress. NLRB Sets Dates for Rerun Vote at Amazon It remains an uphill climb, but new dates have been set for a rerun vote for union representation at Amazon’s warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Jan. 11 announced that ballots will be mailed Feb. 4 and counted March 28. Last year, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) lost in an election “skewed by massive company labor law-breaking,” as one pro-worker pundit noted. The campaign, vote and aftermath gained nationwide attention; President Biden vocally supported the organizing drive. RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum said the recent NLRB notice doesn’t go far enough to prevent illegal tactics by the company similar to the ones they used in 2021. According to the Press Associates union news service, “In the last election, the RWDSU lost after Amazon intimidated workers and convinced the U.S. Postal Service to put a big gray mail collection box under an Amazon-emblazoned tent in the company’s parking lot right outside the main entrance to the warehouse, which is the size of several football fields. After Amazon forced enlargement of the electorate, a common employer tactic, some 1,600 workers were eligible to vote.” The board’s notice said the mailbox “created the appearance of irregularity” in the voting. So did Amazon’s illegal polling of workers’ views during “mandatory” captive-audience meetings. Both “tainted the outcome” and made a fair election impossible, Appelbaum said. He added, “We are deeply concerned the decision fails to adequately prevent Amazon from continuing its objectionable behavior in a new election. We proposed to the NLRB a number of remedies that could have made the process fairer to workers” but they weren’t included in the rerun election notice. Press Associates also reported that, since the first vote, the NLRB ordered Amazon to post a notice at all of its warehouses and other facilities nationwide admitting it broke labor laws through various anti-union tactics (banning conversations in break rooms, for example) and promising not to do so again. Workers who were employed by Amazon during first vote, but no longer work there, are not eligible to vote this time. Because of the company’s high turnover, union organizers have had to essentially start from the beginning. The NLRB’s Birmingham regional office (which covers Bessemer) was scheduled to mail ballots to all workers on the warehouse payroll on Jan. 8, or to those who toiled there an average of at least four hours a week for the 13 weeks before that date. Appelbaum concluded, “Workers’ voices can and must be heard fairly, unencumbered by Amazon’s limitless power to control what must be a fair and free election, and we will continue to hold them accountable for their actions.” February 2022 �President Biden provides an update on the omicron variant. (Image courtesy of the White House) AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left), pictured at federation headquarters immediately after her election to the top post last year, has pushed for stronger workplace protections during the pandemic. AFL-CIO Executive VP Tefere Gebre is at right. COVID-19 Pandemic Heads into Third Year Omicron Variant, Court Ruling Among Latest Developments Given the sometimes-exhausting nature of persevering through the COVID-19 global pandemic, it occasionally may seem as if the novel coronavirus has been around forever. However, March 11 in fact will mark two years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19, the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pandemic. The Trump administration had pronounced a public health emergency a month earlier (Feb. 3, 2020). At press time (late January), there had been at least 850,000 deaths in the United States caused by COVID-19 since the pandemic’s onset. More than 66 million cases in all 50 states, U.S. territories and Washington, D.C. had been reported. Globally, there have been more than 331 million cases and more than 5.54 million deaths confirmed. More than 9.71 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide. Meanwhile, the omicron variant – first detected in the U.S. on Dec. 1, 2021 – has rapidly become the dominant strain of the coronavirus. Just one month after that first detection, it accounted for 95 percent of the nation’s COVID cases. The U.S. in early January recorded more than one million positive cases in a single day, as hospitalizations skyrocketed. Public health experts said that although omicron is extremely contagious, vaccines have helped prevent more-severe reactions among many who’ve been immunized. Like the rest of the nation, the SIU has felt omicron’s effects. At various times from late December to mid-January, the union periodically and temporarily closed several hiring halls for precautionary reasons (including Baltimore, Jersey City, Wilmington and Jacksonville, plus headquarters). In early January, headquarters temporarily reduced its in-person staffing while increasing off-site work. The union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, announced that, effective February 1, 2022, any upgraders or apprentices CDC Offers Latest Input on Vaccines Editor’s note: This information is taken from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/work.html COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Against COVID19 Infections and Hospitalizations Vaccines reduce the risk of COVID19, including the risk of severe illness and February 2022 must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster shot if the student is eligible to receive one. Just before the New Year, the union and Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning announced a memorandum of understanding (effective Jan. 1) regarding COVID protocols for mariners sailing aboard vessels operating in the Jones Act trade (excluding MSC-chartered vessels). The memorandum, available on the SIU website and at the halls, modifies the vaccine requirement and stipulates corresponding shipboard safety measures. While the U.S. health care system became overwhelmed due to omicron, the Supreme Court on Jan. 13 temporarily blocked the Biden administration’s vaccine-or-test mandate for large employers. The court did permit a vaccine mandate to remain for medical facilities that take Medicare or Medicaid payments. Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented in the former ruling. They said the majority usurped the power of Congress, the president and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. “In the face of a still-raging pandemic, this Court tells the agency charged with protecting worker safety that it may not do so in all the workplaces needed,” they said in their dissent. “As disease and death continue to mount, this Court tells the agency that it cannot respond in the most effective way possible. Without legal basis, the Court usurps a decision that rightfully belongs to others. It undercuts the capacity of the responsible federal officials, acting well within the scope of their authority, to protect American workers from grave danger.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said the federation is “disappointed” by the court’s decision. “While infections and hospitalizations surge, we again urge the Biden administration to require employers to provide protections beyond vaccines,” she said. Shuler called for a “COVID-19 standard for health-care workers” along with “an emergency standard to ensure all at-risk death among people who are fully vaccinated. In addition to data from clinical trials, evidence from real-world vaccine effectiveness studies show that COVID-19 vaccines help protect against COVID-19 infections, with or without symptoms (asymptomatic infections). Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalizations has remained relatively high over time, although it tends to be slightly lower for older adults and for people with weakened immune systems. COVID-19 Vaccines Are Effective Against Most Variants Viruses are constantly changing and A Maui resident (left) gets tested for COVID-19 on the island. At-home tests now are available at no charge for anyone who requests them. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Theresa Gualdarama) workers are provided layers of protections against COVID-19 transmission at work like improved ventilation, distancing, masking and paid leave. We will not beat this pandemic until we stop the spread of the virus at work.” Also at press time, the Biden administration announced a program to mail up to 500 million at-home COVID-19 test kits to every household that requests them. These kits could be mailed to as many as 160 million addresses. Union members who work for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will be critical to the success of the program. Test kits can be ordered at COVIDTests.gov. “The APWU is excited and fully supports this plan,” said American Postal Workers Union (APWU) President Mark Dimond- new types of the virus, called variants, occur. New variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are spreading in the United States and in other parts of the world. COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Delta variant and other variants with widespread circulation in the United States. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. We don’t yet know how effective the vaccines will be against new variants that might arise. CDC will continue to monitor vaccine effectiveness to see if variants have any impact on how stein. “It is in the interests of the health and wellbeing of the general population as this dangerous pandemic continues. It underscores the invaluable role of the public Postal Service in the lives of the people. It shines a light on the importance of maintaining universal service to every address and person.” “The ongoing pandemic has proven beyond a shadow of doubt the critical importance of the services we provide six and seven days a week to keep people connected and essentials moving,” National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) President Fredric Rolando said. “This partnership is the perfect example in action. Letter carriers are proud to be the face of this important initiative as we continue serving all communities equitably.” well COVID-19 vaccines work in realworld conditions. Vaccine Breakthrough Infections COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing infection, serious illness, and death. Most people who get COVID-19 are unvaccinated. However, since vaccines are not 100% effective at preventing infection, some people who are fully vaccinated will still get COVID-19. This is called a breakthrough infection. Even when people who are fully vaccinated develop symptoms of COVID-19, they tend to be less severe than in people who are unvaccinated. Seafarers LOG 3 �In photo at left, SIU and AMO members team up to launch the Maersk Peary’s rescue boat. The Peary’s bridge wing life-ring buoy, orange smoke and light are released (photo above) while crew members encourage the survivor to grab the buoy. SIU Members Assist in Dramatic Rescue As part of a much larger rescue effort, Seafarers sailing aboard the Maersk Lineoperated Maersk Peary pulled a man from the Aegean Sea on Dec. 22. The SIU crew aboard the Peary, which was en route to deliver vital fuel and supplies to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, included: Bosun Damon Zschoch; ABs Marie Acosta, Roni Castillo, Joshua Gail, Edward Majesky and Derek Willis; QE3 Lateef Sanusi; QEP Rickey Yancey; GSTU Lakeeba Bazemore; Wiper Ali Laith; Recertified Steward Tony Spain; and Chief Cooks Osmar Ramos and Randy Hampton. The ship’s officers are represented by the Seafarers-affiliated AMO. The following is an abbreviated description of the rescue that was provided by vessel master Capt. Everett Hatton: “On the evening of December 22, at 2030 local time, while Maersk Peary was transiting the Aegean Sea north of Crete and on the way to Suez Canal, the Navigation Bridge Watch Officer, Third Mate Gemma Nguyen, received a call on VHF Channel 16 from Rescue Center Piraeus. “The call was to inform Maersk Peary to join in a search mission for a vessel that capsized the previous day, and of which we were now in the immediate vicinity. Our plotted route to Suez Canal took us to within 13.5 nautical miles of where the vessel was initially reported being capsized with possibly 60 people. “We contacted the Command Vessel and received instructions with coordinates making a box, and were told to proceed there while keeping a lookout for possible survivors in the water. At 2048, while our area was being plotted, I decided to head on a northerly heading into our box. As we approached our given area of patrol, we slowed the vessel, added extra lookouts and manned the searchlights scanning ahead of the bow while doing our grid search. “At 2157, after about an hour of slow steaming with searchlights headed north in our grid search, I noticed something in the water just off our starboard bow. I could tell that, based on our current heading (001 T) and speed (@ 5.0 knots), the white object would pass close down the starboard side. I kept the searchlight on the object while Third Mate and Bosun focused on it with binoculars. As we got closer, it was determined that a person could be seen with arms raised holding onto the white object (later identified as a boat fender).” Castillo told the Seafarers LOG, “I was already in bed around 2100 when I got a call from the bridge to report to the fast rescue boat on the starboard side of the ship. We had a man overboard. I was thinking it was a crew member, as I got dressed quickly and started heading out to the boat. As soon as I got there, I went to my assignment as the sea painter. Directed by the officer in charge, we launched the rescue boat and headed toward the man in the water. They got him in the boat and brought him back, hooked him into the rescue boat. He asked for some drinking water, and we also gave him a banana.” The crew recovered the man from the wreckage and brought him on board. As described by the captain, “He had no energy to assist in getting himself into the rescue boat. He was wearing only a t-shirt, shorts and socks. It looked like he must have jumped into the water from being asleep.” Crew members work with personnel from the Greek Coast Guard to ensure a safe transfer. 4 Seafarers LOG Mariners from the Peary prepare to transport the survivor to the vessel. Castillo recalled, “From the time I received the call from the bridge and got the boat in the water to the time we got the man back to the boat, it was less than 20 minutes.” The crew then transferred the man, who was shivering but conscious, to the Greek Coast Guard and resumed their grid search. The Maersk Peary was then relieved of their search and rescue duties four hours later, and returned to their original course. “After the Greek Coast Guard took the survivor, I never did hear about his condition,” said Hatton. “I can only speculate that he is doing fine as he was conscious and moving around a bit on his own when we passed him off.” The captain concluded, “I am very fortunate for SIU to step up and provide a top-notch crew on very short time as we rushed the vessel from load port Greece just prior to the holidays. This current crew proved to be well qualified and trained when the alarms rang to turn to for a search and rescue during the dark of the night. Without a hesitation, when called to assist, all were there and added helping hands. For the Maersk Peary crew, it was an outstanding effort for everyone to be involved in this recovery.” During that weekend, at least 30 migrants died in three separate incidents in the same area, with more than 160 rescued. The combined rescue efforts saw at least four Greek Coast Guard vessels, a Greek naval frigate, eight merchant ships, three private vessels, three military helicopters and a military transport plane all pitch in to save as many lives as possible. A Greek Coast Guard vessel arrives near the Peary. February 2022 �Protect Personal Info from Cyber Criminals Editor’s note: This article is provided by the union’s legal department. You’ve probably heard about serious data breaches that have occurred in recent years across the globe. These incidents have affected millions of people worldwide, crippled businesses and government agencies, and caused huge financial losses. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has warned that these attacks are on the rise, and that nearly everyone is at risk. One of the most common types of digital breaches is known as ransomware. When a ransomware attack occurs, the criminal encrypts all of the user’s data, and then will not allow access to the data unless the business or individual pays a ransom. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), more than $350 million was paid in the U.S. in ransom during 2020 alone. Related expenses (such as downtime and implementing new security measures) may have exceeded $20 billion. Many of the losses experienced by individuals are the result of emails or text messages that are designed to trick the reader into clicking on a link or into providing certain information. This type of email is called phishing. Some hackers are skilled at using various techniques to steal personal data, including information about bank ac- counts, credit cards, other assets and general information about a person’s identity such as birth date, address and Social Security number. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that people lost $57 million to phishing schemes last year. However, there are certain preventive steps that will help you to avoid becoming a victim of these scams. For instance, always examine emails carefully before clicking on any links, no matter how urgent the email seems to be. These are questions and considerations to keep in mind: Does the email claim to be from your bank or credit card company? Scroll over (but do not click on) the sender’s address carefully. Is it really from your bank or credit card company? Banks and credit card companies generally do not send emails about problems with an account; they will usually call. If you’re unsure, call your bank or credit card company using the number on your credit card (not the phone number in the email) instead of clicking on the link. Is it an email saying you won a prize, or you just have to provide certain information in order to claim a large sum of money? Why would this person contact you? If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably false. Check the sender’s address. Is it an email or phone call that claims to be from the IRS saying that you owe back CHS Updates: Seafarers Encouraged To Schedule Appointments ASAP As previously reported, both the union and the Seafarers Plans are closely working with Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) to facilitate better service for SIU members. In that spirit, CHS – which is now part of a parent organization named Acuity – informed the SIU and the Seafarers Plans that they are experiencing periodic delays in various locations, due to a combination of staffing shortages, COVID protocols and (in the northeast) inclement weather. Seafarers are encouraged to schedule appointments as soon as possible. Immediate or very-near-future appointments may not be available in some locations, and turnaround times for test results likely will vary. Specifically, CHS/Acuity in early January had advised that the earliest appointments at any of their Seattle/Tacoma clinics were in February. (Some of the Concentra clinics in that region are taking walk-ins, but they’re not guaranteed.) The situations were similar in Hawaii and California. Also, the company is working with clinics in Guam and Manila to coordinate appointments while meeting their respective local government requirements for quarantining and testing. Feel free to contact CHS/Acuity and/ or the SHBP Medical Department with questions, and keep an eye on the SIU website for updates. One that Didn’t Get Away Six mariners aboard the Maersk Denver pulled in a 200-pound blue marlin (by hand). Pictured from left are Capt. Craig Rumrill, Recertified Bosun James Walker, Third Mate Matt Crowley, First Engineer John Harrison, Chief Engineer Tim Burchfield and Electrician Herman Castro. February 2022 taxes, and threatening you with legal action if you don’t respond? The IRS does not send such emails, and they do not make threatening phone calls.  Is it an email or phone call claiming that a relative is in trouble, and needs money urgently? Check with your relative to make sure they are ok, but these types of calls and emails are almost always scams. Is it an email that claims to be from an online retailer, contacting you about a problem with your order? Look at the sender’s address carefully. Is it really from Amazon, Costco, UPS or whoever it claims to be from? Is the company logo completely accurate? Are you actually expecting a package from that retailer? Is the order number correct? Does the language of the email sound like the person or company it is supposed to be? Are there grammatical mistakes or misspellings? Is the language awkward? These are often signs that the email is not genuine. Usually, scam emails and phone calls will try to make you feel urgency to act quickly. Common tactics by the scammer include threats of legal action, account closure, or forfeiture of prize. Realistically, there are very few situations so urgent that you cannot take the time to carefully review the email and verify who really sent it. If in doubt, look up the phone number for the company or person who supposedly sent the email, and confirm whether or not it is genuine. Do not click on any links or provide any information. It is also important to maintain strong passwords for all of your personal accounts so that cyber criminals cannot easily crack your password and access your account. A strong password should not contain personal information (like your birthdate or your spouse’s name) and should not be a single word that appears in the dictionary. Strong passwords should be longer and complex. One method to create a suitable password that you can easily remember is to make up a sentence, but substitute numbers and special characters (#, !, *, etc.) for some of the letters, or put them in between the words. There are various websites that you can use to test your password’s strength. These are just a few suggestions to avoid becoming the target of cyber criminals. The following is a link to an article from the Federal Trade Commission regarding other steps you can take to protect yourself from these scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams Internet criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people, so it is important that you pay close attention to emails, maintain strong passwords and change your passwords from time to time. ITF Announces New Steps To Protect World’s Mariners A hefty chunk of the world’s mariners soon will be able to safely join ships despite unpredictable changes to government border policies internationally. That’s according to a joint press release dated Dec. 16 from three international maritime organizations. The release states that shipowners, mariner unions and maritime employer groups are in the process of establishing their own approved international network of quarantine facilities. The move comes as the omicron variant spurs some governments to close their borders to seafarers needing to leave and join ships. Dubbed the Crew Enhanced Quarantine International Program (CrewEQUIP), the effort came into fruition via a partnership between the International Maritime Employers’ Council; the International Chamber of Shipping; and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). Collectively, these organizations represent more than 80 percent of the global merchant fleet and nearly one million international seafarers through almost 200 affiliated unions. CrewEQUIP will create a list of trusted hotels available for crew quarantines that are independently reviewed. The program is designed to overcome frequent changes in government border policies affecting international crew by having the highest standards and industry-best protocols in place. Such an arrangement should help ensure that crew members will continue to safely get to vessels even if governments increase their quarantine requirements. Spokespersons from the groups said the program is urgently needed to avoid the shipping industry’s return to the worst extremes of the crew change crisis, which saw 400,000 seafarers trapped working aboard vessels beyond their initial contracts in late 2020, with an equal number unable to join vessels and earn income. While a global, permanent system with digital vaccine and testing recognition is still urgently needed, the various officials said CrewEQUIP would be important to have in place in the interim to support greater levels of crew change. The groups also welcomed the December announcement of a new joint WHO-ILO-industry action group to advance digital “yellow cards” for mariners and other workers who need to cross borders for their jobs. Under the CrewEQUIP plan, shipping companies and their representatives such as crewing agents and vessel managers are able to sponsor pre-embarkation quarantine facilities for seafarers to be considered for recognition. Facilities must meet CrewEQUIP’s stringent standards for hygiene, testing integrity and data security. A facility must also pass inspections by Lloyd’s Register, the program’s recognized external auditor, to become and remain accepted CrewEQUIP providers. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who also serves as Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, welcomed the CrewEQUIP partnership, noting: “A successful crew change needs everything to line up across the port states, transit countries, and the right facilities available in place in the home country of seafarers involved. Currently, even seemingly minor alterations to a government’s border, health or quarantine policies can bring a planned crew change to a halt – often leaving a seafarer with no option but to continue working onboard beyond their initial contracts…. “Thorough programs like CrewEQUIP, unions and industry are providing a robust system that reduces at least one of the factors that risk successful crew changes,” Heindel continued. “It’s an important initiative and we encourage all responsible shipowners and employers to get behind.” Seafarers LOG 5 �Honoring Bosun’s Wishes In accordance with his directive, the remains of Recertified Bosun Stig Sasse were committed to the sea from the Liberty Pride, while the vessel was sailing in the North Atlantic. Vessel master Capt. Bruce Bonnecarrere (right in group photo, also shown in other photo), who sailed with Sasse, conducted a brief shipboard ceremony and scattered the ashes. “He loved the sea and enjoyed getting to meet a lot of good shipmates and people all over the world,” the captain said. “He sailed for 44 years and used to ship out of the Houston hall.” An SIU pensioner, Sasse passed away Nov. 29, at age 64. He most recently sailed in early 2020. Saltchuk Co-Founder Stan Barer Passes Away at 82 U.S. maritime industry stalwart Stanley H. Barer, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Seattle on Dec. 13, 2021, following a decade-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Widely regarded as a brilliant attorney, dedicated philanthropist and successful entrepreneur, Barer co-founded Saltchuk Resources in 1982, a family of transportation and distribution companies that had acquired more than 30 entities across air cargo, marine services, energy distribution, domestic shipping, international shipping and logistics. (Saltchuk’s subsidiaries include companies that employ SIU members.) He served as chairman of Saltchuk until 1994 and was named chairman emeritus in 2001. “The industry lost a powerful voice in Stan,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “He was a true ally of the American mariner and spent his career working towards improving shipping and trade between the U.S. and our allies. He also was a tremendous advocate for the Jones Act, and he will be dearly missed.” Barer was born in 1939 in Walla Walla, Washington, to David and Dorothy Barer, who had immigrated to the United States from Ukraine and England, respectively, and made their living in the scrap metal business. The middle child and first of his family to graduate from college, Barer knew from an early age that education was the key to his future success. After graduating from Walla Walla High, Barer earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Washington. He was hired by U.S. Sen. Warren G. Magnuson, whom he worked for in Washington, D.C., as legal counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, which Magnuson chaired. Barer served as the U.S. Senate lawyer for enactment of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, helping write the landmark legislation. From 1965-1967, he served as the Assistant U.S. Attorney in Seattle before returning to D.C. to serve as Magnuson’s Chief of Staff. In 1972, Barer worked as legal counsel for the U.S. Delegation to the first United Nations Conference on the Environment at Stockholm, Sweden. In 1974, he returned to Seattle with the love of his life, Alta Barer, and joined the Garvey Schubert Barer law firm. He began what would become the focus of his long professional career: rebuilding U.S.-China trade relations, including the watershed 1979 legal opinion which reopened direct shipping and aviation between the U.S. and Stan Barer the People’s Republic of China for the first time since 1950. While a significant change to international law, it also embodied one of Barer’s core beliefs: The world is filled with shared values, and civility can lead to greater understanding. A staunch Democrat, Barer was an American first, advising presidents on matters of international trade regardless of party affiliation, from Johnson through Obama. Active in political fundraising, he and his wife hosted several such events in the Barer family home. They hosted Hillary Clinton as First Lady and then again as a candidate for the U.S. presidency and held several events for former U.S. Sen., Secretary of State and presidential candidate John Kerry and his wife Teresa Heinz Kerry. Throughout his career, Barer earned global recognition for his achievements, including the 2021 Gates Volunteer Service Award, presented to individuals whose philanthropy and service have taken the University of Washington to new heights. In 2011 and again in 2018, he was honored in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in furthering relations between China and the United States. In 1996, he was honored with the Admiral of the Ocean Seas Award, a prestigious transportation award in the U.S. Spotlight on Mariner Health Treatments for Lower Back Pain Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor or miss work. It’s also not age-exclusive, as children may experience back pain. Symptoms may range from a dull, periodic ache to a nearly constant pain. It may come on suddenly from an accident or develop slowly over time as people age. Generally, there are two types of back pain. Acute, or short-term pain, may last for a few days to a few weeks. Most lower back pain is acute. It can resolve on its own with a blend of self-care, anti-inflammatory medications, heat, ice, or physical therapy. Chronic pain is defined as discomfort that continues for more than 12 weeks, even when the underlying cause has been treated. Approximately 20% of the population with back pain will be considered chronic. Surgery may be the final option for relief, but sometimes, even this does not work. The lower back includes the lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5). This region supports much of the weight of the upper body. The spaces between the vertebrae are called discs. They act as shock absorbers throughout the spinal column. Ligaments hold the vertebrae in place, and tendons attach the muscles to the spinal column. Nerves run 6 Seafarers LOG through the spinal column also. The causes of lower back pain can be mechanical in nature, such as a disruption in the way the spine is made. There are also congenital problems such as scoliosis (an abnormal curve in the spine), lordosis (an exaggerated arch in the lower back), and kyphosis (hunch-back). Pain can come from an injury, degenerative problems, nerve and spinal cord problems. Back pain is diagnosed by patient symptoms, X-ray, CT scans, and MRIs. Treatment is based at least in part on the severity of pain, and may include medication, steroid injections, physical therapy and surgery. Keep in touch with your physician when pain occurs. Rest as needed and follow up as directed. The Mayo Clinic recommends contacting a doctor if back pain persists past a few weeks; is severe and doesn’t improve with rest; spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee; causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs; or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss. The same organization notes, “In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Seek immediate care if your back pain causes new bowel or bladder problems; is accompanied by a fever; or follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury.” Healthy Recipe Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Goat Cheese Servings: 24 Ingredients 9 pounds chicken breast, 6 oz each 2-1/4 cups goat cheese 24 pieces sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced 1/4 cup oregano, fresh, chopped 2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic 1 pound prosciutto, sliced thin Preparation Preheat oven to 375 degrees F Line a 2” hotel pan with foil, and grease it with cooking spray Mix the goat cheese, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and granulated garlic Butterfly each chicken breast 3/4 of the way through. Open the chicken breast like a book. Spread 1-1/2 tablespoons of goat cheese mixture inside each breast. Lay the slices of sun-dried tomatoes on top. Finally, sprinkle a tiny bit of chopped oregano on each breast. Wrap each breast with two slices of prosciutto Place the breasts on the prepared backing sheet. Bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken has reached 165 degrees F. Nutrition Information Per serving (excluding unknown items): 329 calories; 18g fat (50.6% calories from fat); 37g protein; 2g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 112mg cholesterol; 676mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 5-1/2 lean meat; 1/2 fat. (Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) February 2022 �ABOARD MAERSK ATLANTA – Crew members are pictured next to the vessel during a shipyard period in Bahrain. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Hanapiah Ismail for the photo. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WITH SEAFARERS IN OAKLAND – Pictured in photo at center are Chief Engineer Yoali Salcedo (left) and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday aboard the Starlight Marine tugboat Z Three. The Seafaring selfie at left was taken aboard Matson’s Matsonia. SIU Representative Kathy Chester is in the foreground. Pictured from left are ACU Ruben Siclot, Chief Cook Kirk Fisher and Recertified Steward James Harper. The remaining photo at right, taken at the hiring hall, features (from left) SIU VP Nick Celona, newly retired AB Neonito Sodusta (picking up his first pension check) and SIU VP Nick Marrone. “Thank you, SIU, for having me as a member since 1994,” Sodusta wrote. “I am truly grateful and proud to have been part of the operations.” ABOARD LIBERTY PASSION – Crew members and shipyard fire fighters gather for a safety drill in Manama, Bahrain. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew for the photo. February 2022 Seafarers LOG 7 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU FULL BOOKS IN ALASKA – Picking up their respective full B-books at the Anchorage hall are GVA Apollos Smalls (left in photo at left) and AB Dzmitry Sasnouski (left in other photo). SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II is at right in both snapshots. A-BOOK IN ALGONAC – AB Mubarek Ahmed (left) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak is at right. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – OMU Sotero Berame (right) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo is at left. AT THE HOUSON HALL – In photo at left, OMU Francois Bonilla (left) receives his full Bbook from SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. QMED Mike Kifle (left in photo at left below) picks up his first pension check (SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala is at right). Receiving his full B-book (right in photo at immediate right, with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo) is STOS Erry Draper. The remaining photo below at right was taken during a Christmas luncheon; the hall also hosted one for Thanksgiving. ABOARD HORIZON KODIAK – SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp submitted these photos after a servicing. In photo directly above are Chief Cook Obadi Kassem (left) and ABM Alfred Polk. SA Mana Al Osfur (photo in center) is pictured in the galley, while the remaining photo includes (from left) QMED Husain Ali Ali, AB Adel Shaibi and SIU Patrolman George Owen. 8 Seafarers LOG February 2022 �ABOARD LIBERTY PRIDE – Vessel master Capt. Bruce Bonnecarrere shared this photographic proof of Santa’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve. ABOARD MV PATRIOT – SIU Port Agent John Hoskins (left) and Bosun Dixon Guity are pictured aboard the TOTE vessel in late December. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD MAERSK OHIO – Thanks to vessel master Capt. C. Kavanagh for this shipboard holiday photo. “The crew is sporting knitted hats provided by the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Trenton, South Carolina,” Kavanagh noted. “The crew looks forward to these hats and the Christmas boxes provided by the various Seafarers Missions.” Standing, from left: SA Kaleb Politte, Recertified Bosun James Joyce, GVA Eric Chapman, AB Aretta Jones, CM Elliott Gabbert, 2AE Darnell Slayton and AB Carlos Palacios-Nunez. Kneeling, from left: Chief Steward Kim Smith, Chief Cook Richetta Jackson and Chief Engineer Joseph Reynolds. ABOARD USNS BRITTIN – Crew members enjoy a holiday meal aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel. Thanks to Chief Steward Erwin Renon for the photo. February 2022 ABOARD MOKIHANA – The Christmas and New Year ’s meals aboard the Matson ship were well-received. Pictured from left in the group photo above are Chief Cook Brandy Clemons, Capt. Angel Irlanda, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi and ACU Marilou Gumapas. (For additional photos, visit the SIU Facebook page.) ABOARD RJ PFEIFFER – Recertified Steward Ali Munsar (left), Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed (right) and ACU Taleb Alarqaban teamed up to provide a wideranging menu for the New Year’s holiday aboard the Matson ship. Numerous photos of the spread are posted on the SIU Facebook page. ABOARD MAERSK KINLOSS – Shortly before the holiday, steward-department Seafarers aboard the vessel wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Pictured from left in photo above are SA Ronald Pattiasina, Recertified Steward Caezar Mercado and Chief Cook John Nunez. Thanks to SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson for the photo. Seafarers LOG 9 �Arriving at the Crowley terminal in San Juan are El Coqui crew members ABM Julio Perez Jr., Bosun Kemer Rojas, ABW Jonamie Encarnacion and ABM Christian Reyes (all residents of Puerto Rico). Electrician Edwin Velez, Bosun Charles Ortiz and SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo are pictured aboard the El Coqui. Chief Cook Steven Lopez and Chief Steward Jose Norales sail on the El Coqui. Puerto Rico-Based Seafarers Deliver ‘The Goods’ to Territory, Mainland in Jones Act Trade Throughout the twists and turns of the global COVID19 pandemic, one constant has been the reliability of SIUcrewed ships servicing Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland in the Jones Act trade. “I can say from firsthand experience that our members are justifiably proud of their work that helps bring vital cargoes to and from Puerto Rico,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo, who is based in San Juan. “They also know that the Jones Act is a crucial source of jobs for Puerto Rico residents.” Recent data confirms earlier findings from a comprehensive study about America’s freight cabotage law and the island. For instance, SIU-contracted Crowley in mid-January reported that they were “smashing (cargo) volume records in Puerto Rico,” thanks in part to the Seafarers-crewed vessels El Coquí and Taino, which sail between the territory and Jacksonville, Florida. As previously reported, a major study by Boston-based economists concluded the Jones Act has no impact on either AB Luis Venegas El Coqui Pictured Dec. 20 aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are (from left) Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez, Steward/Baker Sharray Turner and SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. Electrician Carlos Parrilla handles maintenance on a reefer container aboard the Taino. 10 Seafarers LOG retail prices or the cost of living in Puerto Rico. In addition, the report found that the state-of-the-art maritime technology, Puerto-Rico focused investments, and dedicated closed-loop service offered by Jones Act carriers provide a significant positive economic impact to the island, at freight rates lower or comparable to similar services to other Caribbean Islands. “There has been much debate about the impact of the Jones Act on Puerto Rico, particularly following Hurricane Maria,” said John Reeve, the principal in Reeve & Associates and the lead economist on the study. “The findings of our analysis show that reliable, efficient, and regular Jones Act services benefit consumers and businesses on the island, and no evidence suggests that exempting Puerto Rico from the Jones Act would reduce consumer prices in Puerto Rico. On the contrary, such an action may well increase prices.” A pillar of U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century, the Jones Act requires that cargo moving between domestic ports be carried on vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. Newly credentialed AB Jorge Alamo (right) poses for a photo with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo in the San Juan hall. The holiday spirit was evident aboard Crowley’s Taino when this snapshot was taken before Christmas. Pictured are ABG Julio Perez, SA Simone Smith, Recertified Steward Kim Strate, Bosun Kemer Rojas, ABM Victor Cortes, Chief Cook Yoaquin Gonzalez and Electrician Carlos Parrilla. Pictured from left aboard the Isla Bella (TOTE Services) are Electrician Hector Ginel, Recertified Bosun John Cedeno and AB Gary Boyd. Recertified Bosun John Cedeno, GUDE Ray Fernandez and SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo reminisce aboard the Isla Bella. Many years ago, they worked together in the crane department at Navierias de Puerto Rico. Proudly displaying his first ABW registration (fresh out of Piney Point) is Seafarer Kelvin Soto (left), a second-generation SIU member. He’s pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. Soto recently shipped out aboard the National Glory (Crowley). February 2022 �TAKING UNION OATH – Pictured from left at the December meeting are SA Temiaka McLaurin, Chief Cook Eugene Williams, Chief Cook Sherron DeCoteau, Chief Cook Torrika Devine, ABM Derrick Alexander and OMU Blake Washington. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is standing at right. Devine and Alexander received their respective A-books, while the others picked up B-books. BOOKS GALORE – Several Seafarers were sworn in during the November membership meeting. They’re pictured with union representatives at the hall, following the meeting. In front (from left) are SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul, SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman, Steward/Baker Mamie Porter (who picked up her A-book) and Chief Cook Michael Ray (A-book). In back are AB Nakia Miller (B-book), QEP David Garrett (A-book) and GUDE Christopher Skinner (B-book). With Seafarers in Jacksonville (and SC) BACKING MDL – Steward/Baker Antajuan Beasley (right) is a longtime supporter of the Maritime Defense League. He’s pictured at the hall shortly after contributing to the cause. SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul is at left. SPIRITS HIGH AT HALL – From left, Chief Cook Sherron DeCoteau, SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo and Chief Cook Torrika Devine seem enthused about the holiday luncheon. (Editor’s note: Please visit the SIU Facebook page for additional photos from the gathering.) ABOARD CAPE DECISION – Pictured from left aboard the Keystone-operated vessel in Charleston, South Carolina, are Steward/Baker Vanessa Curd, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, QEE Mario Dela Cruz, QMED Elaine Watts, GVA Marietta Kozerenko and Bosun Leslie Bracey. READY FOR LUNCHEON – From left, ACU Rosalie Long, CC Joseph Arigo, SA Florentino Espiritu and SA Michael Fincannon are among the volunteers and guests at the Dec. 9 holiday luncheon at the hall. HOLIDAY HELP – Chief Steward Manuel Daguio helps prepare food for a holiday luncheon at the hall following the December membership meeting. SOLIDARITY – SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left) welcomes Preston Drummer, regional VP for the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, to the luncheon. Drummer also serves as the rep for Teamsters Local 512 to the Northeast Florida Central Labor Council. APPRECIATIVE GUESTS – Seafarers and representatives from Crowley Maritime enjoy the holiday luncheon. Those pictured include Lawrence Akromah, Dana Antretter, Ed Hagan, Melissa Serridge, Elizabeth Banner, Josh Lewis and Jon Roberts. February 2022 Seafarers LOG 11 �What’s New for the 2022 Tax Filing Season sion added back in. MAGI threshold amounts for the additional tax are as follows: $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse) $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) Investment income reduced by deductions Tax Legislation Updates & Considerations The following is a list of tax legislation and properly allocable to the items of income and net considerations affecting the current and future tax gain that make up the NII. years as noted. Provided in parenthesis are the abbreviations that will be used throughout this docu- Social Security Tax: Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and ment in reference to the respective legislation. employer are each subject to a 6.2% tax on wages The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA): The for Social Security. The maximum amount of Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on De- wages subject to the Social Security are as follows: $142,800 (2021) cember 22, 2017. Described as the largest major $147,000 (2022) tax reform in over three decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax provisions that impact individuMedicare Tax: als and businesses. Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and  The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (Tax Extenders Act): The Relief employer are each subject to a 1.45% tax on wages Act, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations for Medicare, unchanged from 2020. There is no Act, 2021 was signed by President Trump on De- wage base limit for Medicare tax. In 2021, in adcember 27, 2020, extending several tax provisions dition to the standard Medicare tax, there will be an additional 0.9% tax on wages that exceed the that were set to expire.  The Setting Every Community Up following threshold amounts:  $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act): The SECURE Act was signed into law Spouse) $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) by the President Trump on December 20, 2019 $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) significantly modifying many requirements for employer‐provided retirement plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and other tax‐favored Self-Employment Tax Rate and Deduction: The Social Security portion of the self-employsavings accounts. While some of the modifications went into effect retroactively or upon enactment ment tax is 12.4% in 2021. The Medicare portion (December 20, 2019), many of them carry future of the SE tax is 2.9% not including the 0.9% additional tax on the amounts above the applicable effective dates.  The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Eco- thresholds as noted above. A taxpayer can take an nomic Security Act (CARES Act): The CARES above the line deduction for a percentage of selfAct is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that employment tax paid during the year. The selfwas signed into law by the President Trump on employment tax deduction is limited to one-half March 27, 2020 in response to economic fallout of self-employment tax paid. of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provisions in the Act were enhanced and expanded by the recent signing Kiddie Tax: The kiddie tax changes introduced by the TCJA of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.  American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: In were repealed by the SECURE Act. For taxable response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the years beginning in 2021, the first $1,100 of the ARPA was signed by President Biden on March net unearned income of a child meeting certain 11, 2021 to deliver taxpayers immediate and direct requirements is not taxed, the next $1,100 is taxed relief from related hardship. As discussed in fur- at the child’s marginal tax rate and amounts over ther detail below, the ARPA provided for additional $2,200 are taxed at the parent’s marginal tax rate. Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks), ad- A child is (1) under age 18 at the end of the tax vanced payments of the Child Tax Credit, housing year, (2) age 18 at the end of the tax year and does not provide more than half of his/her own support assistance, and other employment-related relief. Considerations – Build Back Better Act: with unearned income, or (3) is age 19-23 at the The Biden administration’s Build Back Better Act end of the tax year, a full-time student, and does was not enacted by the end of 2021. Significant not provide more than half of his/her own support proposed changes in tax law will continue to be with unearned income. monitored. All information provided below is currently in effect until otherwise altered by future Itemized Deductions If more advantageous than the standard delegislation. duction, an individual may elect to claim certain Due Date of Return File a 2021 Form 1040 and pay any tax due itemized deductions of personal expenses in deterby April 18, 2022. An automatic 6-month exten- mining taxable income. The most common itemsion of time to file the return can be made by filing ized deductions are listed below. Medical and Dental Expenses: UnreimForm 4868 and paying an estimate of tax owed to avoid penalties and interest. Then, file Form 1040 bursed medical expenses may be claimed as an itemized deduction to the extent they exceed 7.5% by October 17, 2022.  Net Investment Income Tax (NII): In of adjusted gross income. The Tax Extenders Act 2021, a tax equal to 3.8% of the lesser of the indi- of 2020 extended this threshold, eliminating the vidual’s net investment income for the year or the initial increase to 10% of AGI.  State & Local Tax Deduction: For tax amount the individual’s modified adjusted gross years 2018-2025, the itemized deduction for taxes income (MAGI) exceeds the threshold amount. paid or accrued by an individual during the tax Net Investment Income can be further catego- year that are not directly connected with a trade or business, or with property held for the production rized into three: Category 1 (investment income) - income of income is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS) of the aggregate of (1) state and local property interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and rents  Category 2 (passive and trading income) taxes, (2) state and local personal property taxes, -gross income from a trade or business that is a (3) state, local, and foreign income taxes, as well passive activity with respect to the taxpayer, or is a as state and local general sales taxes deducted in trade or business of trading commodities or finan- lieu of state and local income taxes.  Mortgage Interest Deduction: The decial instruments Category 3 (gain on dispositions) - net gain duction for mortgage interest is limited to underfrom disposition of property. MAGI for the pur- lying indebtedness of up to $750,000 ($375,000 pose of calculating the additional Medicare tax is for MFS) for tax years 2018-2025. The deduca person’s adjusted gross income with the foreign tion for interest on home equity indebtedness is earned income exclusion or foreign housing exclu- eliminated. The lower limit doesn’t apply to any Following are some of the changes that took effect in 2021, along with provisions that remain in effect from prior years. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your return. Standard Deduction The standard deduction adjusts annually for inflation. The standard deduction for taxpayers who are at least 65 years old and/or blind at the close of the year can be increased with an additional deduction added for each taxpayer for each qualifying condition. For dependents, the standard deduction cannot exceed the greater of (1) $1,100, or (2) the sum of $350 and the individual’s earned income. See the current amounts below. Filing Status Married Filing Joint Head of Household Single/Married Filing Separately 2021 $25,100 $18,800 $12,500 Additional Standard Deductions Age 65+ and/or Blind (MFJ) Age 65+ and/or Blind (Single/HOH) $1,350 $1,700 acquisition indebtedness incurred on or before December 15, 2017, which is limited to $1 Million ($500,000 for MFS). Mortgage Insurance Premiums: The deduction for mortgage insurance premiums (PMI) has now been extended by the Tax Extenders Act through 2021. This allows a taxpayer whose income is below certain thresholds to deduct the cost of premiums on mortgage insurance purchased in connection with acquisition indebtedness on a taxpayer’s principal residence. The deduction is reduced by 10% for every $1,000 by which the taxpayer’s AGI exceeds $100,000. Charitable Contribution Deduction: The limitation under IRC Sec. 170(b) for cash contributions to public charities and certain private foundations is 60% of an individual’s contribution base for tax years 2021-2025. Under the CARES Act, the 60% limitation has been increased to allow for contributions up to 100% of the taxpayer’s contribution base for tax years 2020-2021. The contribution base is an individual’s adjusted gross income (AGI), not including the charitable deduction or any net operating loss (NOL) carrybacks. The limit depends on the aggregate contributions of the spouses if married filing jointly. Excess contributions are generally allowed to be carried forward and deducted for up to five years, subject to the later year’s ceiling. For tax years beginning in 2021, an individual who does not itemize deductions may claim a charitable contribution deduction of up to $300 ($600 in the case of a joint return) for any cash contribution made during the tax year that would otherwise be allowed as an itemized deduction. The deduction is claimed in calculating taxable income in 2021, not as an above-the-line deduction in calculating AGI as allowed in 2020.  Miscellaneous Deductions: Job-related expenses, as well as other miscellaneous itemized deductions that were previously subject to the 2%-of-adjusted-gross-income floor, are no longer deductible for tax years 2018-2025. The eliminated deductions include expenses for tax preparation, union dues, and investment fees. Gambling Losses: All deductions for expenses incurred in carrying out wagering transactions, and not just gambling losses, are deductible only to the extent of gambling winnings.  Phaseout: Before 2018, an individual’s itemized deductions were reduced by 3% of adjusted gross income (AGI) when AGI exceeded certain threshold amounts. This phaseout of itemized deductions is temporarily eliminated by the TCJA, and therefore does not apply to tax years 2018-2025. The phaseout does not affect the itemized deductions for medical expenses, investment interest expenses, casualty or theft losses, or gambling losses.  State Itemized Deductions: The TCJA modified or eliminated several popular itemized deductions. It is important to note that although the federal deductions have been adjusted, you may still qualify for deductions at the state level such as real estate taxes paid and investment expenses. Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Other Deductions Exemptions: Under the TCJA, for tax years 20182025, the deduction for the personal exemption is reduced to zero. Furthermore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent does not entitle that parent to an exemption deduction, instead, releasing the dependency exemption does make the noncustodial parent eligible for the child tax credit with respect to the child Child Tax Credit: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 modified CTC for tax year beginning 2021 in a few significant ways:  The credit is fully refundable for most taxpayers has a principal place of abode in the United States for at least one-half of the tax year; or is a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico for the tax year.  Maximum Child Tax Credit increased to: $3,600 for each qualifying child under age 5 $3,000 for each qualifying child under age 18, but at least age 5 $500 for any other dependent The credit that exceeds $2,000 per child begins to phase out when the taxpayer’s MAGI exceed the amounts listed in the Child Tax Credit chart immediately below.. This phase-out cannot reduce the credit below the $2,000. Any remaining credit amount is then subject to additional phaseout under the rules for non-2021 tax years (Phaseout #2). In the phase-out range, the child tax credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of income above these thresholds.  The credit may be paid in advance in monthly installments. The amount of advance is based on the IRS’s estimate based on 2020 or 2019 tax returns whichever is more recent, and any updated information taxpayer provided to the IRS in 2021. Payments were sent on the 15th of each month from July through December 2021 Unless extended by the Build Back Better pending legislation, these payments will not continue in 2022. Continued on Page 14 Child Tax Credit Filing Status MAGI Phase-out #1 Married Filing Joint $150,000 Head of Household $112,500 Single/Married Filing Separately $75,000 MAGI Phase-out #2 $400,000 $200,000 $200,000 Tax Rates & Thresholds 2021 Tax Brackets: Below are the tax brackets for tax year 2021, including the taxable income range for each bracket. 10% 12% 22% 24% 32% 35% 37% Married Filing Joint $0 - $19,900 $19,901 - $81,050 $81,051 - $172,750 $172,751 – $329,850 $329,851 – $418,850 $418,851 - $628,300 $628,301+ Head of Household $0 - $14,200 $14,201 – $54,200 $54,201 - $86,350 $86,351 - $164,900 $164,901 - $209,400 $209,401 - $523,600 $523,601+ Single $0 - $9,950 $9,951 - $40,525 $40,526 - $86,375 $86,376 - $164,925 $164,926 - $209.425 $209,426 - $523,600 $523,601+ Married Filing Separately $0 - $9,950 $9,951 - $40,525 $40,526 - $86,375 $86,376 - $164,925 $164,926 - $209,425 $209,426 - $314,150 $314,151+ Estates & Trusts $0 - $2,650 N/A N/A $2,651 - $9,550 N/A $9,551 - $13,050 $13,051+ 2021 Net Capital Gains & Qualified Dividend Rates: Below are the 2021 net capital gains and qualified dividend rates per taxable income range for each type of filing status. Married Filing Joint Head of Household Single Married Filing Separately Estates & Trusts 0% $0 - $80,800 $0 - $54,100 $0 - $40,400 $0 - $40,400 $0 - $2,700 15% $80,801 - $501,600 $54,101 – $473,750 $40,401 - $445,850 $40,401 - $250,800 $2,701 - $13,250 20% $501,601+ $473,751+ $445,851+ $250,801+ $13,251+ Capital gains and losses are reported on Form 8949 and then totaled on Schedule D. If you sold a covered security in 2021, your broker would report the cost basis on your Form 1099-B. Refer to the IRS website at www.irs.gov/form8949 for additional information and other new developments affecting this form and Schedule D. 12 Seafarers LOG February 2022 �Tax Tips for Members How to Prepare A Tax Return Step 1. Gather all records for the current tax return filing year. Income Records Forms W-2/W-2G Forms 1099 (Interest, Dividends, Brokerage Statements, Misc.) and Schedules K-1 (Investment in Partnerships/S-Corporations) Itemized deductions and tax credits Medical and dental payment records Real estate and personal property tax receipts State and local tax payments Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan Charitable contributions Records of payments for childcare so an individual could work Educational expenses Step 2. Gather any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. 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 website at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Cents may be rounded to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50-99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. Step 4. Review the return for accuracy. 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. File Return. Filing Electronically (E-file) Due to staffing issues, processing paper returns can take several weeks longer. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically. Information regarding available e-filing options can be found at www.irs.gov/efile-options Filing Paper Return Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If paying any balance due by check, do not staple or attach the payment or Form 1040-V (payment voucher) to the return. Instead, just put them loose in the envelope. Write your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and form number on your check or money order.  Private Delivery Services - Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as DHL Express, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service. Electronic Payment Options Visit www.irs.gov/payments for full listing of electronic payment options. Direct Pay – Payment can be directly withdrawn from a bank account through the IRS website or through the software/ website the taxpayer or paid preparer used to electronically file the tax return. Debit/Credit Cards – The IRS website listed above provides links to pay by debit or credit card. All major cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are accepted, fees apply. Payments by Phone – The IRS website also lists toll-free numbers available to make payments by phone. Refunds Taxpayers can request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out the refund section on Form 1040, which includes the taxpayer’s bank account number and the bank’s routing number. For electronically filed returns, a refund will typically be received in about 2 February 2022 weeks if deposited directly into a checking or savings account. Paper checks will be mailed to the address listed on the tax return if direct deposit is not requested. Paper check refunds may take several weeks to arrive by mail. Where’s My Refund - If taxpayers have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the website at www.irs.gov/refunds. Filing an Extension   Taxpayers can get an automatic 6-month extension if, no later than April 15, 2021, 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. 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 2020, 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 oversees the taxpayer’s property. Your Online Account  To access your online account, you must authenticate your identity. To securely log in to your federal tax account, go to IRS. gov/Account. View the amount you owe, review 24 months of payment history, access online payment options, and create or modify an online payment agreement. You can also access your tax records online. 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 (in- cluding 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 Social Security benefits 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, 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 extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home Certain amounts received as a scholarship What Items Are Considered Deductions and Credits The following are common deductions and credits, which are discussed in more detail in above sections: Standard Deduction Itemized Deductions Medical and Dental Expenses State and Local Taxes Home Mortgage Interest Mortgage Insurance Premiums Charitable Contributions Gambling Losses Qualified Business Income Deduction Student Loan Interest Education Credits & Deductions Earned Income Credit (EIC) Child & Dependent Care Credit Energy Credits Which Records to Keep Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (such as 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. Why Seafarers Must Pay State Income Tax Federal law prohibits employers from Away 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. 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, intercostal, 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 IRS Information General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information between 7am-7pm your local time. Online: Access the IRS website 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 refund; send the IRS comments or requests for help via email; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by email. 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. 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. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions, and publications. Seafarers LOG 13 �What’s New for the 2022 Tax Filing Season Continued from Page 12  File 2021 Tax Return to compare advanced CTC with qualified CTC. As the nature of family and life situation are unpredictable, IRS might over or underpaid the advanced CTC. Letter 6419 from IRS will arrive January 2022 to provide the total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments that were disbursed to taxpayer during 2021.  Advanced < qualified: If the amount of your Child Tax Credit exceeds the total amount of your advance Child Tax Credit payments, you can claim the remaining amount of your Child Tax Credit on your 2021 tax return.  Advanced > qualified: If you received a total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments that exceeds the amount of Child Tax Credit that you can properly claim on your 2021 tax year, you may need to repay to the IRS some or all of that excess payment. Example of situations where could result in such positions: Your income increased in 2021. A qualifying child in 2020 does not meet qualifying child criteria in 2021 (see definition following) Your filing status changed for 2021 Your main home was outside of the United States for more than half of 2021.  Full Repayment Protection: taxpayers qualify for full repayment protection and won’t need to repay if 1) taxpayers’ main home was in US for more than half of 2021 and 2) AGI is less than below: $60,000 if you are married and filing a joint return or if filing as a qualifying widow or widower. $50,000 if you are filing as head of household. $40,000 if you are a single filer or are married and filing a separate return.  No Repayment Protection: This repayment protection amount is phased out when taxpayers exceed AGI listed below on their 2021 tax returns: $120,000 if you are married and filing a joint return or if filing as a qualifying widow or widower $100,000 if you are filing as head of household $80,000 if you are a single filer or are married and filing a separate return Definition of a Qualifying Child: Must meet all criteria: Relationship: The person must be your child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild or nephew). Residence: For more than half the year, the person must have the same residence as you do. Age: must not have attained the age of 18 by the end of the year, or age 19-23 and be a full-time student for at least five months out of the year, or any age if totally and permanently disabled. Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. Valid 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 1-800772-1213. It usually takes about two - six weeks to receive a SSN. Taxpayers cannot claim the Child Tax Credit for any tax year if the individual or a qualifying child did not have an individual SSN issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. Definition of a Qualifying Relative: MUST meet all criteria: Relationship: the person must be your parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, in-law, or an individual who has the same place of abode as the taxpayer for the entire year. Gross Income: The individual’s gross income for the year must be less than the exemption amount (zero for tax years 2018-2025). Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. Cannot be claimed as Qualifying Child by someone else: The individual must not be the qualifying child of the taxpayer or of any other taxpayer for the tax year. Child and Dependent Tax Credits: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 expanded by making it fully refundable; increasing the amount of qualifying expenses, the credit percentage, and the AGI threshold for reducing the credit percentage; and effectively extending the credit to U.S. possessions. A qualifying individual definition is slightly different than qualifying child for CTC (Child Tax Credit)  a dependent of the taxpayer who is a qualifying child under the age of 13.  a dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself; or  the taxpayer’s spouse who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself. There must be earned income to take the credit. Amount of credit equal to the amount of tax- 14 Seafarers LOG payer’s employment-related expenses multiplied by an applicable percentage determined by the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. The maximum amount of qualified expenses to which the credit may be applied is $8,000 for cost to care for one child under the age of 13 or up to $16,000 for two or more children, so that the parents can either go to work or be in the process of looking for work. The 50% credit percentage is reduced (but not below the phaseout percentage) by one percentage point for each $2,000 (or fraction thereof) by which adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $125,000. The maximum credit is $4,000 for one qualifying individual and $8,000 for two or more qualifying individuals. Adoption Credit: The maximum adoption credit has increased to $14,440 per child with adjusted gross income phase out starting at $216,660. The credit is nonrefundable. Any unused credit can be carried forward for five years. In general, the adoption credit is based on the reasonable and necessary expenses related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs, attorney’s fees, and travel expenses. Income limits and other special rules apply. In addition to filling out Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, eligible taxpayers must include with their 2021 tax returns one or more adoption-related documents. Earned Income Credit (EIC): The EIC is a refundable tax credit available to low-income individuals meeting certain requirements including income amount, income source, and filing status. The maximum amount of income you can earn and credit available increased for 2021: 3+ Qualifying Children: Credit up to $6,728 if you earn less than $51,464 ($57,414 if married filing joint) 2 Qualifying Children: Credit up to $5,980 if you earn less than $47,915 ($53,865 if married filing joint) 1 Qualifying Child: Credit up to $3,618 if you earn less than $42,158 ($48,108 if married filing joint) No Qualifying Children: Credit up to $1,502 if you earn less than $21,430 ($27,380 if married filing joint) IRS Refund Claim: The IRS has additional time to review refund claims based on the EIC or the refundable portion of the additional Child Tax Credit to reduce fraud and improper payments. No credit or refund for an overpayment shall be made to a taxpayer before February 15 following the close of the tax year if the taxpayer claimed the Earned Income Credit or additional Child Tax Credit. A SSN is not valid for EIC purposes unless it was issued on or before the due date of the return. For tax years beginning after 2017, you may be able to qualify for the EIC under the rules for taxpayers without a qualifying child if you have a qualifying child for the EIC who is claimed as a qualifying child by another taxpayer. Deduction for Qualified Business Income (QBI): An individual generally may deduct 20% of qualified business income from a partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship, as well as 20% of aggregate qualified REIT dividends and qualified publicly traded partnership income. The 20% deduction is not allowed in computing AGI, but rather is allowed as a deduction reducing taxable income. When taxable income exceeds a threshold amount (see chart at the top of the next two columns) the wages/capital limit may reduce the deductible amount of QBI from each business; A disallowance of the deduction with respect to specified service trades or businesses also is phased in above these threshold amounts of taxable income. For tax years beginning in 2021: Education Credits & Deductions: Following are tax credits and deductions related to educational expenses incurred during the tax year, including definitions of qualifying expenses. The American Opportunity Tax Credit: For tax year 2021, the maximum credit amount can be up to $2,500 and up to 40% of that credit amount may be refundable. The credit applies to the first 4 years of post-secondary education in a degree or certificate program. The credit is calculated by taking 100% of the first $2,000 of qualified tuition and related educational expenses and 25% of the next $2,000 of such expenses. The credit is gradually phased out if your Modified AGI is between $80,000-$90,000 ($160,000$180,000). Taxpayers cannot claim the American Opportunity Credit for any tax year if the individual or a student did not have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. Taxpayers must report the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the educational institution to which payments were made.  Lifetime Learning Credit: For tax year 2021, the maximum credit amount per tax return can be up to $2,000. The credit is calculated by taking 20% of the educational expenses on the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses. The credit is gradually reduced if your Modified AGI exceeds $80,000 ($160,000 if married filing Deductions for Qualified Business Income Filing Status Married Filing Joint Single/Head of Household Married Filing Separately Threshold Amount $329,800 $164,900 $164,925 joint return) and is fully eliminated if your Modified AGI exceeds $90,000 ($180,000 if married filing joint return). The credit cannot be claimed if your filing status is “married filing separately”. There is no limit on the number of years for which the credit can be claimed for each student. Expenses that are claimed for the American Opportunity Credit are not eligible for the lifetime learning credit. Tuition and Fees Deductions: The tuition and fees deduction does NOT apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2020. Expanded Definition of Qualified Expenses for Qualified Tuition Programs: Qualified higher education expenses generally include tuition, fees, and related expenses such as books and supplies. The expenses must be for the student pursuing a degree, certificate, or similar program, at an eligible educational institution. An eligible educational institution includes most colleges, universities, and certain vocational schools. 529 Plan Qualified Education Expenses: The TCJA changed the definition of qualified higher education expense. For purposes of the 529 plan rules, qualified higher education expenses now include expenses for tuition for attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious school. Cash distributions from all 529 plans are limited to $10,000 for elementary and secondary school tuition per tax year, per student. Under the SECURE Act, qualified higher education expenses now also include student loan repayments as well as the expenses of registered apprenticeships.  Form 1098-T Required to Claim Certain Education Incentives: Taxpayers must receive a form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from educational institutions to claim the American opportunity credit, the Lifetime Learning tax credit or the above-the- line deduction for qualified tuition and fees.  Educator Expenses: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended the above-the-line deduction for eligible grade K-12 schoolteachers of up to $250 per year ($500 if you and your spouse were both eligible educators) for expenses paid or incurred for books, certain supplies, computer and other equipment, and supplementary materials used in the classroom. For tax years beginning after 2015, eligible expenses also include expenses for professional development courses the educator takes related to the curriculum he/she teaches or to the student he/ she teaches.  Education IRAs (Coverdell Education Savings Account): Taxpayers can contribute a maximum of $2,000 cash each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The dollar limit is phased out for married individuals filing jointly with modified adjusted gross income between $190,000 and $220,000, and between $95,000 and $110,000 for single filers. The contribution is not deductible. Retirement Accounts Contribution Deductions: Below is information regarding current tax year contribution limits, required distributions, and various legislation updates to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 401(k) plans.  Traditional IRAs: For 2021, the contribution limit to a traditional IRA is the lesser of $6,000 or your compensation. For taxpayers age 50+ at year end, lesser of $7,000 or compensation. Deduction may be limited if taxpayer or spouse are covered by a retirement plan at work and income exceeds certain levels. When a taxpayer is covered by an employer’s retirement plan at any time during the year, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phase-out range in 2021 is $66,000-$76,000 ($105,000-$125,000 for married filing joint).  Roth IRAs: The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is the lesser of $6,000 (increased to $7,000 for taxpayers age 50+ at year end) or your compensation. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is gradually phased out for taxpayers with Modified AGI between $125,000-$140,000 ($198,000-$208,000 for married filing joint). Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on the timing and reasoning of the distribution.  SIMPLE 401(k) plan: The limit on employee elective deferrals is: $14,000 in 2022 ($13,500 in 2021 and 2020)  401(k) Contributions and Limitations on Elective Deferrals: Limit of employee elective salary deferral is $19,000 for 2021 and $ 20,500 for 2022. Overall limit on contribution to a participant’s plan including elective deferral and employer matching contributions is the lessor of Phase in Ceiling $429,800 $214,900 $214,925 employee compensation or $58,000 for 2021.  Excessive contribution: if a contribution is made to an IRA in excess of the allowable amount, that contribution is referred to as an excess contribution and is subject to a 6% excise tax. These excess contributions may be corrected without penalty, however, provided the correction occurs within a certain time frame.  Rollovers to SIMPLE IRAs: For rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015, distributions to employer sponsored retirement plans or a traditional IRAs may be rolled over to a SIMPLE IRA after two years of participation in the plan. IRA Updates: Under the SECURE Act, the following legislation updates are in effect beginning tax year 2020 and continue to be in effect. Additional provisions enacted by the CARES Act are also noted.  Age Limitation - The 70½ age limit for contributions to an IRA has been eliminated. Effective tax year beginning after December 31, 2019 individuals can continue to make contributions for as long as they earn compensation  Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) - The starting age for individuals to begin taking RMD from traditional IRA, SEP IRA and SIMPLE IRA must begin on or before April 1 of the year following the year in which an IRA owner turns age 72 (Prior 2020 was 70½ years old  Inherited IRA Rule - Non-spouse individuals who inherit an IRA after December 31, 2019 must withdraw the balance within 10 years, subject to certain exceptions.  Early Withdrawal 10% Penalty - In 2020, the CARES Act waived the penalty on early withdrawals up to $100,000 from qualified retirement plans for COVID-19 related distributions. For 2021, the early withdrawal penalty of 10% is reinstated, with exceptions related to non-COVID disaster relief discussed in later sections. 401(k) Updates: Under the SECURE Act, the following provisions are in effect for the noted tax years Long-term, part-time employees may now qualify to participate in elective deferral plans in plan years beginning after December 31, 2020  Early withdrawal penalty exemption of $5,000 for qualified birth or adoption distributions in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019  Included in compensation for purposes of determining retirement plan contributions are taxable non-tuition fellowships/stipends and nontaxable “difficulty of care payments” earned by home healthcare workers in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019  Increased cap to encourage higher autoenrollments in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019  Special Charitable Contributions: An IRA owner age 70½ or older can directly transfer, tax-free, up to $100,000 per year to eligible charities. Known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), this option is available for distributions from IRAs, regardless of whether the owners itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible to be treated as a qualified charitable distribution. To qualify, the funds must be contributed directly by the IRA trustee to an eligible charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the transfer. Not all charities are eligible. For example, donor-advised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible recipients. Remember to check eligibility of the charity before requesting a QCD. All QCDs from an IRA to eligible charities are counted in determining whether the owner has met the IRA’s required minimum distribution. Where individuals have made nondeductible contributions to their traditional IRAs, a special rule treats QCD amounts as coming first from taxable funds, instead of proportionately from taxable and nontaxable funds, as would be the case with regular distributions. Health Care Coverage Credits: Below is health care coverage reporting information and current year requirements for related tax credits. Health Care Coverage: Beginning in tax year 2019, you no longer need to either make a shared responsibility payment or file Form 8965 if you don’t have essential health care coverage for part or all of the tax year.  Premium Tax Credit: Individuals with low to moderate income who get health coverage Continued on Page 20 February 2022 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Retired Seafarer Turns 100 “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Dec. 16 - Jan. 17. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Jan. 17. Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups Port Vincent Wesley had a straightforward request for his 100th birthday: having his photo appear in the LOG. The retired steward-department mariner was born Feb. 13, 1922 and sailed out of Brooklyn, New York, throughout the 1950s and 1960s. “I would like to say hello to all the men who sailed with Farrell Lines, Moore-McCormack, and the Military Sea Transportation Service (forerunner to the Military Sealift Command),” Wesley wrote. Personal Writer and former tugboat deckhand Mark Hannon is assisting a retired mariner in writing his memoir. Hannon would like to hear from any SIU members who worked out of the New Orleans and/or Mobile, Alabama, halls during the 1960s. He’s reachable by phone at (443) 615-5228 and by email at mwhannon@verizon.net. Hannon’s website is https:// markhannonbooks.wordpress.com/. February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point...........................Monday: February 7, March 7 Algonac...............................Friday: February 11, March 11 Baltimore......................Thursday: February 10, March 10 Guam..........................Thursday: February 24, March 24 Honolulu..............................Friday: February 18, March 18 Houston...........................Monday: February 14, March 14 A B All Groups C A Mobile...........................Wednesday: February 16, March 16 New Orleans......................Tuesday: February 15, March 15 Jersey City............................Tuesday: February 8, March 8 Norfolk............................Friday: February 11, March 11 Oakland...........................Thursday: February 17, March 17 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: February 9, March 9 Port Everglades...............Thursday: February 17, March 17 San Juan..............................Thursday: February 10, March 10 St. Louis.........................Friday: February 18, March 18 Tacoma....................................Friday: February 25, March 25 Wilmington...............*Tuesday: February 22, Monday: March 21 * Wilmington change in February due to President’s Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m C Reliefs All Groups A B C 13 1 2 21 5 13 4 30 30 14 2 7 15 8 2 0 6 14 1 21 209 7 3 1 12 0 1 2 22 25 13 2 4 12 4 0 6 2 7 2 3 128 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 6 7 4 0 2 6 3 0 1 0 5 1 2 42 Deck Department 10 4 0 2 3 0 1 3 0 13 9 2 1 0 0 3 2 0 7 3 0 25 16 4 17 17 6 20 7 1 2 3 0 8 1 1 17 7 3 9 0 3 2 0 0 1 7 1 5 2 0 15 4 1 0 0 0 16 1 0 174 89 22 5 3 1 9 0 3 0 18 17 9 0 3 4 3 0 2 2 10 0 4 93 23 0 2 32 5 14 11 68 54 35 1 11 27 15 3 2 12 36 5 45 401 6 3 0 20 1 8 2 34 37 12 2 6 18 5 4 2 6 13 2 12 193 3 0 0 2 0 2 1 9 9 6 0 2 7 3 0 0 1 5 1 5 56 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 1 7 1 1 3 12 12 2 1 6 9 4 1 0 4 10 10 11 87 0 0 2 3 0 1 2 7 10 4 1 2 8 5 1 2 2 8 0 6 64 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 11 Engine Department 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 10 2 0 9 7 1 7 2 0 2 0 0 3 4 0 5 9 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 1 0 12 4 0 0 0 1 7 6 1 69 45 7 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 4 4 4 1 3 3 1 0 2 1 6 0 7 41 4 1 2 13 0 4 5 15 31 10 2 4 16 6 1 2 4 12 2 21 155 2 0 1 13 1 7 6 14 20 6 1 4 14 5 1 3 3 14 2 9 126 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 16 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 2 3 0 3 4 13 11 7 2 4 9 16 1 3 2 7 1 21 109 0 0 2 5 1 0 3 7 5 3 0 3 8 3 0 3 3 2 1 6 55 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 Steward Department 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 8 2 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 4 1 0 9 2 0 8 10 0 4 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 10 8 2 9 3 0 1 0 0 2 5 0 3 0 1 8 2 0 0 0 0 7 8 0 81 47 3 0 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 12 1 0 1 7 3 0 1 2 2 0 6 48 2 1 2 8 0 8 11 28 23 10 4 5 24 18 3 4 3 16 1 35 206 0 0 1 9 3 0 5 12 14 8 0 5 16 7 1 2 4 6 1 10 104 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 1 1 0 2 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 14 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 10 5 3 2 3 0 1 3 8 14 8 0 0 14 3 0 1 0 5 0 5 75 5 2 1 5 1 1 3 7 40 9 2 0 19 6 0 14 2 5 0 7 129 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 Entry Department 1 2 0 2 2 2 3 4 0 0 1 2 3 2 3 9 9 25 7 10 0 1 1 0 12 18 4 2 0 0 1 9 0 0 3 3 0 0 9 2 59 93 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 1 7 3 0 0 5 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 31 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 5 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 4 27 10 4 0 5 0 2 7 18 28 20 0 1 14 11 1 0 1 21 0 17 160 4 1 1 7 2 1 12 20 74 18 1 2 32 3 0 12 3 12 3 11 219 322 186 328 213 789 583 305 GRAND TOTAL: 415 February 2022 B Trip Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Jacksonville....................Thursday: February 10 , March 10 Joliet...............................Thursday: February 17, March 17 Registered on Beach 240 125 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was posed to mariners attending classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What do you like most about being a merchant mariner? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Georgia Bussink Ordinary Seaman There are not many professions in which you have the world as your office. The SIU has provided me the opportunity to travel as part of my career; one that gives me the flexibility and ability to take substantial time off to travel and do what I love. Michael Casas Wiper I get to travel the world with my brothers and sisters. I get a say and a vote in this industry. The union supports me and provides me with different experiences here at school as well as every time you get on a different ship. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 John Paul Mauras Ordinary Seaman The opportunity it gives me to travel around the world, to meet and work with new people who come from various backgrounds. Alexander Jackson Ordinary Seaman It gives me the freedom to explore the world while at work. It also provides me the opportunity to take time off to explore it at my own pace. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Henry Nkwor Wiper It affords me the opportunity to travel the world. It also provides me with a safe, constant job and allows me the flexibility to take time off when I want in order to spend time with my family. Kristopher Guthrie Wiper Being a merchant mariner gives me the opportunity to travel the world while also being able to provide for my family back home. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG OS Robert Keith is pictured aboard the SS Steel Designer (Isco, Inc.) in South Vietnam in January 1972. The victory ship carried bombs and ammunition to various South Vietnamese ports during the war. Keith graduated from the trainee program in 1971, upgraded to AB and sailed with the SIU for several years. He remains a personal advocate for the U.S. Merchant Marine. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org February 2022 �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 AZAD ARDESHIRDAVANI Brother Azad Ardeshirdavani, 70, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2004, initially sailing aboard the Commitment. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions, shipped in both the deck and engine departments, and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Ardeshirdavani’s final vessel was the Maersk Columbus. He is a resident of Webster, Texas. ROBBIE BALLARD Brother Robbie Ballard, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1994. A steward department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ballard’s first and final vessel was the Independence. He lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. ROBERT DAVIS Brother Robert Davis, 68, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1988. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Davis’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the Liberty Promise. He resides in Montgomery, Texas. TEODORO MARTINEZ Brother Teodoro Martinez, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2001 and initially sailed on the Green Cove. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Independence II. Brother Martinez makes his home in The Bronx, New York. ALI MOHAMED Brother Ali Mohamed, 66, signed on with the union in 1989. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in all three departments. Brother Mohamed upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Global Sentinel and is a resident of Coldwater, Michigan. February 2022 JEFFERY MUNDY MOHAMAD SHIBLY Brother Jeffery Mundy, 70, signed on with the union in 2015, initially shipping with OSG Ship Management. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and most recently shipped aboard the Patriot. Brother Mundy lives in Venice, Florida. Brother Mohamad Shibly, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1985 when he sailed aboard the Maui. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Shibly concluded his career on the Cape Isabel and settled in Federal Way, Washington. WINFRED OPARE Brother Winfred Opare, 66, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He first sailed aboard the Columbia and worked in the engine department. Brother Opare upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the Alaskan Explorer and is a resident of Federal Way, Washington. SQUEEZER PIERCE Brother Squeezer Pierce, 65, started sailing with the union in 1978, initially shipping on the Bradford Island. A deck department member, Brother Pierce upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Virgo and lives in Greensburg, Kentucky. JOHN REID Brother John Reid, 59, began his career with the SIU in 1988. A steward department member, he initially sailed aboard the USNS Indomitable. Brother Reid upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Washington and makes his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother Arturo Rodriguez, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1987. He first sailed aboard the USNS Algol and shipped in all three departments. Brother Rodriguez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Delaware Express and makes his home in Houston. JAMES BEATTY Brother James Beatty, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1990, first sailing aboard the Charles L. Brown. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Beatty was last employed by G&H Towing and resides in Ragley, Louisiana. ALMARIO SISON Brother Almario Sison, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2001. He initially sailed aboard the USNS Roy M. Wheat and was a deck department member. Brother Sison upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Reliance and calls Wilmington, California, home. WILLIAM STOKES Brother William Stokes, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1991 and first sailed aboard the USNS Wyman. He was a deck department member and most recently sailed aboard the John Paul Bobo. He makes his home in Wewahitchka, Florida. GREAT LAKES TED CAFFY Brother Ted Caffy, 60, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2002 when he shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Caffy was employed by the same company for the duration of his career. He resides in Florala, Alabama. Brother Timothy Brenno, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1977. He initially shipped aboard the Del Mar and was an engine department member. Brother Brenno upgraded at the Piney Point school multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Sam Laud and resides in Seymour, Tennessee. Brother Timothy McKenna, 60, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and first shipped aboard the Adam E. Cornelius. Brother McKenna upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career working for Great Lakes Towing and settled in Cleveland. the Seafarers International Union in 1980 when he shipped on the Newark. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Layko upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last sailed on the Dodge Island. He lives in Vancouver, Washington. THOMAS LENNANE Brother Thomas Lennane, 71, signed on with the union in 1998. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Lennane worked for Port Imperial Ferry for his entire career. He makes his home in Tomkins Cove, New York. DONALD MACDONALD Brother Donald MacDonald, 65, joined the SIU in 1978 when he sailed on the American Heritage. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1996. Brother MacDonald last shipped with H&M Lake Transport and makes his home in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. DAVID FENTON Brother David Fenton, 66, signed on with the union in 2013. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Fenton worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He lives in Westport, Washington. TIMOTHY BRENNO TIMOTHY MCKENNA ARTURO RODRIGUEZ INLAND TIM GREEN Brother Tim Green, 66, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2007. A deck department member, he worked for Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. Brother Green resides in Leonia, New Jersey. ROBERT HOPKINS Brother Robert Hopkins, 62, joined the SIU in 1979. He upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school within his first year of membership and worked in the deck department. Brother Hopkins worked for Mariner Towing for most of his career. He resides in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. ROBERT LAYKO DOUGLAS MCGUIRE Brother Douglas McGuire 61, donned the SIU colors in 2007. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother McGuire worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career and settled in Woodway, Texas. AARON MORTON Brother Aaron Morton, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1995 when he sailed with Westbank Riverboat Services. He was a member of the engine department and continued to work for the same company for most of his career. Brother Morton makes his home in Harvey, Louisiana. WILLIAM SISTARE Brother William Sistare, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978. A deck department member, he sailed with Marine Contracting for his entire career. Brother Sistare lives in Summerville, South Carolina. Brother Robert Layko, 65, joined Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA CORNELL ANDREWS Brother Cornell Andrews, 69, died November 3. He was born in Louisiana and joined the SIU in 1969. Brother Andrews sailed in both the deck and steward departments and first shipped on the Transuper. He last sailed aboard the Gem State in 2019 and was a San Francisco resident. JOSEPH LOYAL Pensioner Joseph Loyal, 68, passed away December 4. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. A deck department member, Brother Loyal first sailed aboard the USNS Kane. After concluding his career aboard the Horizon Hunter, he retired in 2011. Brother Loyal lived in Lubbock, Texas. JEFFREY PAGE THELLIS BARNES Brother Thellis Barnes, 66, passed away November 8. Born in Alabama, he joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001. Brother Barnes first shipped aboard the Virginian and was a deck department member. He most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Montana and lived in Suffolk, Virginia. PETER BEAN Pensioner Peter Bean, 70, died September 11. He signed on with the SIU in 1970, initially sailing aboard a Seatrain Lines vessel. Brother Bean was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Overseas Martinez and went on pension in 2018. Brother Bean resided in the Philippines. SEVERIANO BONAFONT Pensioner Severiano Bonafont, 79, passed away November 12. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1970. A deck department member, his first vessel was the Ponce. Brother Bonafont last shipped on the El Yunque before retiring in 2006. He lived in Puerto Rico. DAVID GORDIUS Pensioner David Gordius, 74, died December 8. He joined the SIU in 1980, initially working on the St. Louis. Brother Gordius was a member of the engine department and last sailed aboard the Horizon Consumer. He became a pensioner in 2007 and settled in St. Petersburg, Florida. 18 Seafarers LOG Brother Jeffrey Page, 67, died September 22. Born in Washington, D.C., he began sailing with the union in 1978. Brother Page was an engine department member and first sailed aboard Waterman’s A. Stephens. He last sailed on the USNS Capella and resided in Rockville, Maryland. CESAR RAMOS Pensioner Cesar Ramos, 72, passed away November 19. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Brooks Range. Brother Ramos was a deck department member. He last sailed on the Patriot and became a pensioner in 2014. Brother Ramos made his home in the Philippines. ROLANDO ROMANILLOS Pensioner Rolando Romanillos, 67, died November 12. He joined the union in 1993 and was an engine department member. Brother Romanillos first sailed aboard the Producer. He most recently shipped on the Ocean Freedom and went on pension in 2019. Brother Romanillos was a resident of Long Beach, California. STIG SASSE Pensioner Stig Sasse, 64, passed away November 29. He donned the SIU colors in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Cape John. A deck department member, Brother Sasse last shipped on the Alliance St. Louis. He retired last year and settled in Houston. He shipped in the deck department and most recently sailed aboard the Ocean Freedom. Brother Scheck went on pension in 2017 and resided in Dickinson, Texas. employed with Interstate Oil for most of his career. He went on pension in 2016 and made his home in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. RALPH GARDNER WILLIAM SCHROEDER Pensioner William Schroeder, 83, passed away November 16. He joined the SIU in 1964 when he sailed on the Eagle Voyager. Brother Schroeder shipped in the engine department and concluded his career on the El Faro. He became a pensioner in 1993 and lived in Germany. JAMES WRIGHT Pensioner James Wright, 81, died November 20. He began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1967, initially sailing on the Selma Victory. Brother Wright worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Anchorage and went on pension in 2002. Brother Wright resided in Puyallup, Washington. ELLIS YOUNG Pensioner Ellis Young, 77, passed away November 17. He donned the SIU colors in 1970 when he shipped on the Penn Sailor. Brother Young was a member of the engine department. He last shipped aboard the Newark Bay and began collecting his pension in 2001. Brother Young lived in Jacksonville, Florida. Pensioner Ralph Gardner, 83, passed away December 6. He began sailing with the SIU in 1967 when he worked aboard the Battle Creek. Brother Gardner was a deck department member and was last employed by Mariner Towing. He retired in 1981 and settled in Ocala, Florida. CHARLES GROGAN Pensioner Charles Grogan, 87, died November 19. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1961, initially sailing with Moran Towing of Virginia. Brother Grogan concluded his career aboard the Sam Houston and went on pension in 1996. He resided in Mechanicsville, Virginia. WADE POOR Brother Wade Poor, 43, passed away October 22. He donned the SIU colors in 2007, initially working on the Terrapin Island. Brother Poor was a member of the deck department and most recently worked on the Douglas B. Mackie. He was a resident of Palmyra, Missouri. GREAT LAKES JAMES WILKINS HARLEY THIES Pensioner Harley Thies, 82, passed away November 21. He signed on with the SIU in 1966 when he was employed by Michigan Interstate Railway. Brother Thies worked in the steward department and last shipped on the H. Lee White. He became a pensioner in 2002 and resided in Muskegon, Michigan. INLAND JIMMIE SCHECK ALBERT BURNS Pensioner Jimmie Scheck, 64, died December 2. He signed on with the union in 1977. Brother Scheck’s first vessel was the Zapata Courier. Pensioner Albert Burns, 67, died November 30. A member of the deck department, he joined the union in 1973. Brother Burns was Pensioner James Wilkins, 86, died December 3. He joined the union in 1961 and first worked for Gulf Atlantic Transport. Brother Wilkins sailed in the deck department and was last employed by Interstate Oil. He became a pensioner in 1997 and lived in Belhaven, North Carolina. NMU CUTHBERT FORBES Pensioner Cuthbert Forbes, 79, passed away December 6. He joined the Seafarers during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother Forbes sailed in both the deck and engine departments and last sailed on the Argonaut. He began collecting his pension in 2006 and made his home in Cambria Heights, New York. CHARLES MCFIELD Pensioner Charles McField, 86, died December 13. A steward department member, he signed on with the union during the SIU/ NMU merger in 2001. Brother McField last shipped aboard the St. Louis Express before retiring in 2004. He was a New Orleans resident. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Berrios, Julio 82 Cooper, Morris 94 Costoso, Benjamin 100 Duncan, Frederick 90 Evans, Henry 81 Farmer, Joseph 95 Herrenberg, August 85 Karadimas, Spyridon 97 Kitchen, Sandy 93 Ritter, James 80 Williams, Richard 78 Yamamoto, Takeo 95 DOD 04/05/2021 11/23/2021 12/23/2021 12/14/2021 12/06/2021 12/08/2021 11/08/2021 09/28/2021 12/08/2021 11/22/2021 11/16/2021 09/28/2021 Have You Missed An Issue of the Log? PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website February 2022 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), October 24 – Chairman Domingo Leon, Educational Director Edwin Feliciano, Deck Delegate Randolph Jemmott, Engine Delegate Roger Nesbeth. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested vacation increase to 20 for 30. Carpet cleaner needed. Crew discussed concerns with lack of fresh food aboard ship. LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), October 24 – Chairman Albert Konning, Secretary Abraham Mills, Educational Director Teodocio Ruiz, Deck Delegate Christopher Chikwere, Steward Delegate Reginald Jackson. Chairman thanked members for safe voyage and announced payoff in Galveston, Texas. He encouraged crew to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Steward department thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and to check documents for expiration dates. Steward department reported beef over unpaid overtime. Members thanked SIU President Michael Sacco for doing a great job. Crew requested cost of living increase every two years and for increased vacation benefits. JEAN ANNE (Pasha) November 14 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair, Deck Delegate Mohamed Saleh, Engine Delegate Yahya Mohamed, Steward Delegate Tammy Bingisser. Crew asked for clarification on selection process for recertifications. Members asked for physicals to be required once annually. Vote of thanks given to steward department for awesome food. New BBQ grill and smoker have resulted in more diverse foods coming from galley, along with outside BBQs. More funds needed for crew activities and galley equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate reported good morale among steward department members. Crew would like higher-paying contracts and a minimum of three people per steward department. Members discussed costof-living increases. 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. MAERSK COLUMBUS (Maersk Line, Limited), November 14 – Chairman Sanjay Gupta, Secretary Christopher King, Educational Director Guiomar Rancel, Engine Delegate Arthur Bailey, Steward Delegate Joseph Kudjoe. Chairman reminded members to clean their rooms for the next person. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed medical benefits, suggestions for next contract, and expressed frustrations with food budget. TACOMA (Horizon Lines), November 14 – Chairman Christopher Pompel, Secretary Clark Williams, Educational Director Ronald Embody, Steward Delegate Hernando Basilan. Chairman reminded crew that employment start date was September 28, when they were flown to Korea. Members were reminded to keep up with documents and physicals as wait times can be longer than expected. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested better internet service aboard ship. Crew asked that companies no longer invoke ship restrictions as they are all vaccinated. MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), November 21 – Chairman James Walker, Secretary Johnny Sawyer. Chairman discussed upcoming shipyard period. He will contact union representative regarding living conditions and pay to cover any shortages. Chairman told members to expect delays in Savannah and Houston. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested more vacation days. Members asked for an increased food budget. Crew requested TVs and DVD players through ship funds. Also reported that elevator does not stop on C deck. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), November 28 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Johnnie McGill, Educational Director Robert Noble, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Jennifer Diola. Prior beefs are under review at headquarters. Stores will be received at next port. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed pay raises for pensioners. New galley griddle installed and new front-load washers have been ordered. Crew requested 15 for 30 vacation days. Next port: Port Everglades, Florida. Even Better than a Library MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), November 28 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate John Worae, Steward Delegate John Nunez. Members were advised to check documents and to follow safety protocols at all times. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested more fans and fullsize refrigerators for each room. Crew asked for a Wi-Fi upgrade, additional vacation days and an increase to food budget. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), December 10 – Chairman Wilfredo Velez, Secretary Jeffery Toliver, Educational Director Carlos Mohler, Deck Delegate John Walsh, Steward Delegate Richard Oliva. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed response to previous meeting report. Ship fund suggestions list is placed by the whiteboard on A deck. Crew discussed medical and retirement benefits and requested increases in pension and vacation. Next port: Elizabeth, New Jersey. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings), December 11 – Chairman Nathan Shuford, Secretary Alexander Dominguez, Educational Director Randy Slue, Deck Delegate Troy Glatter, Engine Delegate Joseph Marino. Chairman reminded crew to get medications early because CHS is taking a long time. He urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school rather Many thanks to Chief Engineer Randall Macy for this unique snapshot of OMU Ben Anderson, taken during Thanksgiving weekend in Chinhae, South Korea. Randall noted that Ben “found quite a place to relax and read the Seafarers LOG on the MV Edward A. Carter Jr” (Sealift, Inc.). than third-party schools. Educational director informed crew of technical issues for medical certificates. If applications were sent between September 21 and September 28, they need to be re-sent. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested an increase in pension and a decrease in sea-time requirements. Crew asked for higher wages and Wi-Fi access. CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), December 23 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Gerald Kirtsey, Educational Director Edgardo Barrios, Deck Delegate Russell Hayden, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Stew- ard Delegate Keith Hall. Chairman reiterated importance of staying on top of documents. He informed crew of amendments to shipping rules to include longer rotations if desired. Negotiations for standard agreement will start next year. Educational director recommended crew attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. He advised them to attend early to utilize HLSS travel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked company to provide better WiFi. Steward department was thanked for holiday meals. Crew requested 18 for 30 vacation days, wage increases, and for physicals to be required annually. Next port: Long Beach, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt February 2022 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �What’s New for the 2022 Tax Filing Season Continued from Page 14 through the Health Insurance Marketplace may be eligible for this refundable credit if meeting the following requirements: Purchased coverage in the Marketplace for someone in their tax family (taxpayer, spouse, if married filing jointly and dependents for which a personal exemption is claimed) for a month that person was not eligible for minimum essential coverage (other than coverage in the individual market). Have household income at least 100%, but no more than 400% of the federal poverty line for taxpayer’s family size. An exception, a resident alien who is ineligible for Medicaid and has household income less than 100% of the federal poverty line can take the credit. If married, individuals must file a joint return. Exceptions apply to victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment and to individuals who are considered unmarried. Cannot be claimed as a dependent by another person.  Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC): The HCTC is a tax credit that pays a percentage of health insurance premiums for certain eligible taxpayers and their qualifying family members. The HCTC is a separate tax credit with different eligibility rules than the PTC and has been extended by the Tax Extender Act through 2021. Eligibility is restricted to individuals who are eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance allowances because of a qualifying job loss, or individuals between 55-64 years old whose defined-benefit pension plans were taken over.  Affordable Care Act: Several very important provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that affect individuals and businesses first became effective in 2015. The Employer Shared Responsibility provision of the Affordable Care Act requires employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees to either offer minimum essential coverage that is “affordable” and that provides “minimum value” to their full-time employees and their dependents, or potentially make an employer shared responsibility payment to the IRS.  Energy Credits: The Tax Extenders Act of 2020 extended many energy-related provisions that were set to expire at the end of 2020. Below are common energy credits. Nonbusiness Energy Property: Through 2021, a credit is allowed for 10% of the amounts paid/incurred for qualified energy improvements of principal residences (windows, doors, skylights, and roofs). Taxpayers can take $50-$300 fixed dollar amount credits allowed for energyefficient property including furnaces, boilers, biomass stoves, heat pumps, water heaters, central A/C, and circulating fans, subject to a lifetime cap of $500.  Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit: For property placed in service after December 31, 2016 and before January 1, 2024, the credit is available only for eligible solar electric property and solar water heating property. Beginning in 2021, qualified biomass fuel expenditures now qualify for the credit. The credit is equal to 30% of the cost of eligible property placed in service in 2018 or 2019; 26% of the cost of the property placed in service 2020-2022; and 22% of the cost of property placed in service in 2023. The only limitation that applies is a $500 limit with respect to each half kilowatt of capacity of qualified fuel cell property expenditures per year  Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit: An individual taxpayer may claim a 30% credit for the cost of installing nonhydrogen alternative vehicle refueling property at the taxpayer’s principal residence. The credit is limited to $30,000 for property that is subject to depreciation and $1,000 for any other property. This credit has been extended to include property placed in service before January 1, 2022. Energy Efficient Homes Credit: An eligible contractor may claim a tax credit of $1,000 or $2,000 for the construction or manufacture of a new energy efficient home that meets qualifying criteria. The credit is available on homes acquired before January 1, 2022. Qualified Fuel Cell Motor Vehicles: Extended through 2021, a credit of between $4,000 and $40,000, depending on the weight of the vehicle, is available for the purchase of qualified fuel cell motor vehicles. Depending on fuel efficiency, other vehicles may qualify for an additional $1,000 to $4,000 credit.  2-Wheeled Plug-In Electric Vehicle Credit: Capped at $2,500, the 10% credit for highway-capable, two-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles has been extended for vehicles acquired prior to January 1, 2022. To qualify, battery capacity within the vehicle must be greater than or equal to 2.5 kilowatts/hour. Act. A disaster zone does not include any areas that have been so declared only by reason of COVID-19.  Use of Retirement Funds: To allow for the re-contribution of retirement plan withdrawals for home purchases canceled due to eligible disasters and provide flexibility for loans from retirement plans for qualified disaster relief, there is now an exception to the 10% early retirement plan withdrawal penalty for qualified disaster relief distributions.  Other Disaster-Related Tax Relief: Per the Disaster Act Sec. 304, other disaster-related tax relief items include the following, applied after any related provisions under the CARES Act. Temporary suspension of limitations on charitable contributions associated with qualified disaster relief For personal casualty losses, The Disaster Act eliminates the current requirements that personal uncompensated casualty losses must exceed 10% of AGI to qualify for deduction. Also, the taxpayer is not required to itemize deductions to qualify for this relief Taxpayers in designated disaster areas may use the immediately preceding year to determine the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit  Automatic Extension of Filing Deadline: The IRS gives affected taxpayers until the last day of the extension period to file tax returns and make tax payments, including estimated tax payments, that either have an original or extended due date falling in the declared disaster period. Other Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions: Below are additional miscellaneous exemptions, credits, and deductions that may be beneficial to reducing taxable income.  Exclusion of Cancellation of Indebtedness on Principal Residence: Cancellation of indebtedness income is generally includible in taxable income. However, extended by the Tax Extenders Act of 2020, income from cancellation of debt on a qualified principal residence of up to $750,000 ($375,000 if married filing separately) may be excludable for tax years 2021-2025.  Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer Credit: The first-time homebuyer credit is not available for new home purchases. However, taxpayers who previously claimed the credit, which was available for homes purchased during 20082011, may have to repay (recapture) their credits over a 15-year period.  Moving Expenses: For tax years 20182025, moving expenses are no longer deductible unless you are a member of the Armed Forces on active duty (and their spouse and dependents) who moved pursuant to a military order and incident to a permanent change of station. Moving expenses are claimed on Form 3903. Transit Benefits: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended transit benefits. These include commuter highway vehicle benefits, transit passes, and qualified parking. For taxable years beginning in 2020, the monthly exclusion amount has increased to $270.  Standard Mileage Rates: The standard mileage rate for 2021 is 56 cents/mile for business miles driven, 16 cents/mile for medical/moving expense, and 14 cents/mile for charitable services. For tax year 2022, the business mileage rate is increased to 58.5 cents/mile, medical and moving expense rate is increased to 18 cents/mile, and the charitable rate remains the same at 14 cents/mile. The business standard mileage rate cannot be used to claim a deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses for tax years 2018-2025. Additionally, standard mileage rate deductions related to moving are currently available only to members of the Armed Forces. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption: In 2021, the AMT exemption amounts increased to $114,600 for married filing jointly, $57,300 for married filing separately, and $73,600 for single or head of household filers. The AMT exemption begins to phase out at $1,047,200 for married filing jointly and $523,600 for other filers. Foreign Income  Foreign Financial Assets: If you had foreign financial assets in 2021, you may have to file Form 8938 with your return. In addition, a separate FBAR document must be e-filed by April 15, 2022 if the aggregate value of the foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 in any time during the calendar year. An automatic extension to October 15, 2022 is allowed if you fail to meet the April 15th annual deadline. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: U.S. citizens and resident aliens living abroad who have a foreign tax home and satisfy the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test may elect to exclude from gross income certain foreign earned income attributable to their residence in a foreign country during the tax year. For tax year 2021, the maximum foreign earned income exclusion amount is $108,700. This exclusion amount is increased to $112,000 for tax year 2022. Foreign Tax Credit: Taxpayers may elect to claim foreign tax credit if opted out foreign income exclusion. The foreign tax credit, which may be claimed in lieu of a deduction, is a dollarfor-dollar credit against the U.S. tax liability. This limits the combined rate of tax on foreign-source income to the greater of the foreign tax rate or the U.S. tax rate. The credit may be taken for foreign taxes paid directly by U.S. persons. Consumer Alert The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the alert for emails and phone calls they may receive which claim to come from the IRS or other federal agencies and which mention their tax refund. These are almost certainly scams whose purpose is to obtain personal and financial information (such as name, Social Security number, bank account and credit card numbers, or even PIN numbers) from taxpayers which can be used by the scammers to commit identity theft. The emails and calls usually state that the IRS needs the information to process a refund or deposit it into the taxpayer’s bank account. The emails often contain links or attachments to what appears to be the IRS website or an IRS “refund application form.” However genuine in appearance, these phonies are designed to elicit the information the scammers are looking for. The IRS does not send taxpayers emails about their tax accounts. Also, the IRS does not request detailed personal information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward the message to phishing@ irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration toll-free at 1-800-366-4484 or TTY/TDD 1-800-877-8339. If you lost money to a scam that started with an email, you can report the incident with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc. gov/complaint or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-4384338). Visit IRS.gov and enter “identity theft” in the search box to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk. If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, etc., contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039. For more information, see Publication 4535, Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance. Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the National Taxpayer Advocate helpline at 1-877-777-4778. With Seafarers Aboard SLNC Magothy Clockwise beginning at top left, Jacksonville-based SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (right) is greeted by ACU Noel Veloso aboard the ship. AB Eddie Ebanks mans the gangway while Oiler Kianta Lee (facing camera) and fellow mariners tackle their next assignment.Oiler William Patterson pauses for a quick snapshot. Steward/Baker Jessica Williams is pictured aboard the Argent Marine vessel in Jacksonville, Florida. Disaster-Related Tax Relief: The Disaster Act, officially part of the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act, provides relief for taxpayers affected by Federally declared disasters in 2021 through 60 days following the enactment of the 20 Seafarers LOG February 2022 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Machinist March 14 April 1 Pumpman April 4 April 8 Welding February 14 April 25 June 6 March 4 May 13 June 24 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic May 2 May 20 MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook March 21 April 25 May 30 April 22 May 27 July 1 Advanced Galley Operations April 4 June 20 April 29 July 15 Chief Steward February 28 May 9 March 25 June 3 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck February 14 April 4 May 23 March 4 April 22 June 10 February 14 March 14 April 11 May 9 June 6 February 25 March 25 April 22 May 20 June 17 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 June 24 RFPNW February 28 April 25 June 13 March 18 May 13 July 1 Celestial Navigation August 22 September 16 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation March 7 March 11 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Government Vessels Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 February 21 March 14 April 11 February 25 March 18 April 15 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) March 14 March 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL April 4 May 2 April 8 May 6 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 9 May 23 May 13 May 27 Lifeboat/Water Survival Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting April 4 April 8 Medical Care Provider February 14 April 11 February 18 April 15 Basic Training April 4 June 6 April 8 June 10 Basic Training Revalidation February 25 March 21 February 25 March 21 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW April 25 May 20 FOWT June 13 July 8 Junior Engineer July 11 September 2 Marine Electrician May 16 June 17 Marine Refer Tech April 4 May 13 Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ 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 #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. February 2022 Important Notice to PHC Students Effective Feb. 1, 2022, all upgraders or apprentices at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster shot if the student is eligible to receive one. COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 2/22 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #876 – Graduated December 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Keith Awkward, Charles Bishop, Micko Cercado, Keshun Corpus, Maria Escobar, Ricardo Gonzalez Jr., Danielle Gore, Noah Hepburn, Maurice Kent Jr., Walter Lewis, Dennis Smith Jr., Austin Smith and Mizukami Aulaumea Youn. Government Vessels – Graduated December 17 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Mahfoud Munassar Mohamed Al-Esfoor, Alvinmar Iremedio Aldana, Garry Brandon, Darryl Brice, Thomas Doering, Ouida Fields, Drushelia Finney, David Garrett, Jeffery Griffin, Patrick Hurley, Nikita Johnson, John Nichols, Emanuel Spain Jr., Patricia Sullivan, Christopher Thompson and Emile Wilson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tank Ship Familiarization (DL) – Graduated December 17 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Majed Omar Alsharif, Saleh Abdo Alsinai, Richard Barnes, Eric Bell, Jonathan Augusto Bernardez, Davon Brown, Christian Bryant, Richard Cole, Sherron Davita Decoteau, Torrika Devine, Juan Luis Guanill, Ashley Hudson, James Jones, Jesus Miguel Mendez Mercado, Muammer Saleh Qusiem, Yahya Qasim Shamman, Charles Vandeventer, Juan Carlos Velasquez and David Weeks. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG February 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Firefighting (Upgraders) – Graduated November 12 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Jamal Field, Anna-Maria Halstead, Jeremy Harris, and Frederick Wilson. Celestial Navigation (Mates) – Graduated December 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Matthew Jenness and Joseph Nicodemus. Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated November 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Jeremy Harris, Ali Mohamed Saeed and Frederick Wilson. Certified Chief Cook – Graduated December 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Devin Brashear, Ashley Codrington, Atrenique Tramani Deamus, Jamel Hollomond, Lamarai Jones, Felix P. Maldonado, Jeremy Poertner, Elvin Joel Rijos-Perez and Raul Cabrera Ventanilla. Important Notice To All Students February 2022 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 23 �FEBRUARY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 2 Tax Tips For 2022 Filing Season Pages 12-14, 20 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Pictured from left are Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe, VP of Purchasing Anita Vargo and SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, who leads the union’s annual effort supporting the holiday toy drive. Recertified Bosun Rufino Giray (left), pictured with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp at the Tacoma hall, says he’s happy to contribute to Santa’s Castle. Crowley Director of Labor Relations Daniel Lowry (left) and Marine Crewing Manager John Woodcock (center) drop off bikes at the hall. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right. ‘Blown Away by SIU’s Generosity’ Annual Outreach Benefits U.S. Military Families The COVID-19 pandemic surely has induced innumerable “bah, humbug!” moments, but nothing has diminished the SIU’s enthusiastic backing of an annual philanthropic project benefiting U.S. military families at Christmastime. The yearly outreach known as Santa’s Castle has become a staple for Tacoma, Washington-area Seafarers, who’ve backed it for more than a dozen years. Santa’s Castle generates donations of toys and other gifts to U.S. military families (mainly E-4 and below) from Joint Base Lewis- McChord (JBLM), Washington, and from other bases. For 2021, the SIU stepped up with donations worth approximately $8,000. Most of the contributions came from rank-and-file members, but many others chipped in, including members of the union’s executive board, pensioners, and officials from SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime and TOTE Services, respectively. The union also hosted a luncheon on Dec. 23 for Santa’s Castle representatives, SIU members, retirees and family members, and other guests. (The luncheon typically coincides with loading donations into trucks and vans, but that gathering was skipped in 2020, for precautionary reasons.) “This was yet another good year for Tacoma Seafarers who turned out again to support the troops at JBLM with a considerable donation,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo. “It’s a way that we extend heartfelt thanks to the troops for their dedication and professionalism in service to our country.” While no service members attended the luncheon (an almost unprecedented rarity, likely caused by pandemic-related precautions at the base), Vincenzo, a U.S. Army veteran, added that Seafarers “turned out by the dozens to break bread together in a true spirit of giving, along with Santa’s Castle volunteers and other special guests from the Inland Boatmen’s Union and the Transportation Institute.” Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe stated, “We couldn’t complete our mission if the Seafarers didn’t adopt us and treat us so nicely each and every year. Their dedication to our program really gets us going and keeps us afloat. We’re always blown away by the SIU’s generosity.” (Santa’s Castle is a private, non-profit organization.) Handoe said that pandemic-related difficulties are ongoing when it comes to collecting and distributing donations, but Santa’s Castle 2021 nevertheless proved successful. “We were severely challenged in our 2020 season and in our 2021 season,” she explained. “In 2020, everything was shut down. We weren’t able to have people enter our building, so we did curbside pickup that year. We made it through on our leftovers and Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta (left) donates to the cause. At right is SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. a few new donations. We then started 2021 in a deficit and struggled throughout the year, but we made it. There’s always Christmas magic, again thanks to organizations like the Seafarers.” Anita Vargo, vice president of purchasing at Santa’s Castle, also appreciated steps towards normalcy for the program in 2021 compared to 2020, even if at times they were more like lurches. “In 2020, we were so slumped,” Vargo said. “Our shelves were empty. It had been a long time since we had to help more than 2,000 families, and that took our inventory from 100 percent to five. This past year wasn’t as bad, and with the Seafarers and others, they helped us so much to get our shelves restocked. By the grace of God, it all came together, like always.” Vargo said it appeared as if donations rebounded in part because “everyone made up for the year they couldn’t give. It’s amazing how the community came together and it was great to see the SIU for the luncheon. We missed having it last year.” She concluded, “I thank the SIU so much for always taking care of us. They’re like clockwork, Joe and the rest. They’re always amazing. We love it.” The feeling seems mutual. Recertified Bosun Rufino Giray has donated items for the past few years and is Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa (left) and retired AB Benjamin Picar help load donations into trucks and vans outside the hall. “happy to help out the kids while showing appreciation for their parents’ service,” he said. “It feels good to do something for kids at Christmas. Also, from working on a ship, I understand being apart from your family at times. This is a way to brighten their day.” Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta started sailing with the SIU in 1991. He said participation in projects like Santa’s Castle “is just part of us. Whenever I get a chance, I donate. I’m happy to help. It helps military families so they can enjoy Christmas.” Vincenzo emphasized that he doesn’t take the members’ participation for granted, even though they’ve supported Santa’s Castle and other local winter-holiday outreach dating to at least 2007. Along the way, Seafarers have generated more than $100,000 worth of gifts. “Getting there is never easy but for the generous individual contributions from members and other supporters,” he said. “We the staff are truly grateful and humbled by the level of participation and generosity that Seafarers show year after year without fail, pandemic or no. I like to think that this is our way of pushing back with all due precaution and reasserting ourselves after almost two very challenging years.” QMED Eduardo Arroyo � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2022 Description An account of the resource SEAFARERS BACK MILITARY FAMILIES THROUGH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PROJECT MAERSK PEARY CREW MEMBERS SAVE LIFE AT SEA DOMESTIC SHIPBUILDING GETS BOOST WITH KEEL-LAYING AT PHILLY SHIPYARD NLRB SETS DATES FOR RERUN VOTE AT AMAZON COVID-19 PANDEMIC HEADS INTO THIRD YEAR CDC OFFERS LATEST INPUT ON VACCINES SIU MEMBERS ASSIST IN DRAMATIC RESCUE PROTECT PERSONAL INFO FROM CYBER CRIMINALS CHS UPDATES: SEAFARERS ENCOURAGED TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS ASAP ITF ANNOUNCES NEW STEPS TO PROTECT WORLD'S MARINERS SALTCHUK CO-FOUNDER STAN BARER PASSES AWAY AT 82 PUERTO RICO-BASED SEAFARERS DELIVER 'THE GOODS' TO TERRITORY, MAINLAND IN JONES ACT TRADE 'BLOWN AWAY BY SIU'S GENEROSITY' ANNUAL OUTREACH BENEFITS U.S. MILITARY FAMILIES 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 02/01/2022 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. 84, NO. 2 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3d354c48390bd57eb4d3c36a99b14f1c.pdf cb6aa2cad60fab7ccb6e7c7d5030a6ac PDF Text Text MARCH 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 3 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O ARC Reflags 2 Vessels for MSP Seafarers Crew Up ARC Defender, ARC Commitment SIU members are sailing aboard two recently reflagged vessels: the ARC Commitment (background photo) and the ARC Defender. American Roll-on Roll-Off Carrier added the ships to its U.S.-flag fleet. Both vessels are operated by SIU-contracted TOTE Services. Page 3. (Photo courtesy ARC) Paul Hall Center Provides Abundance Of Practical Training Hands-on instruction has been a staple of the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, throughout the facility’s nearly 55-year history. A student is pictured at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education earlier this year, participating in an engine-department upgrading class. Page 10. Operation Deep Freeze Resumes The SIU-crewed Maersk Peary and Ocean Giant mobilized for the resumption of Operation Deep Freeze, the normallyannual resupply mission to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Because last year’s iteration was cancelled due to the pandemic, this year’s deliveries are nearly double the usual amounts. The Peary, for example, offloaded nearly nine million gallons of fuel in early February. SIU and AMO members are pictured on deck: reclining in front, Chief Mate Trevor Fouhey and SA Lakeeba Bazemore; kneeling, Bosun Damon Zschoche, 1st Eng. Paul Styx, Recertified Steward Tony Spain, 3rd Mate Gemma Nguyen, 3rd Asst. Eng. Caleb Linder, Wiper Laith Ali, ABM Roni Castillo, 2nd Eng. Phillip Ianozi, ABW Derek Willis and QMED Lateef Sanusi; standing, Chief Cook Osmar Ramos, Capt. Everett Hatton, ABM Edward Majesky, Pumpman Rickey Yancey, 2nd Mate Samuel Este, Chief Eng. Dimiter Mitev, ABW Joshua Gail, 3rd Mate John McMonagle and ABW Marie Acosta. For a photo of the Peary (from a unique perspective), see Page 2. Unions Slam Proposed Open Register Pages 2, 3 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 1 Report Backs Unions Page 5 2/19/22 10:35 AM �President’s Report Seafarers Deliver in Operation Deep Freeze Fourth Arm of Defense At press time, much of the world seemed on edge due to a potential invasion of Ukraine by Russia. While it goes without saying that the hope here is for a diplomatic solution, our job in the SIU is to always be ready to support our troops. The current situation involving Russia is a reminder of one reason why we need a U.S. Merchant Marine and why the SIU constantly advocates for the laws and programs that help maintain American crews and American sealift capacity. If and when the balloon goes up (not just in this current circumstance), it’s always a moment of truth for American maritime’s centuries-old role as our fourth arm of defense. In those instances, while there never has been and never will be any hesitation by our mariners to answer the call, we’ve got to have the personnel and the ships in the first place. This is why, when the SIU advocates for the Michael Sacco Jones Act, cargo preference laws, the Maritime Security Program, domestic shipbuilding, and newer tools such as the Tanker Security Program and Cable Security Fleet, we’re really pushing to boost national, economic and homeland security. It’s no secret that our industry, like many others, faces a manpower shortage. High-ranking military officials have openly stated as much in recent years. One way to alleviate that deficiency and bring more people into the industry is by maintaining, growing or establishing policies and programs that back the U.S. Merchant Marine. For anyone new to maritime, you may not know that in times of crisis, most U.S. military cargoes are carried by civilian-crewed ships. During Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, for example, the U.S. Merchant Marine transported more than 90 percent of the materiel supporting our troops. This has been the case in virtually every conflict since our nation’s founding, most prominently during World War II. There’s simply no debate about the vital importance, time-tested reliability, and ongoing need for a strong U.S. maritime industry. Collectively, we as a nation must continue taking steps to support and revitalize it. An Ill-Conceived Proposal The men and women who serve aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels answer the call not just during mobilizations for national defense but also when aid is needed for victims of natural disasters, as seen in recent years when hurricanes and earthquakes rocked Puerto Rico. American merchant mariners are the gold standard for the world in terms of safety and training. And they always deliver – from iron ore for steel mills along the Great Lakes to food aid to hungry citizens in Africa, and from materiel for American armed forces stationed around the world to vital household goods at domestic ports. For generations, foreign interests and their allies have tried to find ways to circumvent U.S. labor and tax laws to take good jobs away from hard-working Americans. The latest effort, announced last month, calls for the creation of a so-called open registry for the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). As outlined, this initiative would take away cargo from U.S.-flag vessels, crewed by American citizens, and place it on ships that do not use American crews, do not pay American taxes and do not meet American safety and labor standards. This attempt to create a flag of convenience using the USVI is wrong and harmful to American workers. The SIU has joined with allies from throughout maritime labor in calling upon the Biden Administration, the Congress, the Department of Defense and the Maritime Administration to reject any effort that USVI-flag vessels be treated as if they are the same as U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed ships for any purpose or for any program. At the same time, we reiterate our commitment to work with the Biden Administration and the Congress to achieve a more robust, commercially viable U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed fleet that will continue to protect America’s economic, military and homeland security. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 3 March 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X1.indd 2 The SIU-crewed Maersk Peary, seen from the bridge of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Polar Star, docks at McMurdo Station for the annual resupply mission known as Operation Deep Freeze. In early February, the Peary supplied the National Science Foundation outpost (near the South Pole) with an estimated nine million gallons of fuel to keep the research center running until resupplying again in Operation Deep Freeze 2023. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Diolanda Caballero) SHBP Provides Updates on Free And Low-Cost COVID Test Kits Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. It’s available on the SIU website. All participants in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP), except Medicare-eligible pensioners, have access to free or low-cost at-home COVID-19 test kits. If you are currently eligible for benefits from the SHBP, you and each eligible member of your family are eligible for up to eight COVID-19 tests per month. Please note, these limits do not apply to PCR tests conducted by a laboratory. This benefit is not available to SHBP pensioners who receive their prescription benefits from Retiree Rxcare. Tests at No Cost to You If you get home COVID tests at an in-network pharmacy, they will be covered under your prescription benefit, and there is no cost to you. Currently, Walgreens, Kinney Drugs, Rite Aid and Walmart are the only in-network pharmacies providing this at-home COVID test kit benefit. We expect that additional pharmacies will be added to this list in the near future. Although the SHBP generally does not pay for prescriptions purchased at Walmart, we are making an exception for at-home COVID test kits only, until additional pharmacies in the Optum network offer this benefit. You must get the test kits at the pharmacy, using your OptumRx card. The deductible does not apply to this benefit. You can also order the tests by mail order at www.optumrx.com with no copayment or deductible. Other Sources of Free Tests Each household in the U.S. is eligible to receive four free at-home COVID tests from the U.S. government. You can order these tests through the following website: www.covidtests.gov. The tests will be mailed to your home via USPS. In addition, free test kits are being distributed at many libraries, health and community centers throughout the country. You may wish to check your local news for other sources of free test kits in your area. Reimbursement for Tests at $12 Per Test You can also purchase at-home COVID tests anywhere you wish (in a store, or from an online retailer) and the SHBP will reimburse you $12 per individual test. There is usually more than one test per box. The deductible does not apply to this benefit. You can either request this reimbursement from OptumRx electronically at the following link (https:// covidtest.optumrx.com/covid-test-reimbursement); or you can apply for reimbursement by mailing a form to OptumRx. The form is available on the SIU website, in the SHBP section. The form is called OptumRx COVID-19 Test Kit Reimbursement Request From. You may also request this form from OptumRx directly, or from the SHBP’s Member Assistance Program at (800) 252-4674, Option 2, or from your local hiring hall. You’ll need a receipt for your purchase to apply for reimbursement, and proof of the number of tests in the box. Check Expiration Dates We suggest that you check the expiration date when you purchase at-home COVID tests. Many of these tests are only good for a short period of time. For this reason, it is best to only purchase tests that you plan to use within the next month or so. Updates Announced For Paul Hall Center Vaccination Requirements Effective immediately, due to changing circumstances and the widely increased availability of COVID tests, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education will not require booster shots in order for students (upgraders and apprentices) to attend classes. The school still requires that students be vaccinated either with the two-shot regimen from Moderna or Pfizer, or the single dose from Johnson & Johnson. Please note that if an incoming student hasn’t received a booster, he or she must present a negative COVID test result that was received within the 48-hour period prior to the Friday before arrival at the school. If the student will be on campus longer than a week, he or she must take a rapid COVID test once a week. Those students should bring a sufficient amount of their own rapid test kits to last for the duration of their respective stays. (This testing will not be required of any student who has received a booster, nor will it be required of anyone who’s ineligible for a booster.) Please direct questions to the school’s admissions department: (301) 994-0010 (option 2), admissions@seafarers.org March 2022 2/22/22 12:21 PM �ARC Adds New Tonnage to MSP Fleet Seafarers are sailing aboard two modern vessels that recently reflagged under the Stars and Stripes. American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) added the ARC Commitment and ARC Defender to its U.S.-flag fleet. The ships hoisted the American flag during separate proceedings with the U.S. Coast Guard in Jacksonville, Florida, in December 2021 and January 2022. Both ships are operated by SIU-contracted TOTE Services for ARC. The vessels are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), one of the staples of the U.S. Merchant Marine and a key component of the nation’s sealift capability. “The SIU applauds ARC for its ongoing dedication to our industry, including our mariners,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “As always, I am 100 percent confident in the Seafarers who are currently sailing aboard the Defender and the Commitment, as well as those who will sail aboard them in the future.” In announcing the flag-ins, ARC said the two ships “are among the most capable and militarily useful vessels in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, able to carry tracked and wheeled vehicles, helicopters, and other high and heavy project cargoes.” Built in 2011, the ARC Commitment is 747 feet long. The ARC Defender, meanwhile, was constructed in 2008. The ship is 656 feet long. “These tremendously capable and flexible U.S.-flag assets stand ready to support America’s national defense and economic security through trade, and further strengthen ARC’s position as the leading U.S.-flag Ro-Ro carrier” said ARC President and CEO Eric Ebeling. He added that the company has re-flagged seven vessels into the MSP fleet (and U.S. registry) since 2016. Among the first SIU members to sail aboard the ARC Commitment are Bosun Anthony Newbill, ABs Yassid Laboriel Lalin and Kenneth Townsend, OSs Jashawn Dixon and Nicholas Keating, Oilers John Albritton, Jalen Denson and Seth Schrader, Steward/Baker Reshawn Solomon, Chief Cook Ricardo Petilo and SA Samone Alston. The Defender’s first crew included Bosun Bobby Brown, ABs Jon Mark Newman, Michael Otwell and Carlos Williams, OSs Michael Reardon and Orlando Rosa Agu- The former Tomar now sails under the U.S. flag as the ARC Defender. irre, Oilers Nicholas Chiappini and Ghadir Sarkis, Steward/Baker Torrika Devine, Chief Cook Sherron Decoteau and SA Joe Rogers. Established in 1996, the MSP ensures that the Defense Department has access to a fleet of militarily useful, U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flag vessels in times of war or national emergency. Companies whose ships are enrolled in the program also make sure their infrastructure is available. In return, the federal government provides an annual stipend through the MSP. Experts have estimated it would cost the government billions of dollars to replicate what the MSP (and its related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement) provides. Unions Slam Proposed USVI Open Registry Joint Statement Makes Claim That Recommended Scheme is Riddled With Pitfalls The SIU and other maritime labor organizations wasted no time blasting a prosed open registry in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Even before a sparsely attended media event had begun Feb. 1 in the nation’s capital to announce the proposal, American maritime labor circulated a joint statement making clear the scheme’s pitfalls. (Despite some online news reports, the USVI’s open register is a proposal, not a done deal.) The message came from the SIU; the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers; the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots; the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific; the Marine Firemen’s Union; the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; and the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. Collectively, those organizations said that on behalf of U.S. mariners “who have proudly and without fail served our country since its founding, we oppose in the strongest possible terms the (proposed) creation of an open registry in the Virgin Islands, a territory of the United States. Open regis- tries exist so that shipowners can increase their profits by avoiding the same rules, regulations, tax obligations and manning requirements that attach to a national flag fleet. This latest effort is nothing more than an exercise in labor arbitrage designed to generate registry fees and to enrich foreign shipowners at the expense of American workers and America’s national interests.” They continued, “The proposed U.S. Virgin Islands flag of convenience open registry will not benefit the United States nor America’s maritime industry, any more than any other second or open registry benefits a national flag country. In fact, the establishment and growth of second registries by other industrialized nations has done little more than decimate their national flag fleets to the point that they are no longer able to provide the requisite military security and logistical support to their flag nations.” The unions and AFL-CIO departments said the proposal to allow for the operation of vessels with foreign mariners under a United States open registry “is an af- Rep. Kahele Applauds Horizon Reliance Crew A member of congress recently hit the deck to salute the Seafarers-crewed Horizon Reliance. On Feb. 1, U.S. Rep. Kaiali’i Kahele (D-Hawaii) gave a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives about a rescue performed by the ship’s crew. He named all three shipboard unions involved, including the SIU. “Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women of the crew of the U.S.-flag commercial ship Horizon Reliance, sailing out of Honolulu and operated by third-generation, family-owned Pasha Hawaii,” Kahele said. “On the evening of November 6, 2020 – over 1,000 miles northeast of O’ahu – a private turbo-prop plane with two individuals on board was en route from California to Honolulu before suffering an engine casualty. As a pilot myself – with thousands of hours logged in both military and com- March 2022 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 3 mercial passenger aircraft – believe me when I say that this is the worst possible scenario in aviation: to be in the middle of the ocean, 1,000 miles from the closest land, in the middle of the night when your one and only engine fails.” The congressman continued, “As water rapidly filled the cabin, the two pilots managed to escape the aircraft, clambering into their life raft and called the Honolulu Coast Guard Search and Rescue center via satellite phone. “With 8-10-foot seas and 30-knot winds on scene, the Coast Guard realized the gravity of the situation and quickly dispatched a mayday alert calling out for volunteer commercial ships to lend aid, as the distance from shore prevented a search-and-rescue helicopter operation. Due to the hazardous conditions, the first ship to arrive on scene was unable to rescue the desperately heaving life front to the American mariners who have always put themselves in harm’s way whenever called upon by our nation. Their service, most recently recognized by Congress with the awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal to World War II American merchant mariners, demonstrates a clear and unwavering commitment on the part of American merchant mariners to supply and support American troops deployed around the world, with no regard for their own safety. American mariners believe that our servicemen and women and their families deserve no less.” More than one observer expressed puzzlement at the pro-open-registry faction’s suggestion that such a system would benefit American security. The joint statement noted, “The military security of the United States will not be strengthened by relying on foreign-owned and foreign-crewed vessels. The safety of American troops deployed overseas and the success of their mission must not be put in jeopardy by a reliance on a flag of convenience open registry scheme that utilizes foreign crewed raft, but was able to remain on scene rendering a glimmer of hope for the crash survivors.” The Horizon Reliance arrived soon thereafter and “expertly commenced a small-boat operation to retrieve the survivors,” Kahele said. “Cautiously maneuvering the vessel under arduous conditions, the men and women of the Horizon Reliance – union members of the Masters, Mates and Pilots; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; and Seafarers International Unions – recovered the pilots aboard the vessel and brought them to safety.” He concluded, “I cannot overstate how truly close this incident came to tragedy; the lives of these two aircraft crash survivors, their families and friends were forever changed due to the actions of the crew of the Horizon Reliance that fateful evening. It speaks even more to the dedication and devotion to duty of the mariners of the U.S. merchant fleet – the brave men and women who carry goods across the globe in support of the U.S military, as well as humanitarian food-aid, research cargo to Antarctica and countless other missions in support of our country.” vessels to deliver what our servicemen and women need to do their job in our behalf. “Finally, if the supply chain crisis has taught us anything it is that we, as a country, must begin to reverse the dangerous reliance we have on foreign sources for goods and for shipping services,” the statement concluded. “Increasing America’s dependence on foreign-owned and foreign-manned vessels will exacerbate the current situation and will not somehow magically enhance America’s maritime posture. We call upon the Department of Defense, the Maritime Administration, the Biden Administration and the Congress to reject any suggestion that United States Virgin Islands-flag vessels be treated as if they are U.S.-flag and U.S.-crewed vessels for any purpose or for any program. At the same time, we reiterate our commitment to work with the Administration and Congress to achieve a more robust, commercially viable U.S.flag, U.S.-crewed fleet that will continue to protect America’s economic, military and homeland security.” U.S. Rep. Kaiali’i Kahele (D-Hawaii) The Horizon Reliance also received accolades last year during the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea event in New York, conducted by the United Seamen’s Service. Seafarers LOG 3 2/19/22 10:35 AM �Lifelong Seafarer John Natoli supported the maritime industry in many ways, including through participation at Maritime Trades Department gatherings. In photo above, he’s at far left, with SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (center) and labor relations stalwart Tony Naccarato in 2015. The photo at right, taken in the early 2000s, includes (from left) SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Natoli, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and the late SIU Chief Bosun Tommy Soresi. Union Mourns Passing of Chief Bosun Natoli When John Natoli first sailed with the SIU – in 1964, as a messman aboard Waterman’s City of Alma – he probably couldn’t have imagined he’d continue his career with the union for nearly six decades. Natoli sailed in both the deck and steward departments, on ships operated by Rye Marine, Intercontinental Bulk Corp., SeaLand, Saphire Steamship Lines, Alcoa Steamship, and Marine Carriers Corps. He came ashore in 1971 and started a long run working on the shore gang in Elizabeth, New Jersey. From 2011 to 2021, he served as chief bosun on that shore gang. Following a brief illness, Natoli passed away Jan. 25 in a Florida hospital. He was 79. “John was unique,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, a close and longtime friend. “He was a Brooklyn street kid that got his slice of the American Dream because of the SIU. He never forgot that, and it made him a staunch SIU man who always looked out for the little guy.” Tellez added, “John was a true and loyal friend. If he was your friend, he always had your back. To me, he was family, and I’ll miss him terribly every day.” SIU Vice President Joseph Soresi knew Natoli “my entire life,” and worked for him on the shore gang in the early 1990s. “I have so many great memories of John, they’d be too long to share,” Soresi said. “He was a hard worker but he also had a great sense of humor and could make the most boring situation seem fun. He cared deeply about the union and about his fellow members, and he definitely will be missed.” SIU pensioner John Cain, who worked for many years as a lead bosun, commended Natoli for his effectiveness on the job. “He was good to me and good for the shore gang,” Cain stated. “I knew him since 1984, when I came ashore from the ships. His word was good and he always looked out for the members. He knew how to handle the company and how to get along with COVID Booster Shots Provide Substantial Protection, CDC Says The effectiveness of booster shots wanes somewhat after four months but still provides substantial protection against hospitalization, a new study shows. The study, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last month, found that booster shot effectiveness against hospitalization with the omicron variant was 91 percent after two months, but waned to 78 percent after four months. Protection against emergency department or urgent care visits declined from 87 percent to 66 percent after four months. It was just 31 percent after at least five months, though the study cautioned that finding was “imprecise because few data were available.” Vaccine effectiveness was always higher after three doses than after two, so people are still urged to get a booster shot. The finding of some waning immunity could inform discussions of the possible need for additional shots. 4 Seafarers LOG 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 4 the other people on the shore gang. John really was an icon in that job. He was also a good family man; he would always talk about his family.” Longtime labor relations official Tony Naccarato said he considered Natoli more than a friend. “He was my brother,” Naccarato said. “His tragic, untimely passing is a loss to the entire industry and to all who loved him. John was a family man, and a committed union worker who was loved and respected by all his peers for his many years of service.” He added, “John also loved to enjoy himself, with his family and friends, during his leisure time. He had a terrific sense of humor, and his detailed, enthusiastic stories always lifted your spirits when you spoke to him. He loved good food and cooking. I remember him calling my wife, Mary, more than once to get a recipe for Puerto Rican steak and onions. Getting it ‘right’ was very important to him.” Naccarato said he and Natoli spoke at the beginning of the year and made plans for a family get-together. “He was telling me about how much he loved his condo and that he would help me find a rental at his condominium next year,” Naccarato recalled. “He was very excited that we would spend time together.” He concluded, “The best nights were us celebrating Christmas at Tavern on the Green in Central Park, and then taking a horse and buggy ride. It was an annual event with our families that we looked forward to all year long. A small piece of trivia: John’s mother’s maiden name was Naccarato, although we were not related. John will always be remembered by everyone that knew him, especially by those who were privileged to get to know him well.” A graveside service took place Feb. 2 at Riverside Memorial Park in Tequesta, Florida. Port Agent Turkus Retires Longtime SIU Port Agent Jeff Turkus summarized his career with the union in a short but appreciative sentence: “It’s been a long run and it’s been a great run.” Turkus, most recently the union’s port agent in Wilmington, California (since 2008), retired at the end of January. He capped a career that began in 1978 and included many years of sailing (deck department) and a fiveyear stint as the union’s port agent in Guam, along with work at the Wilmington hall. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone stated, “It has been a real pleasure to work with Jeff for nearly 20 years. Jeff has remained steadfast in his commitment to represent this membership, from his days sailing as bosun and then carrying out portagent duties in Guam and Wilmington. Jeff was a seafarer through and through, from his Navy days and then into the U.S. Merchant Marine.” Marrone added, “Jeff was very sincere when representing his fellow mariners and always remembered his origins. He carried himself as a working man’s man and that is what made him popular with the membership he served. I wish Jeff a very enjoyable retirement.” Gerret Jarman, Turkus’ successor as Wilmington port agent, said, “Jeff has been a great mentor. He shared a lot of useful information and knowledge. He knows the area and has run this hall really well for a long time. I appreciate his help and wish him all the best.” Though he ended up spending much of his adult life in the maritime industry, Turkus almost chose a different path. He was an accomplished high school baseball player – good enough to earn a scholarship offer from Arizona State. The speedy, strong-armed center fielder strongly considered accept- ing it, but instead joined the Navy, where he served from 1973-77. After receiving an honorable discharge, he unwound for a while – and then, by chance, he learned about the SIU in 1978. “I was in Class 250B in Piney Point (Maryland) a few months later,” Turkus recalled. “I had a great time there and then shipped out.” While the work itself agreed with him, Turkus found that it wasn’t always easy to land a job. “Particularly in the early to mid-1980s, it was difficult to ship,” he said. “All the A-seniority guys were grabbing the jobs. I took a break for a while and became a plumber, but got antsy and came back in 1990 and went back out to sea.” He continued sailing for a dozen years, then accepted an opportunity to work as a patrolman in Wilmington. Approximately a year later, he became the port agent in Guam. The relocation provided an unanticipated benefit: Turkus met his future wife during his Guam years. They married in 2008, and have a nine-year-old daughter. Reflecting on his work history, Turkus candidly said he occasionally second-guesses passing up the baseball scholarship – but he considers his time with the union, both at sea and ashore, as completely fulfilling. He is equally open about growing up poor, which he said made him value the opportunities he found with the SIU. “I want to make sure that the union knows I appreciate them giving me the ability to have a career, raise a family, buy a house. I appreciate the SIU 100 percent and always will. The SIU benefits are awesome,” Turkus said. Jeff Turkus Asked what he enjoyed most about sailing, he replied, “Just the camaraderie back then. I mostly worked tankers, and enjoyed the travel. I spent a lot of time in Alaska but also saw Korea and Japan. Plus, the kind of money we were making – especially having just gotten out of the Navy – made for a lot of fun.” Regarding his time as a port agent, Turkus said he liked “fixing things, helping our members and making life a lot easier for them. I was one of them, so we communicated well. And regardless of the task, my father always told me to do the job to the best of your ability. If you don’t like it, keep your mouth shut and go do something else. I very much enjoyed it and that’s why I stuck around.” Nevertheless, Turkus said that, at age 67, he’s ready to “relax, enjoy time with my family and get back in shape again.” (He had shoulder surgery that has curbed his workouts.) A California native who resides in Los Alamitos, he also plans to work with segments of the Veterans Administration to help with suicide prevention and other issues. “It feels like the right time,” he concluded. March 2022 2/19/22 10:35 AM �Report Calls for Boosts to Organized Labor Pro-Union Update Includes 70 Recommendations The Biden Administration more than once has declared that it fully intends to be the most union- and worker-friendly executive branch in history. Its latest action towards achieving that objective came Feb. 7 when the White House released a report prepared by its Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. A 43-page document, the report is the result of a series of task force meetings that were conducted to gather information and ideas for possible executive actions and statements. The group is chaired by Vice President Kamala Harris and vice-chaired by Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, a longtime trade union member and leader. The task force was created in April 2021 when President Biden – operating under the conviction that increasing worker organizing and empowerment is critical to growing the middle class, building an economy that puts workers first, and strengthening our democracy – issued Executive Order 14025. Its focus is to “assess the available tools and determine how to employ them to remove barriers to worker organizing and collective bargaining.” The report offers 70 recommendations that would “position the federal government as a model actor; use the federal government’s authority to support worker empowerment by providing information, improving transparency, and making sure existing pro-worker services are delivered in a timely and helpful manner; [and] use longstanding authority to leverage the federal government’s purchasing and spending power to support workers who are organizing and pro-worker employers.” The report said, “The recommendations were developed in collaboration with the over 20 executive agencies, departments and White House offices that are members of the task force. This work has been guided, too, by workers’ voices, many of whom the Vice President and Secretary of Labor met in their travels across the country.” Among the recommendations that could impact maritime unions is the elimination of barriers so organizers may talk with federal employees and privatesector workers of federal contractors on federal property about the benefits of joining a union. It also listed recommendations pertaining to four federal agencies, including the Defense Department, which would help ensure federal contract dollars are not spent on anti-union campaigns and that anti-union campaign activities by federal contractors are publicly disclosed. In addition, the Military2Maritime program for men and women who are leaving the armed services to become merchant mariners would benefit from a stated recommendation to “work with the Union Veterans Council to help service members, military spouses, and veterans transition into good union jobs.” (The SIU is affiliated with the council via the Maritime Trades Department.) “The Biden-Harris Administration delivered another victory for working people today with the release of the first report,” stated AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “This unprecedented report recognizes the critical role that unions play in creating a fairer economy. By taking steps to give more workers the right to organize and bargain collectively, the administration is once again demonstrating that it is committed to using its power to support unions.” The AFL-CIO noted the report calls for: n Ensuring workers know organizing and bargaining rights; n Establishing a resource center on unions and collective bargaining; n Protecting workers who organize from illegal retaliation; n Exposing employers’ use of antiunion consultants; n Addressing equity across underserved communities; and n Sharing the positive impact unions have on all workers and the U.S. economy. Shuler said the AFL-CIO is “committed to working with the administration to implement these recommendations.” But she also called upon Congress “to pass both the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, which will ensure that every worker who wants to join a union may freely do so.” The report noted that Biden often points out “unions built the middle class and lift up workers, both union and nonunion.” Given this position, the administration – at its core – believes that unions benefit everyone, according to the report, which also reminds readers that unions have fought for and helped win many aspects of American’s work lives perhaps taken for granted today, like the 40-hour work week and the weekend, as well as landmark programs like Medicare. According to the report, unions continue their fight for higher wages, greater job security, safety and health protections, health insurance and retirement plans, and protections from discrimination and harassment for all workers. Researchers BLS Releases its Annual Report On U.S. Union Membership Data The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has released its annual report on union membership, but the findings may not tell the whole story, according to some who reviewed it. Overall membership dropped in 2021 by approximately 241,000, meaning that around 14 million people belonged to unions. The report also found that union members, on average, earn $10,000 more per year than their unrepresented counterparts. The AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated, looked beyond the raw data. “The BLS annual report on union membership makes it clear that American labor laws are unquestionably broken,” the federation said in a written statement. “While the report indicates a 0.5% drop in union membership from 2020–2021, the data is not representative of the greater union trends taking place across the country. These statistics highlight the urgent need for the passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act.” “In 2021, workers forcefully rejected low-wage, thankless jobs after a year of being called essential,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clearer now than ever that our labor laws are designed to make joining a union as difficult as possible. Across this country, workers are organizing for a voice on the job and millions of Americans are standing in solidarity with union members on strike. If everyone who wanted to join a union was able to do so, membership would skyrocket. The PRO Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act are how we get there.” March 2022 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 5 The Economic Policy Institute (EPI), a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank created in 1986 to include the needs of low- and middle-income workers in economic policy discussions, also released their analysis of the data. The organization noted, “To understand what happened to unionization in 2021, it is crucial to recall what happened in 2020. In 2020, the number of union workers declined substantially as the pandemic caused massive job loss for both union and nonunion workers. However, unionization rates – the share of the workforce that is unionized – increased substantially because union workers lost fewer jobs during the first year of the pandemic than nonunion workers did. The lower job loss among the unionized workforce was due in no small part to a ‘pandemic composition’ effect – the fact that the industries that got hit hardest by the pandemic (such as leisure and hospitality) are less likely to be unionized than industries that were more sheltered from the pandemic, and this change in the composition of the workforce raised unionization rates mechanically. Put another way, jobs in less unionized industries were lost at a higher rate, so unionization rates went up.” The EPI continued, “In 2021, that dynamic happened in reverse as jobs were added in the recovery. The ‘trampoline’ effect – the fact that the jobs that come back in a recovery tend to look pretty much like the jobs that were lost – means that the jobs that came back in 2021 were concentrated in industries (such as leisure and hospitality) that have low unionization rates. This contributed to the substantial decline in the unionization rate in 2021, undoing the 2020 increase. In a similar vein as the AFL-CIO’s comments, the EPI also pointed out, “The share of workers who do not but would like to have a union at their workplace is far higher than the share who had union representation in 2021 (11.6%). While more recent data are unavailable, an analysis of 2017 survey data showed almost half of nonunion workers polled (48%) said they would vote to create a union in their workplace tomorrow if they could. That figure is up substantially from about one-third (32–33%) of nonunion, nonmanagerial workers asked similar questions in 1977 and 1995.” According to the BLS report, in 2021, the union membership rate was 10.3 percent (the same in 2019). The rate is down from 10.8 percent in 2020. In addition, nonunion workers had median weekly earnings that were 83 percent of earnings for workers who were union members ($975 versus $1,169), and the union membership rate of public-sector workers (33.9 percent) continued to be more than five times higher than the rate of private-sector workers (6.1 percent). The AFL-CIO concluded by saying, “The BLS report also shows promising data for communities of color. Black workers continued to have the highest unionization rate in 2021, with 12.9% membership…. Black union workers are paid 13.7% more than their nonunionized peers. According to a 2021 Gallup poll, union approval is at its highest level in over 50 years, with 68% of Americans supporting organized labor, including 77% of young people. An MIT study found that 60 million Americans would join a labor union if they could, underscoring the need for changes to labor laws.” have found that today’s union households earn up to 20% more than non-union households, with an even greater union advantage for workers with less formal education and workers of color. Research has also shown that growing economic inequality, growing pay gaps for women and workers of color, and declining voice in our democracy for working class Americans are all caused, in part, by the declining percentage of workers represented by unions. The National Labor Relations Act, enacted in 1935, noted that it is the policy of the United States to encourage the practice and procedure of collective bargaining, and to protect the exercise, by workers, of their full freedom of association. Unfortunately, according to the task force report, the federal government has not always done its part to turn this policy into action. In fact, in some cases government has actively undermined worker organizing, unions, and collective bargaining. While some past administrations have taken individual actions to empower workers and strengthen their rights, the report stated that the Biden-Harris administration will be the first to take a comprehensive approach to doing so with the existing authority of the executive branch. The administration’s goal is not just to facilitate worker power through executive action; it is to model practices that can be followed by state and local governments, private sector employers and others. Biden has directed the task force to continue its work, provide an update on actions taken, and offer further recommendations in six months. The full report is linked on the SIU website. CHS Notifies Union, Seafarers Plans Of Security Incident Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) has informed both the union and the Seafarers Plans that the company recently “was the target of a cyber intrusion” that may have involved current and former SIU members’ personal information. CHS is mailing a letter to all potentially affected Seafarers. Key points from that letter include the following: n There is no evidence that anyone’s personal information has been used inapproriately. n As a precaution, CHS will offer free credit monitoring and identity protection services to members who receive the letter and choose to enroll. n CHS has taken extensive action to hold the perpetrator(s) accountable, including working with law enforcement. n The company has implemented corrective and preventive measures that were recommended by cybersecurity experts specifically working on this incident. n The records that may have been compromised are from prior to the year 2019. Another vital excerpt from the letter points out: “Neither CHS nor the Seafarers International Union will contact you to confirm any personally identifiable information. If you are contacted by anyone purporting to represent CHS or the Seafarers International Union and asking you for your information, do not provide it.” The letter goes into greater detail about the original incident, the steps taken for mitigation, and how to enroll in the complimentary individual data protection services. An enclosure with the CHS letter spells out additional steps that may be taken to further protect individual information. If any updates are available, they’ll be posted on the SIU website and published in the Seafarers LOG. Seafarers LOG 5 2/19/22 10:35 AM �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU LABOR SECRETARY VISITS NEW ORLEANS – SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook represented the union Feb. 7 during a workforce development town hall in the Crescent City, featuring U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Deputy Secretary Julie Su and U.S. Rep. Troy Carter (D-Louisiana). Westbrook is at left in the photo above with Carter, while Walsh has the microphone in the snapshot at right. WELCOME ASHORE IN PINEY POINT – Longtime Seafarer Mike Fay (second from right) picked up his first pension check at the February membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. He started sailing with the union in 1975 (engine department) and most recently worked for Crowley at the Penn Terminal in Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Also pictured are (from left) SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. The son of the late SIU Executive VP John Fay, Mike also occasionally teaches at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center, and he plans to continue doing so. WELCOME ASHORE FROM OLD SHIPMATES – Recertified Bosun Ahmed Mihakel (center), whose SIU career began in 1978, recently retired. He’s pictured at the Wilmington hall with former shipmates Port Agent Gerret Jarman (right) and Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr. They sailed together in 2011 on the Horizon Spirit – Mihakel as bosun, Jarman and Sunga as ABs. WITH SIU BOATMEN – SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) is pictured with SIU boatmen and company officials from Starlight Marine after a joint labor relations committee meeting at the company’s office in Oakland, California. 6 Seafarers LOG 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X1.indd 6 March 2022 2/22/22 12:21 PM �WELCOME ABOARD – AB Scott Jones (second from right), who’ll be sailing with SIU-contracted Crowley Towing and Transportation, recently joined the union. He’s pictured at the Oakland, California, hall with (from left) SIU Representative Kathy Chester, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday and Administrative Assistant Dylan Rivera. Scott is holding a copy of the contract. A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – ACU Philip Valentine (left) receives his A-seniority from SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU READY TO SAIL – After numerous trips as an AB, SIU member Kemer Rojas (right) is ready to ship out as a bosun. He’s pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. ABOARD MAHIMAHI – Pictured aboard the Matson vessel are Chief Cook Ron Williams (left) and Recertified Steward Frank Ramones. Thanks to SIU Representative Kathy Chester for the photo. WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Electrician Jack Croft (left), who’s pictured outside the Houston hall with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, recently retired. Croft started sailing with G&H Towing in 1981 and stayed there until 2005, when he switched to the deep-sea division. He wrapped up his career aboard the USNS Pollux. ABOARD ISLA BELLA – Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry submitted these snapshots from the TOTE ship, which sails in the Jones Act trade. Pictured at the immediate right are AB Rahsean Lillard, AB Cortney Smith and Guiry, running deck crawlers. ABM Gary Boyd (far right, bottom), paints a hatch while ABW Ron McCray (far right, top), runs a needle gun. The photo above includes the bosun and Electrician Danielle Smith. READY FOR FIRST AB JOB – Paul Hall Center graduate Jessina Fernandez reports for her first tour as an AB, aboard the Florida (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) in Hawaii. March 2022 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 7 Seafarers LOG 7 2/19/22 10:35 AM �Spotlight on Mariner Health Coronavirus Variants Prolong Pandemic Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. At various stages of the COVID-19 global pandemic, coronavirus variants have emerged and caused additional problems. The delta variant is believed to have been the primary reason behind increased infection rates a little more than a year ago. Currently, the omicron variant is thought to be highly infectious and easily transmissible. Unlike with the delta variant, omicron infections typically have been milder – but they’re also four times more transmissible than delta. The incubation period for time of exposure to symptom onset also is shorter for omicron (around three days) as compared to delta (four to five days). Omicron patients describe a scratchy or sore throat as early symptoms. They may experience a loss of taste or smell, a fever, other flu-like symptoms, muscle or body aches, headaches and abdominal issues including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These same symptoms may occur with the delta variant, but they’re likely to happen later in the infection process and can be more severe. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing allows identification of the viral organisms that otherwise are difficult to detect. Medical professionals consider it as the gold standard of testing; results can take four to six days. Healthy Recipe Pork Carnitas Tacos Servings: 25 Ingredients 8 pounds pork tenderloin, diced small 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper, ground 1/2 cup olive oil 2 1/2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped 1/3 cup garlic, minced 1/3 cup light brown sugar 5 teaspoons oregano, ground 5 teaspoons ancho chili powder 2 1/2 teaspoons cumin, ground 1 1/4 cups orange juice 5 whole lime slices 25 corn tortillas, 6” 5 cups avocado, diced small 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste Rapid antigen tests often are done at home, and the turnaround time is brief. However, many false negatives have been reported with this type of test. A positive test result usually is detected quickly, often during the first 10 to 15 minutes. Testing may be done through any health department, doctor’s offices, some hospitals and some pharmacies. Rapid tests can be mail-ordered. Preventive measures haven’t changed and include regular hand-washing, social distancing, wiping home and workplace surfaces with disinfectants, wearing masks, and receiving vaccines and booster shots as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Reporting on variants, the CDC recently noted, “SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is constantly changing and accumulating mutations in its genetic code over time. New variants of SARS-CoV-2 are expected to continue to emerge. Some variants will emerge and disappear, while others will emerge and continue to spread and may replace previous variants.” As of early February, there had been at least 880,000 COVID-19-related deaths in the United States. More than 75 million cases in all 50 states, U.S. territories and Washington, D.C., had been reported. Globally, there had been more than 381 million cases and more than 5.68 million deaths confirmed. Additionally, more than 10.1 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide. Preparation Cut up the pork tenderloin into small bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper; set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add diced onions to the heated oil and cook fer 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 15 seconds. Add pork to the skillet; season with brown sugar, oregano, chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, or until pork is cooked through. Stir in orange juice; continue to stir and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add lime juice and continue to cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust accordingly. Serve in heated tortillas with chopped avocado and cilantro. Nutrition Information Per serving (excluding unknown items): 340 Calories; 15g Fat (38.2% calories from fat); 33g Protein; 20g Carbohydrate: 3g Dietary Fiber; 94mg Cholesterol; 307mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain (Starch); 4 1/2 Lean Meat: 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship 2022 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available under the 2022 Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program. The grants are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows: Seafarers Scholarships Dependents Scholarships Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers: Five scholarships designated for dependents: n One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or university n Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a community college or vocational school n A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired Seafarers may apply. To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the About tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF). Although the booklet says 2021, all information is still current for the 2022 SHBP Scholarships. Please send me the 2022 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Street Address.................................................................................................................................................................................................... City, State, Zip Code......................................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) ................................................................................................................................................................................. This application is for (circle one): Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 8 Seafarers LOG 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 8 3/22 March 2022 2/19/22 10:35 AM �Academies Announce New Program Aimed At Promoting Safety Following a series of actions taken in the wake of allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH), the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) – in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration as well as other public maritime schools – has announced the “Every Mariner Builds a Respectful Culture” (EMBARC) program. The program aims to protect academy cadets while at sea as part of their Sea Year, and U.S.-flag vessel operators must adhere to the new EMBARC Standards, according to public announcements from the government. “The plan we are launching represents the collective commitment of DOT, MARAD, USMMA, and the six State Maritime Academies to strengthen safety for cadets aboard commercial vessels, and to support an inclusive culture that prioritizes preventing sexual assault and harassment and supporting survivors,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “The plan is an initial step, and all parties are committed to continuing to review this program frequently, and to make improvements whenever needed to ensure the safety and success of cadets.” As stated in the policy documents, “The EMBARC Standards outline policies and procedures that seek to prevent, respond to, and redress incidents of SASH and foster a safe and supportive environment. The following core tenets frame the EMBARC Standards, which call on U.S.flag shipping companies as well as educational institutions, labor, and mariners to: n Build and maintain a shipboard culture of inclusion and respect. n Establish zero tolerance policies for SASH, harassment, and hostile work environment, zero tolerance for retaliation against anyone who reports assault or harassment, and proportionate responses to policy infractions. n Eliminate the barriers that survivors, witnesses, and bystanders face in reporting SASH incidents. n Support survivors, witnesses, and bystanders who report SASH incidents. n Promptly address any report of behavior that is inconsistent with EMBARC Standards, using every available resource. n Review all company and vessel policies and procedures to ensure such policies fully support a work environment in which assault, harassment, and retaliation against those who report assault or harassment is not tolerated. n Implement SASH best practices and commit to adopting updates when such practices are promulgated by MARAD. n Incorporate SASH prevention, response, and reporting procedures into the Company and Vessel Safety Management Systems. According to the DOT, vessel operators will be responsible for designating a qualified person ashore to be the primary contact for all issues with SASH on a vessel, and for ensuring that any cadets aboard the vessel have met that individual, either in person or virtually. In addition to many wide-ranging policy changes, the operators must update rules and regulations concerning cadet staterooms and open-door workplaces while onboard vessels. With the launch of the EMBARC program, the DOT also announced the anticipated lifting of the Sea Year pause. According to a related letter addressed to the Midshipmen, “Initial cadet embarkations will be on Federal vessels and training vessels. Embarkations on commercial vessels will resume as operators enroll in the EMBARC program and affirm their compliance with the program’s new safety requirements.” The announced date to resume Sea Year embarkations was Dec. 22, 2021, but as of press time, the program had not yet been restarted. March & April Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................................Monday: March 7, April 4 Algonac..............................................Friday: March 11, April 8 Baltimore.....................................Thursday: March 10, April 7 Guam..........................................Thursday: March 24, April 21 Honolulu...........................................Friday: March 18, April 15 Houston.........................................Monday: March 14, April 11 Jacksonville.................................Thursday: March 10, April 7 Joliet............................................Thursday: March 17, April 14 Mobile......................................Wednesday: March 16, April 13 New Orleans..................................Tuesday: March 15, April 12 Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: March 8, April 5 Norfolk.............................................Friday: March 11, April 8 Oakland.........................................Thursday: March 17, April 14 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: March 9, April 6 Port Everglades............................Thursday: March 17, April 14 San Juan.......................................Thursday: March 10, April 7 St. Louis.................................Friday: March 18, April 15 Tacoma............................................Friday: March 25, April 22 Wilmington.................................Monday: March 21, April 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m March 2022 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 9 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Jan. 14 - Feb.15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Feb.15. Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups Port A B Registered on Beach All Groups C A B Trip C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 23 2 5 24 1 10 6 28 46 39 1 9 24 10 1 1 6 8 3 33 280 3 3 2 6 0 7 4 12 29 13 5 2 18 6 3 3 3 6 1 15 141 2 0 0 5 0 2 0 9 9 4 0 1 4 2 2 0 1 3 0 1 45 Deck Department 9 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 16 8 1 3 0 0 10 3 2 7 1 0 33 19 3 19 23 2 19 7 3 1 2 0 5 3 2 11 14 2 7 3 1 1 0 1 2 2 0 5 3 0 14 7 2 0 0 0 18 6 0 181 105 19 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 0 2 3 0 2 1 19 19 10 1 3 8 6 2 2 5 7 5 11 111 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 12 11 5 0 1 10 6 1 3 6 4 1 7 77 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 4 0 0 0 6 1 0 1 0 2 1 1 20 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 0 0 11 2 5 5 15 19 13 0 5 19 12 1 2 2 7 1 13 137 2 0 0 6 0 0 1 8 22 4 0 2 12 6 1 1 7 3 1 5 81 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 1 12 Grand Total: 540 Reliefs All Groups A B C 4 1 1 4 1 4 2 12 17 9 0 1 9 1 0 1 3 5 0 8 83 31 2 6 41 3 17 6 58 61 47 3 9 29 20 3 1 14 22 7 54 434 5 4 2 20 1 7 6 23 38 18 4 6 16 5 5 3 2 5 2 17 189 3 0 0 6 0 3 0 13 9 7 0 3 5 2 1 0 0 5 1 3 61 Engine Department 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 8 5 0 1 1 0 2 5 1 2 1 0 14 7 2 18 8 0 8 5 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 7 6 3 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 2 0 6 8 1 1 1 0 4 6 1 81 64 8 0 0 2 4 0 4 1 4 8 4 0 1 2 2 0 1 2 6 1 5 47 7 1 2 9 0 2 5 20 26 10 2 6 9 10 3 3 7 16 5 24 167 3 1 0 5 0 2 6 14 19 8 0 3 12 10 2 3 4 4 2 10 108 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 5 1 2 0 4 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 20 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 0 1 0 1 14 Steward Department 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 9 5 1 0 1 0 3 0 0 6 2 0 15 7 2 11 6 2 5 3 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 8 10 0 6 5 1 3 1 0 1 0 3 1 6 0 12 4 0 1 0 0 11 5 0 94 61 10 0 0 0 5 0 0 3 6 11 3 0 1 5 2 2 4 2 4 0 8 56 7 0 2 10 2 6 7 25 29 19 3 9 28 22 1 4 5 12 1 31 223 1 0 0 7 2 0 2 6 25 8 0 2 12 6 1 2 2 6 1 8 91 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 1 1 2 1 0 1 14 10 4 1 2 1 2 3 11 27 13 1 0 11 7 0 1 1 5 0 8 108 7 2 1 3 0 0 2 10 59 19 2 2 20 6 1 16 1 15 1 8 175 Entry Department 1 2 1 0 2 2 0 0 2 0 2 4 0 0 1 1 3 1 0 2 7 0 9 7 1 11 27 1 10 10 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 9 14 0 5 3 0 0 1 0 1 14 0 0 1 4 8 4 0 0 1 2 12 4 10 76 105 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 3 8 5 0 0 2 3 0 4 1 5 1 7 45 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 2 23 16 4 1 4 1 1 7 14 36 16 1 0 14 13 0 0 0 13 0 19 160 8 1 1 4 1 0 6 18 77 22 2 2 24 5 0 12 0 15 1 10 209 407 254 366 231 847 548 304 306 142 Seafarers LOG 9 2/19/22 10:35 AM �Hands-On Training: A Piney Point Staple P eople in search of pathways for rewarding careers as mariners need look no further than the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland. An ultramodern vocational school, the PHC opened as a bare-bones facility in 1967. Since those modest beginnings, the maritime training and education hub has enjoyed more than a half-century of steady growth and has developed into a cutting-edge school with wide-ranging curriculums for entry-level students and for experienced mariners. One thing that hasn’t changed from the start is the center’s emphasis on practical training. Hands-on instruction is featured in virtually every one of the school’s 70-plus U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses. Many classes are department-specific (deck, engine, or steward), while numerous others provide comprehensive safety training for the entire crew. This is the case both in the entry-level instruction for those just embarking on their respective maritime careers and 10 Seafarers LOG 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 10 in the upgrading coursework for experienced Seafarers. Some hands-on segments take place aboard the modern training vessel Freedom Star, one of the most visible parts of the campus’ waterfront. Many also happen at the nearby Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, located on a satellite campus just a few miles from the main base. While the PHC mainly is known for vocational training – including its highly regarded apprentice program, which is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor – it also offers academic support along with separate programs for earning a high school diploma and a two-year college degree. The photos on this page show a small sample of practical coursework that is offered in Piney Point. Complete information about the school is available in the Paul Hall Center section of the SIU website. To access it, go to www.seafarers.org click on the Training and Careers tab, then navigate to Paul Hall Center. March 2022 2/19/22 10:35 AM �NMC Offers Application Pointers The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center issued the following announcement on Jan. 24. It’s also available on the SIU website. Top Five Awaiting Information Reasons for Merchant Mariner Credential Applications in 2021 The National Maritime Center (NMC) receives more than 50,000 applications annually from mariners applying for Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs). On average, more than 50 percent of those applications are incomplete or missing information, which cause delays in processing and frustration for mariners. A total of 66,796 awaiting information (AI) reasons were issued in 2021 for MMC applications. Many MMC applications have multiple AI reasons. The five most common reasons a mariner will receive an AI letter are: Certificates and Documents are Missing or Incorrect n Missing training/qualification certificates: Most commonly proof of required training was missing. The most common certificates missing were First Aid/CPR, Firefighting, and Radar Certificates. Also, many certificates did not have the Coast Guard course approval number on them, which is required. Other documentation often missing includes a copy of the TWIC, Evidence of Suitability, Round Trip documentation, and STCW Assessments. n Missing proof of citizenship: Passport, Alien Registration Card, or Permanent Residence Card was not provided. n Unacceptable certificates or documents: Most commonly these certificates or documents are outdated, unreadable, or missing signatures. n Suspended or revoked driver’s licenses: If the applicant’s driver’s license is suspended or revoked, the NMC will look at all National Driver Registry records. Incomplete/Incorrect Application n Signature and date problems: The application often is missing the mariners’ signature or the date put on the application is date of birth rather than date signed. n Checkboxes on application not completed: Most common errors are missing National Driver Registry consent, missing best methods of contact, and missing type of credential requested. These boxes must be checked by the applicant. n Oath not taken or missing signatures: Section 4 of the application contains the oath and certifications by the mariner applicant. Section 5 must contain the applicant’s signature and date signed. Also, for applicants seeking their first MMC, the oath must be taken and certified by an individual authorized to administer the oath. n Application unclear regarding which credential is sought: Documentation provided does not match what the application says or description of endorsements desired is not a listed endorsement in 46 CFR. Applicants must specify what endorsements they want to be evaluated for. Sea Service Documentation/Recency of Service n Sea Service Letters: The employers have not signed, dated, or identified the waters operated upon. Also, applicants are commonly missing service time or do not meet the requirements for the credential requested. n Small Vessel Sea Service form: The form often has the incorrect addition of hours/days, or proof of vessel ownership is not provided. n Tankerman: Proof of Transfers/Service/Recency: Documentation submitted does not meet the requirements for amount of time, correct position, or dates performed. n Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW) and Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) Service while in Training: Applicants are missing seagoing service that includes training and experience associated with engine room or navigational watchkeeping functions under the supervision of an engineer officer, or, for Navigational, a master, mate, or qualified STCW deck rating. n Tonnage/Horsepower: Applicants are missing evidence of meeting the tonnage and horsepower requirements in order to qualify for certain credentials. Fees n Fees not paid or incorrect: Issuance fees must be paid in order for a credential to be issued and evaluation fees must be paid in order for an application to be reviewed. Other common problems include the Military-to-Mariner fee waiver request not completed properly, the total paid is less than required, insufficient funds provided, improperly written checks, and no tax ID number on business checks. Drug Tests n Missing drug screen from the application package: A drug test is required for all transactions except endorsements, documents of continuity, duplicates, and STCW certificates. n Incomplete documentation: Examples include missing collection date, missing Medical Review Officer Information, and an unsigned drug test result/random drug screen program letter. n Incorrect drug screen used: The drug screen must be a Department of Transportation five-panel drug test from a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration accredited lab. n Drug screen too old: It must be within 6 months of the date of the application. What can you do to prevent delays in issuance? Apply at least 90 days in advance. Remember, for renewals you can apply up to 8 months early with no change between your expiration and renewal dates. Use the Regional Exam Centers and Monitoring Units to review your application before submission. They are available for appointments in person or over the phone. Use the tools and resources on the NMC website. The application acceptance checklist and evaluator checklists are valuable tools. For general questions, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil or calling 1-888-IASKNMC (4275662). By Ian Adrian Millar In memory of the gallant heroes of the S/S HENRY BACON Sit down friend and pause a bit, And I’ll tell you of a famous ship. Her crew were heroes brave and bold, Her story was not often told. They were sailing back from Russian shore, March 2022 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 11 The numbing cold hard to ignore. Across a vast engulfing sea, The BACON sailed for liberty. They left their cargo at old Murmansk, Those men were up to any task. They carried on as seamen do, To bring the BACON to Loch Ewe. The Germans found them broken down, An ugly duckling homeward bound. Her crew had fought the raging sea, And bombing by the enemy. The U.S. Department of State posted the following news item earlier this year. Please keep an eye on their website (https://www.state.gov/) and on the SIU site for the latest developments. Updated Notice To Mariners With International Voyages To better serve mariners during this time we are updating our temporary provisions. These provisions are subject to change once operations are on a more normal footing. Instructions for Urgent Assistance with Applying for a Passport: Qualifications n Be a credentialed merchant mariner; n Be eligible to apply on a DS-82 application for passport renewal. (Check eligibility at https://travel.state.gov/content/ travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html); and n Have a current passport that is expired or expiring in 7 months or less. Application and Mailing Instructions Applicants must submit the following: n DS-82 application completed, signed, and dated; n Passport photograph taken within the past six months; n Current passport; n Copy of Merchant Mariner Credential (MCC), front and back. n A check or money order in the amount of $208.32 made payable to U.S. Department of State if applying for a passport book only. If applying for both the passport book and card, the total fee is $238.32. This amount includes the passport fee, expedite fee, and 1–2-day delivery fee (for information regarding passport fees, please visit travel.state. gov). n Letter from supervisor on company letterhead or your U.S. mariner’s union. The supervisor letter should include the following details: n Applicant’s full name; n Printed name and title of applicant’s supervisor or mariners’ union representative; n Supervisor’s or union representative’s signature; and n Date the letter was issued. Applications must be sent by traceable overnight delivery service to: El Paso Passport Agency 303 N. Oregon St., Suite 700 El Paso, TX 79901 Attention: Mariner Program Service Expectations Completed passports will be mailed using a 1–2-day delivery service. Please be sure the application includes a physical U.S. mailing address and not a P.O. Box. Every effort will be made to process the passport application in about one week of receipt. For instance, applications received on Monday may be completed and sent out by Friday of the same week. Requesting a Second Passport Mariners may wish to apply for a second limited validity passport (4 years). Second passports provide greater flexibility, particularly if mariners need to apply for visas when traveling domestically and overseas. For more information, please see: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/havepassport/second-passport-book.html. Below are the two options for applying for a second passport: Option 1: Requesting a Second Passport when Renewing a Passport To apply for a second passport, applicants must also include: n A second DS-82 application (with photograph) completed, signed, and dated; n Signed statement describing the need for a second passport. (This is required in addition to the company letter authorizing use of these special procedures); and n Include payment for both applications in a single check totaling $416.64 ($208.32 per application). Log-A-Rhythm Henry Bacon State Department Posts Update, On Passport Services for Mariners Burbine, Reed, Tatosky too, Heroes all of World War Two. They did not shirk or hesitate, Ask them of Bosun Lammon’s fate. Today some sleep beneath the wave, Aboard the ship they fought to save. A few came home again to sail, With men like these we could not fail. (The writer is the son of a World War II mariner, a longtime advocate for securing veterans’ status for those mariners, and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran.) Option 2: Requesting a Second Passport without Submitting a Current Valid Passport If mariners need to use their current (10-year) passport while applying for their second passport, they can apply at a passport acceptance facility using a DS-11 form. They can expect to receive the second passport within the expedited timeframe posted at travel.state.gov. To apply at a passport acceptance facility, applicants need: n Completed (not signed) DS-11 application; n Passport photograph; n Photocopy of their 10-year passport data page; n Signed statement of need for a second passport as outlined on our website; n Payment of $208.32 to the U.S. Department of State, which includes $60 for expedite service and the additional $18.32 for 1-2day return delivery; and n Additional payment of $35 to the passport acceptance facility to execute the application. To locate the nearest passport acceptance facility, see https:// iafdb.travel.state.gov. Please note that many passport acceptance facilities require customers to schedule an appointment ahead of their visit. Mariners’ continued understanding abd patience is appreciated. Seafarers LOG 11 2/19/22 10:35 AM �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer This month’s question was asked of students at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What advice would you give to someone who’s just entering the industry? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Shayanna Freeman Oiler Stay focused on your main goals, and be prepared to work. Mind your business, that’s the main thing. James Jones OS Patience is going to win, above everything else. You’re going to go through it, so put in the time, get as many endorsements as you can, and you’ll do great. Only person stopping you is you. Godofredo Milabo Bosun Best advice is to stick with upgrading courses here at Piney Point. Always listen to the information that’s presented at union meetings, because if you’re not paying attention, that’s on you. Reynard Gibbs Steward Eliminate as many distractions as you can. Be patient, remember why you started, and look forward to the outcome. Listen, stay positive, and don’t be afraid to accept help. Luzern Hawkins Junior Engineer I’d tell them to upgrade, stay working and stay busy. Safety is important, and do what you’re told to do. Do your job. Salman Alhobabi SA Just get it started. Start working. I brought my two brothers in after me, and that’s all I had to tell them, because they saw how much my life had changed. 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 12 This snapshot first ran in the March 4, 1949 edition of the LOG. A standalone item, it carried the all-caps headline, “AND WITHOUT OVERTIME, TOO,” along with this caption: “SIU member Tom Connors demonstrates the work technique that brings a rosy glow to the stony hearts of Cities Service officials. The ‘loyal employee’ act was photographed by Gene Ceccato aboard the Logans Fort, a Cities Service ship.” 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org March 2022 2/19/22 10:35 AM �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 SOTERO BERAME Brother Sotero Berame, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 2001. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Overseas New York. Brother Berame upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Intrepid and lives in Vancouver, Washington. EARL CASTAIN Brother Earl Castain, 57, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988, initially sailing with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Castain’s final vessel was the Overseas Los Angeles. He is a resident of Lexington Park, Maryland. JULIO CILIEZAR Brother Julio Ciliezar, 71, signed on with the SIU in 1998, first sailing aboard the Global Mariner. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2000. Brother Ciliezar last sailed on the Ocean Gladiator and resides in Miramar, Florida. ARMANDO CORTEZ Brother Armando Cortez, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2005. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school within his first year of membership. Brother Cortez sailed aboard the Pride of America for the duration of his career. He is a Las Vegas resident. ROLLIN CRUMP Brother Rollin Crump, 68, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2003, initially sailing on the Bonny. He was March 2022 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 13 a member of the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Crump last shipped on the Alaskan Navigator and makes his home in Ward Cove, Alaska. THOMAS GINGERICH Brother Thomas Gingerich, 62, signed on with the union in 1989, initially shipping on the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Gingerich last shipped aboard the Florida. He lives in Sparks, Nevada. PETER GLENNON Brother Peter Glennon, 65, started sailing with the union in 1978, initially shipping on the Overseas Ulla. A deck department member, Brother Glennon upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Voyager and lives in Mechanicsville, Maryland. DAVID HAWKINS Brother David Hawkins, 71, joined the union in 1990 and first sailed aboard the Del Valle. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Hawkins last shipped on the Philadelphia Express and resides in Llano, Texas. ALVIN JACKSON Brother Alvin Jackson, 66, began his career with the SIU in 1989. A deck department member, he initially sailed aboard the Empire State II. Brother Jackson upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Maersk Chicago and makes his home in East Orange, New Jersey. WILLIAM KELLEY Brother William Kelley, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1995 when he sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He shipped in the engine department and up- graded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Kelley concluded his career on the Matej Kocak and settled in Senatobia, Mississippi. DANIEL LAMBERT Brother Daniel Lambert, 68, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1980. He initially sailed aboard the Manhattan and worked in the engine department. Brother Lambert’s final vessel was the Stuyvesant. He calls La Center, Washington, home. MARC MARCUS Brother Marc Marcus, 70, started his career with the Seafarers in 1971 and first sailed aboard the Halcyon Panther. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Marcus last shipped aboard the Sunshine State. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. OLORUNTOLA OBILANA Brother Oloruntola Obilana, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2001. He initially shipped aboard the St. Louis Express and was a deck department member. Brother Obilana upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Delaware Express and resides in Sugarland, Texas. EMMA PORTER Sister Emma Porter, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2001. She first sailed on the Cape Domingo and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Sister Porter upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. She concluded her career aboard the Cape Douglas and is a resident of Ridgeville, South Carolina. NEONITO SODUSTA Brother Neonito Sodusta, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1994 when he shipped aboard the Independence. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Sodusta most recently sailed aboard the USNS Fisher and resides in Las Vegas. TIMOTHY STAGG Brother Timothy Stagg, 64, signed on with the union in 1976, initially sailing aboard the USNS Potomac. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Stagg last shipped on the John Paul Bobo and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ONA WHITAMORE Sister Ona Whitamore, 70, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2005 when she sailed aboard the Green Point. She worked in the deck department and concluded her career aboard the Dewayne T. Williams. Sister Whitamore makes her home in Manchester, New Hampshire. ROBERT WILCOX Brother Robert Wilcox, 63, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1990, initially sailing on the USNS Bellatrix. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Wilcox most recently shipped on the Isla Bella and makes his home in Niceville, Florida. GREAT LAKES JAMES TANNER Brother James Tanner, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1974. He initially shipped aboard the J.B. Ford and sailed in both the deck and steward departments. Brother Tanner upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1987. He last sailed on the JAW Iglehart and resides in Alpena, Michigan. INLAND JERRY JENKINS Brother Jerry Jenkins, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979. A deck department member, he first shipped aboard the Point Julie. Brother Jenkins concluded his career working for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He is a resident of Rialto, California. embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1997 when he shipped with American Marine Corporation. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001. Brother Jernstrom remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He resides in San Pedro, California. JEFFREY PARKIN Brother Jeffrey Parkin, 65, signed on with the union in 1973. A deck department member, he initially sailed aboard the Overseas Ulla. Brother Parkin upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He was last employed by Moran Towing of Philadelphia and settled in Bellmawr, New Jersey. RANDY ROGERS Brother Randy Rogers, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1976 when he sailed with G&H Towing. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1981. Brother Rogers concluded his career with Moran Towing of Texas and lives in Livingston, Texas. JERRY VANDERBURG Brother Jerry Vanderburg, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1982. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Vanderburg resides in Aransas Pass, Texas. DALE WILSON Brother Dale Wilson, 64, signed on with the union in 1983, initially working for Tampa Bay Pilots. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Wilson’s final vessel was the Gulf Reliance. He makes his home in Tampa, Florida. NILS JERNSTROM Brother Nils Jernstrom, 67, Seafarers LOG 13 2/19/22 10:35 AM �Final Departures DEEP SEA SOFRONIO ADENIC Pensioner Sofronio Adenic, 91, died November 26. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988 and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Adenic sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Invincible. He became a pensioner in 2001 and settled in Kansas City, Missouri. MIKE BUBAKER Pensioner Mike Bubaker, 79, passed away November 20. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Inger. Brother Bubaker was a steward department member. He last sailed on the Great Land before retiring in 2008. Brother Bubaker resided in Dearborn, Michigan. WILLIAM BUNCH Pensioner William Bunch, 73, died October 31. He joined the SIU in 1991, initially shipping aboard the Bonny. Brother Bunch was a member of the steward department and last sailed aboard the USNS Pililaau. He became a pensioner in 2013 and settled in Fredericksburg, Virginia. STANLEY CASTRO Pensioner Stanley Castro, 67, passed away November 13. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1992. An engine department member, Brother Castro first sailed on the Independence. He concluded his career aboard the Gem State in 2014 and went on pension in 2019. Brother Castro made his home in Tacoma, Washington. RICHARD CASUGA Pensioner Richard Casuga, 81, died November 5. He joined the SIU in 1963 and first sailed with States Steamship. Brother Casuga was a steward department member. He last sailed on the Defender before becoming a pensioner in 2002. Brother Casuga called Hayward, California, home. 14 Seafarers LOG 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 14 HERBERT DANIELS Pensioner Herbert Daniels, 74, has passed away. He joined the union in 1998 when he was employed by Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Daniels sailed in both the deck and engine departments and most recently shipped aboard the Achiever. He went on pension in 2013 and was a resident of Louisville, Kentucky. ALBERT GUTIERREZ Pensioner Albert Gutierrez, 70, died December 31. He donned the SIU colors in 1978 and first sailed aboard the Borinquen. An engine department member, Brother Gutierrez last shipped on the Horizon Challenger. He retired in 2012 and made his home in Houston. JAMES JACKSON Pensioner James Jackson, 75, passed away December 18. He signed on with the union in 1963, first sailing aboard the Margaret Brown. Brother Jackson shipped in the steward department and most recently sailed aboard the Atlantic Forest. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and resided in New Orleans. AGUILIO LLORENTE Pensioner Aguilio Llorente, 89, died October 21. He began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1989, initially sailing with Crowley Towing & Transportation. Brother Llorente worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the El Morro and went on pension in 2007. Brother Llorente resided in Tampa, Florida. FRANK MICHALSKI Brother Frank Michalski, 70, passed away November 27. He donned the SIU colors in 2001 and first shipped on the Maersk Alaska. Brother Michalski was a member of the engine department. He last sailed aboard the USNS Roy M. Wheat and lived in Kansas City, Kansas. CHARLES RHYNES Pensioner Charles Rhynes, 86, died December 18. He joined the union in 1987 when he sailed on the Baldomero Lopez. Brother Rhynes shipped in the deck department and concluded his career on the William R. Button. He retired in 2003 and made his home in Forsyth, Missouri. WINTON RICH Pensioner Winton Rich, 72, passed away September 30. He signed on with the SIU in 1990 and first shipped on the USNS Bellatrix. A deck department member, Brother Rich most recently sailed on the Pride of America. He went on pension in 2019 and settled in Houston. JOSE RIVERA Pensioner Jose Rivera, 88, died December 22. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 and was a member of the engine department. Brother Rivera’s first vessel was the Salem Maritime; his last, the Golden Monarch. He retired in 1990 and was a Puerto Rico resident. ALVIE RUSHING Pensioner Alvie Rushing, 91, passed away December 11. He signed on with the SIU in 1959, initially working on the Timber Hitch. Brother Rushing was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Overseas Valdez and went on pension in 1995. Brother Rushing lived in Santa Fe, Texas. JIM SAXTON Pensioner Jim Saxton, 82, died December 10. He joined the union in 1969. A steward department member, he first shipped with Pacific Far East Lines. Brother Saxton last shipped on the Defender before retiring in 2005. He resided in Lathrop, California. LARRY VIOLA Pensioner Larry Viola, 66, passed away December 20. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1973 and first sailed with Seatrain Lines. A deck department member, Brother Viola last sailed aboard the Greendale in 2009. He began collecting his pension in 2021 and made his home in Sayre, Oklahoma. GEORGE WHITING Pensioner George Whiting, 77, died October 11. He joined the SIU in 1973 and initially sailed aboard the Santa Magdelena. Brother Whiting was a steward department member and concluded his career on the Matsonia. He became a pensioner in 2009 and settled in Las Vegas. BRUCE WRIGHT Pensioner Bruce Wright, 77, passed away November 26. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1961 and was an engine department member. Brother Wright first sailed aboard the Steel Record. He last shipped on the Alaskan Frontier and went on pension in 2007. Brother Wright was a resident of South San Francisco, California. GREAT LAKES RICHARD GIMPEL Pensioner Richard Gimpel, 92, died December 8. He signed on with the SIU in 1961 when he sailed with Dunbar and Sullivan. Brother Gimpel worked in the deck department and was last employed by Great Lakes Towing. He became a pensioner in 1995 and resided in Perrysburg, Ohio. INLAND DENNIS BLACKMAN Pensioner Dennis Blackman, 65, passed away November 30. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002 when he worked with Penn Maritime. Brother Blackman was a deck department member. He most recently sailed aboard the Achievement before retiring in 2018. Brother Blackman made his home in Thom- asville, Georgia. DALTON DESLATTE Pensioner Dalton Deslatte, 82, died December 24. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1989 and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Deslatte sailed with Moran Towing of Texas for the duration of his career. He began collecting his pension in 2005 and resided in Port Arthur, Texas. DEXTER MOORE Pensioner Dexter Moore, 81, passed away December 9. He donned the SIU colors in 1961 and initially sailed with Gulf Atlantic Transport. Brother Moore was a member of the deck department and was last employed by Allied Transportation. He became a pensioner in 1999 and settled in Pinetown, North Carolina. JOHN PAYNE Pensioner John Payne, 90, died October 18. He embarked on his career with the union in 1973 when he worked for Puget Sound. Brother Payne sailed in the deck department and was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He retired in 1994 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. GOLDIE THOMAS Pensioner Goldie Thomas, 73, passed away August 29. She joined the SIU in 1995. A steward department member, Sister Thomas worked for Orgulf Transport for her entire career. She began collecting her pension in 2009 and called East Prairie, Missouri, home. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Baez, Casimiro Chavana, Maria Connor, John Diaz, Benjamin Foster, Iva Gonzales, Joe Gorrer, Jessie Keeling, John Palmer, Leroy El Rowmeim, Eli Woods, Wade AGE 95 84 90 98 88 89 85 94 82 88 96 DOD 12/28/2021 12/21/2021 11/28/2021 12/26/2021 01/17/2022 08/24/2021 01/09/2022 01/14/2022 01/14/2022 01/05/2022 01/13/2022 March 2022 2/19/22 10:35 AM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), October 2 – Chairman Felsher Beasley, Secretary Richard Jones, Educational Director Charlie Wescott, Deck Delegate Harold Borden, Steward Delegate Adolfo Bermudez. Chairman encouraged members to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Secretary reminded crew to continue following CDC guidelines. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed current Seafarers LOG and discussed questions concerning upcoming contract. Crew plans to continue working towards acquiring Wi-Fi on ships. Next port: Port Arthur, Texas. ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), October 3 – Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Educational Director Tristan Brand, Deck Delegate Charles Ford, Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. Members discussed Wi-Fi capabilities that would allow crew to text at sea. 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. Chairman discussed UA changes at Paul Hall Center. Educational director reminded members to start renewing documents early because of potentially long wait times. No beefs or disputed OT reported. “Good food makes a happy crew.” AMERICAN FREEDOM (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), October 31 – Chairman Joshua Mensah, Educational Director Felix Garcia, Steward Delegate Carlos Diaz. Dryer has been fixed. Educational director recommended crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested coffee grinders, refrigerators in each room, increases to retirement benefits and Wi-Fi access. AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), November 22 – Chairman Felsher Beasley, Secretary Richard Jones, Educational Director William Mercer, Deck Delegate Vic- tor Chevalier, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Members reviewed old business including Wi-Fi access and discussed new jobs. Educational director reiterated importance of checking dates on documents as well as renewing ahead of time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed AB watch-standing at anchor and related contractual wages. Members also discussed upcoming standard agreements. New mattresses needed. Next port: Port Everglades, Florida. MISSOURI EXPRESS (Marine Personnel and Provisioning), December 5 – Chairman Jose Jimenea, Secretary John Stephens, Educational Director Jimmie Williams, Deck Delegate Willie Myrick, Engine Delegate Ernest Smith, Steward Delegate William White. Members reported issues receiving cash from captain for payoff. Chairman announced payoff in Charleston, South Carolina. Educational director advised crew to attend upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center and to make sure documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew motioned for inclusion of 30 for 30 vacation pay in next contract. More linens, pillow cases and towels needed aboard ship. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), December 26 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Johnnie McGill, Educational Director Juan Castillo, Deck Delegate Ali Al Kassemi, Steward Delegate Hyeyoung Forrer. Ship sailing smoothly. Stores will be at next port as reported by secretary. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New refrigerators were requested where needed. AMERICAN LIBERTY (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), January 24 – Chairman Ryan Legario, Secretary Nadine Butler, Educational Director Frederick Williams, Deck Delegate Mapalana Gamage, Engine Delegate Arsenio Jenkins, Steward Delegate Kenneth Kelly. Chairman oversaw discussion regarding current and upcoming collective bargaining agreements. Vote of thanks given to the deck department for working hard and staying safe. Engine and steward departments were commended for jobs well done. Members were reminded of new vaccination and booster requirements to attend courses at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested inclusion of adequate Wi-Fi access in next contract as well as increased wages and vacation benefits. Members requested a decrease in age and sea time requirements for retirement. Crew would like company-paid travel from their homes to work, rather than from union hall to airport since some members live hundreds of miles away. Members sought clarification for vision/eyeglass benefits and for prescriptions outside of home state. Next port: Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. NMC Explains Why Mariners’ Medical Certificates Are Delayed The National Maritime Center (NMC) receives more than 50,000 applications annually from U.S. Merchant Mariners applying for medical certificates. On average, over 10 percent of those applications are missing information, which causes delays in processing and frustration for mariners. As a reminder, the NMC previously published Common Errors Mariners Make When Submitting CG-719K (04/17), which remains valid, and will not accept incomplete medical certificate applications. A total of 7,882 awaiting information (AI) reasons were issued in 2021 for medical certificate applications. Below are the general and specific reasons that mariners will receive an AI letter for medical certificate applications: Commandant Instruction Manual (COMDTINST M16721.48), Chapter 5. Additional tests not provided when there is an abnormal vision exam. n Conditions listed in COMDTINST M16721.48, Chapters 8, need further documentation. This requires a current written report from your treating provider documenting the current status of the condition, history of the condition, frequency and severity of symptoms, treatment plan with all medications/side effects, ability to perform all tasks as listed in Chapter 8, and prognosis for performing safety sensitive merchant mariner duties. n Common conditions needing further documentation are: n Diabetes n Sleep Apnea n Substance Abuse n Heart Condition n Seizure Disorder. General Reasons: Top reasons include: n Visual acuity does not meet regulations as listed in Merchant Mariner Medical Manual, Specific Reasons: NOTE: All section and page information in this section is referring to form CG-719K. n Required tests are incompletely documented Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center issued the following notice on Feb. 14. It’s available on the agency’s website and on the SIU website. on Page 7. n Medications/Conditions are not explained or commented on Page 5. n Response not provided for Food Handler Certification (Section II, Page 3). n YES or NO response not provided for each condition listed (Section III (a), Page 4). n Incomplete details (date of onset/condition/ treatment/status/limitations) of conditions identified on Page 4 (Section III (b), Page 5). n No response or incomplete response to medication section (Section IV, Page 6). n Missing height, weight, pulse rate, and/or blood pressure (Section V, Page 6). n NORMAL or ABNORMAL response not provided for each system/organ identified (Section V, Page 6). n Missing uncorrected vision (Section VI (a), Page 7). n Uncorrected vision tests with corrective lenses (Section VI (a), Page 7). n Missing field of vision (Section VI (a), Page 7). n Inappropriate color vision testing method, number of errors omitted, or determination not indicated (Section VI (b), Page 7). NOTE: If color vision testing failed, to avoid processing delay, put handwritten note in this section that indicates the applicant’s ability to distinguish red, green, blue, and yellow; and by which method. n Hearing not marked as normal, abnormal, or hearing aid required (Section VII, Page 7). n Missing Physical Ability Results (Section VIII, Page 8). n Proof of identity not checked (Section IX (a), Page 9). n Certification recommendations (Recommended, Not Recommended, or Needs Further Review) not checked (Section IX (b), Page 9). n Significant risk of sudden incapacitation (Yes, No, or Needs Further Review) not checked (Section IX (c), Page 9). n If entry-level – Medical condition aggravated by service at sea (Yes, No, or Needs Further Review) for entry level rating not checked (Section IX (c), Page 9). n Provider failed to sign/date the form and/or provide license number (Section IX (e), Page 9). n Missing signature of Applicant (Section X, Page 9). Those having questions regarding completion of the CG-719K, may contact the NMC Help Desk at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the April 4 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2021 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Ap- March 2022 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 15 peals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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. union headquarters. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 2/19/22 10:35 AM �Mortgages designed for union families The Union Plus Mortgage Program with financing from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage or Union Plus Mortgage Company provides benefits you can’t get anywhere else, including competitive rates, mortgage assistance and gift awards. Learn more at: unionplus.org/mortgage Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has a services agreement with Union Privilege in which Union Privilege receives a financial benefit for providing agreed-upon services. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage encourages you to shop around to ensure you receive the services and loan terms that fit your home financing needs. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2022 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. NMLSR ID 399801 Union Plus Mortgage Company has a services agreement with Union Privilege in which Union Privilege receives a financial benefit for providing agreed upon services. Union Plus Mortgage Company NMLSR 156182 SIU-MM-2-4-2022 16 Seafarers LOG 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 16 March 2022 2/19/22 11:11 AM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic May 2 May 20 MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck April 4 April 22 May 23 June 10 Lifeboat/Water Survival March 14 March 25 April 11 April 22 May 9 May 20 June 6 June 17 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 June 24 RFPNW April 25 May 13 June 27 July 15 Celestial Navigation August 22 September 16 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 RFPEW April 25 May 20 FOWT June 13 July 8 Junior Engineer July 11 September 2 Marine Electrician May 16 June 17 Marine Refer Tech April 4 May 13 July 18 July 29 Machinist March 14 April 1 Pumpman April 4 April 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. March 2022 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 17 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Welding April 25 May 13 June 6 June 24 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook March 21 April 22 April 25 May 27 May 30 July 1 July 11 August 12 Advanced Galley Operations April 4 April 29 June 20 July 15 Chief Steward May 9 June 3 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting April 4 April 8 Medical Care Provider April 11 April 15 Basic Training April 4 April 8 June 6 June 10 Basic Training Revalidation March 21 March 21 March 25 March 25 April 4 April 4 April 22 April 22 May 6 May 6 Government Vessels March 14 March 18 April 11 April 15 April 25 April 29 May 9 May 13 June 13 June 17 June 27 July 1 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion March 14 March 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL April 4 April 8 May 2 May 6 June 27 July 1 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 9 May 13 May 23 May 27 Important Notice to all 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 3/22 Seafarers LOG 17 2/19/22 10:35 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #877 – Graduated December 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Spencer Bailey, Jacob Burleson, Elijah Courtney, Tyler Dreschel, Robert Freer III, Juliette Mandal, Dion Martin, Joseph McCrea, Shawnique Morris, Daquan President, Stephanie Vidrio, James Walker and Landon Williams. Government Vessels – Graduated January 28 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Diana Alicea-Hughes, Kevin Barry, James Brown, Joseph Burke, Andrew Cosgrove, Alexander Hunting, Fredy Segura and Michael Tinkel. Government Vessels – Graduated January 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Larry Bachelor, Tyebreyell Bray, Henry Brown, Johnnie Carswell, Randy Corey, Mohamed Abdul Rahman Gazaly, Terry Jackson, Bernard Mainor, Emmanuel De Gracia Matias, Julius Binaluyo Morala, Robert Noble, Daniel Joshua Ramos Resultan, Antoinette M. Rivera, Adrian Schubert, Joseph Smith, Julius Thomas and Mario Yancey. 18 Seafarers LOG 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X1.indd 18 March 2022 2/22/22 12:22 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels (Phase 1) – Graduated January 21 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Noah Hepburn, Maurice Kent Jr., and Walter Lewis. Engineroom Resource Management – Upgrader Austin Anderson (above) graduated from this class December 10. Water Survival – Terence Pitts (above) completed the enhancement of his skills in this course and graduated January 28. Advanced Galley Operations – Graduated December 10 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Drushelia Finney, Reynard Gibbs, Dustin Haney, Joseph Huls and Dindo Prellagera Reforsado. Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. March 2022 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 19 Seafarers LOG 19 2/19/22 10:35 AM �MARCH 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 3 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 18-19 Union Leaders Hail Biden’s Pro-PLA Order Editor’s note: This article was written by Mark Gruenberg of Press Associates, Inc. It has been lightly edited for style. Project labor agreements are vitally important to America’s working families. U nion officials applauded President Joe Biden’s Feb. 7 executive order mandating that federally funded construction projects worth at least $35 million must be built by workers using project labor agreements (PLA). “Just remember, it ain’t labor – it’s unions” that built the country and will do so again, Biden declared to a union crowd at the Ironworkers Local 5 hall in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, not far from SIU headquarters. Sean McGarvey, president of North America’s Building Trades Unions (a labor federation), spoke for others – including Local 5 members at Biden’s signing ceremony – in declaring how the president’s order would improve workers’ wages, working conditions and health and safety. “Project labor agreements are often effective in preventing problems from developing” on construction sites “because they provide structure and stability to large-scale construction projects,” Biden’s order explains. That’s “welcome news for all workers, union and nonunion,” McGarvey pointed out. “Project labor agreements address labor supply, secure workers’ classification, set good wages, promote strong health and safety standards, and ensure large-scale projects are completed on time, with the highest degree of quality, efficiency, and safety.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, an Electrical Worker, added in an e-mail: “President Biden’s signing of an executive order requiring project labor agreements for all federal construction projects over $35 million ensures the $262 billion in federal construction contracting will use high-skilled union labor, create a more efficient approach to the work and will use our tax dollars to create high-quality jobs. Thanks to this agreement, 200,000 union members will make sure America’s infrastructure is built.” McGarvey added PLAs not only create well-paying jobs for construction workers, but promote local hiring, increase welltrained (union-trained) apprentices and can let “women, people of color and veterans access construction career pathways. As a result, these agreements are proven to boost local economies, address inequities and uplift marginalized communities, and achieve substantial, direct cost savings by standardizing contract terms among various crafts.” Biden’s order stressed the benefits of PLAs. They “avoid disruptions on projects by using dispute-resolution processes to resolve worksite disputes and by prohibiting work stoppages, including strikes and lockouts. They secure commitment of all stakeholders on a construction site the project will proceed efficiently without unnecessary interruptions.” In return for higher wages and guaranteed due process on the job, workers and contractors get stability and quality work that lasts, the president said at the ceremony. “I tell you who built America: the middle class,” he explained. “And the people who built the middle class are organized labor: unions. Unions did it. That’s not hyperbole. That’s a fact. That’s a straight fact.” Biden said his order will “help ensure we build a better America, we build it right, and we build it on time…. The executive order is making sure federal construction projects get completed on time and under budget, saving taxpayers money, clearing construction zones quickly, and ensuring everything the federal government signs to contract to build is built to last.” Biden’s order covers not just work on roads, bridges, subways and airports, but all types of infrastructure. He specifically singled out improving U.S. ports and waterways. Such maritime improvements, in the “hard” infrastructure law Biden signed in December, include at least two which PLAs would cover, according to a recent statement from the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department: a new larger Soo Lock between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes, costing $470 million, and $69 million “to improve navigation and expand capacity” at the Norfolk, Virginia, harbor, where container traffic has risen 67% in 10 years. President Biden signs an executive order calling for project labor agreements, which will all but ensure the use of union labor. Among those attending the ceremony in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, are Vice President Kamala Harris (third from left) and U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh (left). (Photo courtesy Ironworkers) Biden’s order has some limited exceptions, but even when agencies want to invoke them to avoid PLAs, a “senior official” must sign off on that decision, and justify the exception. The allowances include projects of short duration, that use only one construction craft, that are “of compelling urgency that ... makes a project labor agreement impractical” or those where a PLA requirement would “substantially reduce the number of potential bidders so as to frustrate full and open competition.” Numerous studies have pointed out the benefits of PLAs, disclosing how those projects come in on time and often under budget. That hasn’t stopped anti-worker organizations from trying to outlaw them. PLAs “standardize working conditions across a project and ensure that all working people receive fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions,” said Painters President Jimmy Williams Jr. “PLAs were utilized when Operating Engineers built the Grand Coulee Dam, the interstate highway system,” and space facilities, added IUOE President James Callahan. “As we embark upon building modern and more resilient infrastructure for our future, these agreements will help employ thousands of skilled tradespeople and pay wages that sustain families and lift local economies.” Biden’s order “shows what the American worker has to gain by having a pro-labor president in the White House,” said U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey), who is also a former president of the South Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council. “Requiring PLAs on federal construction projects will improve job quality for nearly 200,000 workers. PLAs also help ensure the responsible stewardship of tax dollars by pre-negotiating wages and benefits – meaning workers can spend more time working and less time haggling over work conditions. Additionally, workers under a PLA are more likely to have health care, a benefit that has always been important in demanding construction jobs but even more so during the pandemic.” Aboard the CS Decisive Thanks to vessel master Capt. Francisco Sousa (an SIU hawsepiper) for this photo from the recently reflagged SubCom vessel. Pictured with the captain (second from left) are GVA Angel Palacios, OMU Kasim Ahmed, Splicer Toby Malone, Chief Cook Pedro Maysonet, OMU Joshua Glancy, 3AE Sean Kirby, 2M John Fendl, Chief Electrician Igor Yakunkov, OMU Gregory Attawora, ET Tony Monica, 2AE Pete Barrow, ABSJ Julian Dingzon, 2AE Joe Osiak, 1AE Greg Thomas, ABSJ Raul Morales Vargas, Chief Engineer Jeff McCarthy, GVA Tremere Manning, GVA Ryeasha Powell, OMU Xyla Jimenez, 1/O Manny Reyes, 3AE Jewel McLain, 2M Jordan Scherling, 3M Greg Tronti, Bosun Emilio Abreu, Chief Mate Steve Vogler, and Coast Guard representatives Dan Mochen and Todd Michel. 20 Seafarers LOG 73679_March_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 20 March 2022 2/19/22 10:35 AM � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2022 Description An account of the resource UNIONS SLAM PROPOSED USVI OPEN REGISTRY SHBP PROVIDES UPDATES ON FREE AND LOW-COST COVID TEST KITS UPDATES ANNOUNCED FOR PAUL HALL CENTER VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS REP KAHELE APPLAUDS HORIZON RELIANCE CREW UNION MOURNS PASSING OF JOHN NATOLI PORT AGENT JEFF TURKUS RETIRES CHS NOTIFIES UNION, SEAFARERS PLANS OF SECURITY INCIDENT WHITE HOUSE REPORT BACKS UNIONS ARC REFLAGS 2 VESSELS FOR MSP OPERATION DEEP FREEZE RESUMES UNION LEADERS HAIL BIDEN'S PRO-PLA ORDER 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 03/01/2022 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. 84, No. 3 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e431c79636c171398397c0937c086e5e.pdf 612d687e9714514e52a62fca7a02165b PDF Text Text APRIL 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 4 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Crowley Adds Tanker Stena Polaris SIU members are sailing aboard the newly reflagged Stena Polaris (above), an outright addition to the Crowley fleet. The company was awarded a Defense Department contract for time charter of an “ice class” tanker that is expected to last for nearly five years. The Stena Polaris reflagged last month in Jacksonville, Florida. Built in 2010, the ship is 600 feet long. Administration Underscores Support for Unions President Biden on March 5 hosted a labor roundtable in Wilmington, Delaware, during which he listened to union officials and reiterated his strong backing of the labor movement. He also reaffirmed his support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Biden is pictured in front, second from left. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler is kneeling at far left. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez is in the second row (sixth from right), behind the president’s left shoulder. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, who also addressed the group, is standing at far left. Page 3. AFL-CIO Slams Proposed Open Register Page 2 Unions Ready to Mobilize Page 3 �President’s Report Ready to Deliver Russia’s invasion of Ukraine remains the dominant story worldwide, and it definitely affects not just the maritime industry from a business standpoint but also, more importantly, the people who work in it. Through our affiliation with the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the SIU is doing whatever we can to ensure the wellbeing of Ukrainian civilian mariners – and Russian civilian mariners, too. We also stand ready to mobilize if needed, as America’s fourth arm of defense. Understandably, we’re cautious in what is reported at certain times. Suffice it to say, we’ve always delivered and we always will. If the global pandemic caused many of us to view our lives at least a little differently and more appreciatively, the Russian invasion has done so in a most appalling way. The SIU joins with the AFL-CIO in condemning the violent invasion. We stand in solidarity with the workers and their families who are impacted by the devastation, and Michael Sacco offer our condolences for lives that have been lost. We also join the global labor movement and our other allies in calling for an immediate end to Vladimir Putin’s military aggression, and we support extensive economic sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, particularly those focused on Putin and his protectors. Ukrainian unions have struggled for decades to guarantee the internationally recognized right to organize and bargain collectively. Unions have courageously fought corruption that is widespread in the Ukrainian economy. All these brave efforts by Ukraine’s unions are now threatened by the Russian military invasion, which is destroying the basic democratic rights of freedom of association, assembly and speech that are necessary for all effective trade union action. The Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine flagrantly violates international law and undermines the right of Ukraine and of all nations to selfdetermination free from the threat of violence. The consequences of the attack on Ukraine are vast – tens of thousands of lives may be lost, while millions of people already have been displaced. Countries will need to house, feed and support the many refugees fleeing the violence. Putin’s war jeopardizes international peace and global economic recovery. Workers and their families are still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and can ill afford the higher oil and food prices and further disruption to the supply chains this war is causing. The SIU will do everything within our power to support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Wins for Maritime As reported elsewhere in this edition, the newly passed government spending bill contained several important victories for the U.S. maritime industry. These wins don’t happen without a sustained effort to elect and educate pro-maritime legislators and pro-maritime administrations. That is why the SIU remains politically active and why we ask our rank-and-file members to support SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. Funding for the Maritime Security Program, Tanker Security Program, and Cable Security Fleet is a collective dose of great news not just for the SIU but for the entire country. These programs are important to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. I applaud the efforts and votes of everyone who supports them. Jones Act Whenever I believe that Jones Act critics have hit a new low, they slither even lower. That’s been the case recently when a few absolutely nonsensical articles were posted with the claims that America’s freight cabotage law somehow is driving up gasoline prices. Those preposterous pundits also suggest that waiving the Jones Act would be in order. Let’s get a couple of things crystal clear. There is plenty of U.S.-flag vessel capacity to handle any voyages transporting oil within the United States. And – here’s the real news – a waiver of the Jones Act for gasoline would only benefit oil traders. The Jones Act has protected our nation for more than a century and it remains one of the soundest policies on the books. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 4 April 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Industry Secures Full Funding For Tankers, MSP, Cable Ships The maritime industry fared well in the recently approved federal spending bill. Congress in early March passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. The $1.5 trillion omnibus package includes full funding for the new U.S. Tanker Security Program (TSP), the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), and for two U.S.flag cable ships. Originally approved near the end of the year 2020, the TSP calls for an initial fleet of 10 U.S.flag tankers. The program, strongly backed by U.S. military leaders, will decrease reliance on foreignflag ships and foreign crews. The MSP, enacted in 1996 and extended several times since then, provides stipends for a fleet of 60 civilian-crewed, militarily useful vessels available to the Defense Department as needed. The spending bill, which was signed into law March 15 by President Biden, moved along at what one pundit called “the congressional version of warp speed.” It passed in the House less than 24 hours after introduction and then cleared the Senate a day later, on March 11. However, passage also followed months of delay and three continuing resolutions that allowed the government to operate. A shutdown would have occurred March 11 at midnight without either another continuing resolution or passage of the bill. The bill reportedly contains $730 billion in non-Defense spending and $782 billion in Defense spending. It further includes a separate $13.6 billion in aid for Ukraine. It provides government funding through September 2022. AFL-CIO Opposes Open Register Executive Council Adopts Statement Denouncing Plan The AFL-CIO Executive Council on March 15 unanimously adopted a statement opposing a proposed open register in the U.S. Virgin Islands. SIU President Michael Sacco, the council’s longest-serving member, provided background on the situation to other board members (see related story, this page). In part, the statement reads, “American merchant mariners are the gold standard for the world in terms of safety and training. From iron ore for steel mills along the Great Lakes to food aid to hungry citizens in Africa, from materiel for American armed forces stationed around the world to vital household goods at domestic ports, they deliver. “For generations, foreign interests and their allies have tried to find ways to circumvent the nation’s labor and tax laws to take good jobs away from hardworking Americans,” the statement continues. “The latest effort, announced last month, calls for the creation of a so-called open registry for the U.S. Virgin Islands. As outlined, this initiative would take cargo from U.S.-flag vessels, crewed by American citizens, and place it on vessels that do not use American crews, do not pay American taxes and do not meet American safety and labor standards. This attempt to create a flag of convenience using the U.S. Virgin Islands is wrong and harmful to American workers.” The statement concludes, “The AFL-CIO joins with the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO; and the Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO in calling upon the Biden Administration, the Congress, the Department of Defense and the Maritime Administration to reject any effort that U.S. Virgin Islands-flag vessels be treated as if they are the same as U.S.-flag, U.S.crewed for any purpose or for any program. At the same time, we reiterate our commitment to work with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left) and SIU President Michael Sacco the Biden Administration and the Congress to achieve a more robust, commercially viable U.S.-flag, U.S.crewed fleet that will continue to protect America’s economic, military and homeland security.” Previously, a joint statement from shipboard maritime unions including the SIU pointed out, “The proposed U.S. Virgin Islands flag of convenience open registry will not benefit the United States nor America’s maritime industry, any more than any other second or open registry benefits a national flag country. In fact, the establishment and growth of second registries by other industrialized nations has done little more than decimate their national flag fleets to the point that they are no longer able to provide the requisite military security and logistical support to their flag nations.” SIU President Pens Open Letter To Governor of U.S. Virgin Islands Editor’s note: This letter was posted on the SIU website on Feb. 21, 2022, and it has been circulated on Capitol Hill. It was written in response to the governor’s public support for a proposed second register. Visit the SIU website and/ or check last month’s LOG for additional coverage of the proposed second register. Dear Governor Bryan: On behalf of the Seafarers International Union (SIU), which has maintained a strong presence in the U.S. Virgin Islands for more than a halfcentury, we are perplexed by your recently announced partnership with a for-profit maritime school that charges $22,000 per year for tuition. The SIU – which represents thousands of USVI residents via our affiliated United Industrial Workers – has an associated school in Maryland offering U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses for entry-level mariners and for experienced seafarers. The school – the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education – is highly regarded throughout the industry and it does not charge tuition. We provide viable career paths, and we also have immediate job openings for credentialed mariners. Our union has contracts with the vast majority of American-flag deep-sea vessel operators, plus collective bargaining agreements with several major inland tugboat companies. Those contracts, typically including excellent pay and benefits, mean ample job opportunities for Seafarers. Additionally, graduates of our apprentice program (which is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor) are guaranteed a first job aboard a U.S.flag vessel. This would seem to offer a far more attractive opportunity for USVI residents than the one you publicly committed to. Our training facilities and curriculums are second to none; our school doesn’t charge tuition; and we’ve got plenty of jobs for our members. We welcome the chance to work with you to explore training and career opportunities for our fellow citizens from the USVI. Sincerely, Michael Sacco President, Seafarers International Union April 2022 �Maritime Labor Backs President Biden On Ukraine, Sanctions Against Russia The presidents of six American maritime unions, including SIU President Michael Sacco, sent a letter to President Biden underscoring their support for his handling of the war in Ukraine and reaffirming the availability of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Dated March 9, the letter conveys the unions’ “strong support for the actions you are taking to combat the horrific and unjustified attack by Russia against Ukraine. This unprovoked attack not only threatens the right of freedom-loving people in Ukraine to continue to live in a democracy but poses the most serious threat to our friends and allies in Europe since World War II.” The union presidents pointed out that U.S. mariners always answer the nation’s call, and will do so again if needed. “As they did during World War II and in every conflict and international emergency before and since, the men and women of the United States-flag merchant marine stand ready to do what we can to support the strongest possible economic responses necessary to bring this conflict to a quick and successful conclusion,” the letter noted. “To this end, we strongly endorse your decision to end all oil and natural gas imports from Russia as well as the imposition of additional rigorous trade sanctions against Russia as deemed appropriate. “We understand and appreciate that these actions will likely have a negative economic impact on many of our fellow citizens and many of our members who are still struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the labor leaders continued. “However, the men and women of the United States-flag merchant marine also understand that such a sacrifice is once again necessary in order for our country to provide the leadership the rest of the free world has come to expect and rely upon.” They concluded, “As our nation’s fourth arm of defense, the United States-flag merchant marine and its cadre of American merchant mariners have a unique role and proud tradition of service to our country in time of war or other emergency. We again stand ready to work with you and your Administration to provide the support and service our country needs.” Signing the letter were Sacco; Sailors’ Union of the Pacific President Dave Con- AMP Sets Record Straight On Jones Act, Energy Prices A major maritime coalition recently sent a letter to President Biden to address misconceptions about the Jones Act. Specifically, the letter addressed the transportation of crude oil and other energy cargoes in the United States in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was sent by the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated. “We appreciate your support and the overwhelming, bipartisan support in Congress for the Jones Act,” the letter began. “Ukraine is a lesson that America must provide for its self-defense and economy, and that the 650,000 U.S. men and women of American Maritime will continue to move what our nation needs, including energy.” The coalition further pointed out the following: n There is more than adequate American vessel capacity to address any requirements to transport oil within the United States. n A waiver of the Jones Act for gasoline would only benefit oil traders. U.S. consumers would not benefit. n The recent dramatic increase in gas prices has overwhelmingly been driven by the increase in crude oil prices, which have risen by nearly 57% in just over two months. n Congress has expressed its concern about ensuring that American vessels are used to move oil from the strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) before considering the possibility of Jones Act waivers. n Jones Act waivers outsource U.S. jobs and undermine American security. AMP followed the last point by stating, “Now is certainly not the time to issue waivers that replace American companies and mariners with vessel operators and mariners from other nations. The domestic maritime industry has kept our nation supplied during the pandemic and the resulting supply chain crisis with consistent, reliable service. It would be both ironic and insulting to take jobs away from these Americans now, at a time of rising inflation and global uncertainty. It is particularly egregious that some have called for Jones Act waivers as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a situation that underscores the importance of ensuring our nation’s ability to protect our economic and homeland security at home and to support our national security interests around the world. The Jones Act ensures that we have a domestic shipbuilding base as well as a pool of mariners to draw upon during cases of national emergency.” The entire letter is available on the SIU website. April 2022 nolly; American Maritime Officers President Paul Doell; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots President Don Marcus; Marine Firemen’s Union President Anthony Poplawski; and Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Adam Vokac. Meanwhile, the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have designated areas in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov as “Warlike Operations Areas,” triggering an increased security level and other entitlements for foreign mariners in the war zone. The designation was agreed at an emergency in early March. Discussions focused on repatriation, payment of wages, safe transit and respect of individual seafarers’ rights, particularly for mariners from the region. The JNG and ITF negotiate and ensure application of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) agreement, which is the only international collective bargaining agreement covering terms and conditions for seafarers in international trade on more than 9,000 ships. “The escalation in hostilities and conflict in Ukraine has put enormous pressure on seafarers of all nations and an industry already laboring under the demands and challenges of the pandemic,” the organizations said in a joint statement. “The parties agreed that the welfare of seafarers and the protection of their rights in this unprecedented situation was paramount to the spirit and intent of the IBF agreement.” They added, “The facilitation of support from governments worldwide for potential refugee arrangements for Ukrainian seafarers and their families was also considered. The social partners agreed to increase pressure on governments to waive visas for Ukrainian seafarers to ease their repatriation.” The JNG consists of the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ), the Korean Shipowners Association (KSA), and Taiwan-based company Evergreen. The ITF, to which the SIU is affiliated, has member organizations around the world who collectively represent more than 20 million transport workers. President Biden (second from left) pauses for a snapshot with maritime union officials. Pictured from left are MM&P President Don Marcus, President Biden, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez and MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland Rexha. Biden Reaffirms Jones Act Support President Biden, meeting with the AFL-CIO leadership and principal officers of international unions on March 5, said once again he will not waiver in his longtime support for the Jones Act, the nation’s freight cabotage law. The president was responding to a statement from SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez during the gathering in Wilmington, Delaware. Tellez, who attended with MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha and MM&P President Don Marcus, thanked the president for standing with American mariners throughout his career as a senator and vice president. He alerted Biden to new attacks being directed at the Jones Act in the wake of rising petroleum prices because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The maritime contingent noted recent news columns preposter- ously trying to claim the Jones Act as anti-American. Tellez also informed the president about the February announcement proposing an open registry in the U.S. Virgin Islands that would take away cargo from U.S.-flag ships and jobs from American mariners. Biden told Tellez, Rexha, Marcus and the other labor leaders he will continue to fight for American mariners and workers. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh also met with the union officials, numbering 39 in all and including AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. Biden thanked the labor officials for their support and outlined steps the administration has taken to help union members in the first year of the administration. Walsh spoke of the need to work collaboratively to empower American workers and underscored the president’s support for strong unions as key to the middle class. The group further discussed the unprecedented economic growth experienced in the U.S. and the addition of 678,000 jobs in February, along with a 3.8% drop in the unemployment rate. A total of 7.4 million jobs have been added since the start of the administration. Additionally, attendees touched on the administration’s wide range of accomplishments thus far when it comes to creating union jobs and protecting Davis-Bacon provisions, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the American Rescue Plan. The group echoed its thanks to the president, the secretary and administration officials for the historic investment the administration has made in American workers. Seafarers LOG 3 �CDC Updates Guidelines for Masks The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Feb. 25 significantly loosened its mask recommendations as part of updated guidance for coping with COVID-19. Under the new guidelines, more than 70 percent of the U.S. population resides in areas with “low” or “medium” COVID-19 community levels, meaning masks are not recommended for the general public. In areas with a “high” level, which at press time included about 30 percent of the U.S. population, masks would still be recommended in public indoor settings. Under the “medium” level, people at higher risk are encouraged to talk to their doctor about wearing a mask. A map which outlines current COVID- 19 Community levels nationwide is available on the CDC website (https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/ covid-by-county.html0). Following the CDC’s lead, the SIU on March 9 amended its COVID-19 policies to remove mask-wearing requirements at headquarters, the hiring halls and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. The change applies to all employees and visitors who are fully vaccinated and have received booster shots (if they are eligible to get a booster shot). Visitors who have vaccine exemptions or who, even though eligible to receive a booster shot, have chosen not to receive a booster, must present a recent negative test result and wear a mask State of the Union when entering all of the former locations. Masking in schools has been an area of heated debate around the country. Under the new CDC guidelines, universal masking in schools is now only recommended in areas with a “high” level. “Our new framework was rigorously evaluated, both with current data and retrospectively during the Alpha, Delta and Omicron waves, and these new metrics have demonstrative predictive capacity for weeks into the future,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Wilensky said during a media briefing on the new recommendations. “This new framework will provide the best way for us to judge what level of preventive measures may be needed in our communities,” she added. “If or when new Sponsors: Submarine Repair Bases Will Create Thousands of Union Jobs Editor’s note: The following article, lightly edited for local style, was written by Mark Gruenberg of the Press Associates Union News Service. The SIU and the Maritime Trades Department have endorsed the project; representatives from both organizations took part in the conference, hosted by the National Press Club. SIU President Michael Sacco addresses Seafarers and guests at the March membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. He covered numerous topics, including the union’s efforts to encourage faster document processing by the National Maritime Center; manpower obligations; maritime jobs in the wind-energy sector; the loosening of some pandemic restrictions; ongoing professionalism of SIU members; and more. Seafarers May Sign Up For Free Credit Monitoring, ID Protection Past May 31 As previously reported, Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) earlier this year informed the SIU and the Seafarers Plans that the company “was the target of a cyber intrusion” that may have involved current and former SIU members’ personal information. CHS in February mailed a letter to all potentially affected Seafarers. Recipients are asked to note that, although the letter specifies May 31 as the cutoff for enrolling in free credit monitoring and identity protection, individuals are able to elect those services even if they miss the deadline. People may still call the number listed in the letter after May 31, or contact CHS directly to elect credit monitoring and identity protection, at no charge. If members have any difficulty with this process, contact the SIU membership assistance office at (800) 252-4674, Option 2. As noted in the letter, there is no evidence that anyone’s personal information has been used inappropriately. More information is available on the SIU website, in the March edition of the Seafarers LOG and in the letter from CHS. 4 Seafarers LOG variants emerge or the virus surges, we have more ways to control the virus and protect ourselves and our communities than ever before.” In a related development, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on March 9 extended the mandate for mask use on public transportation and in transportation hubs through April 18. The mandate had been set to expire on March 18. According to TSA officials, the extension is based on a recommendation from the CDC. In a March 10 statement, the agency said the CDC will work on a “revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor.” Sponsors of a plan to build submarine repair bases in Northeastern Ohio, at Lordstown and Lorain, predict that when they’re up and fully running, they’ll create 4,000-5,000 full-time union jobs. And their prediction, at a panel discussion in Washington, D.C., announcing the proposed Bartlett Maritime Plan, doesn’t count up to 2,000 union construction jobs needed to build the bases, nor the spinoff of an estimated 41,000 ancillary jobs once those big shops are up and running. All the construction jobs, “including subcontracting jobs, will be 100% union labor,” pledged Edward Bartlett, a retired merchant marine captain and CEO of Bartlett Maritime Construction. His firm put together the plan. Groundbreaking on the planned American Naval Shipyard complex, split between the two cities, is expected in six months, after planning, plus hiring the first 30 apprentice trainees. Construction would take three to four years, in order to satisfy environmental rules. The two bases will be built with union-made steel and cement, Bartlett added. Bartlett’s firm decided on Northeastern Ohio due to its excellent transportation connections – expressways, railroads, Cleveland’s international airport, and especially Lake Erie – and surplus of available highly skilled metal trades workers, he explained. “The UAW trained them well,” before General Motors closed its Lordstown auto assembly plant in 2019, he elaborated. Ever since word of this project leaked “my email inbox has been full” with skilled workers asking when and where to apply. Speakers also emphasized that the new submarine repair bases are needed for national security. Repairs are far behind on the current 47-boat fleet, including some submarines more than 30 years old. Moreover, the Navy wants to expand the fleet by 50%, to 70 submarines. China and Russia notice how long and how many U.S. subs are laid up, one speaker added. “We have been the world’s dominant maritime power for years,” explained AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department President James Hart. “But America’s manufacturing base is diminishing,” and its current shipyards are 80% devoted to Navy construction and 20% to Jones Act ships needed for domestic trade. “We’ll need to build another shipyard to take care of this problem” of repairing and rehabbing submarines,” Hard said. “We can’t sit on our hands. China is building two shipyards right now. We can have all the ships in the world, but it matters how many you have that can go to sea.” Building the yards and staffing them with skilled craftspeople “gives those workers a hand up, not a hand out. We’re looking to put them to work,” added Lance Heasley, president of the Akron-based International Chemical Workers Union Council, a sector of the United Food and Commercial Workers. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez reinforced backing from the union and the MTD (where he also serves as an official). “Our attack subs and aircraft carriers are the most potent force projection weapons we have,” added retired Navy Rear Adm. Robert Frick. The two yards “will provide the most rapid effective solution” to repair problems, once they’re built, he explained. Repair drydocks aren’t cheap, said Bechtel Business Development Manager Rich Capitan, who spoke from the audience and, after the press conference, provided the construction and 41,000 ancillary job estimates. He added planned rehabilitation of one big sub drydock at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, alone will take five years and cost $20 million. The Pearl Harbor project illustrates another point: a construction worker shortage. Hawaiian building trades workers are working on Pearl Harbor, building a light rail system in Honolulu, and either rehabbing old city hotels there or building new ones, all at once. The state’s unions and contractors are discussing transferring union workers from the mainland U.S. One part of the submarine complex will be a Lordstown depot, employing 1,000 unionists. It’ll use part of the site of the old GM plant. Workers will maintain submarines’ weapons and equipment. The other will be the actual American Naval Shipyard in Lorain, employing at least 3,000 unionists. “It’ll be completely enclosed, all in a single building, to take weather issues out” of the equation, a consideration given winters along the southern shore of Lake Erie, said Bartlett. The American Naval Shipyard project will not cost the federal government any money, since financing will come from a public-private partnership. Ohio will provide funds from industrial development bonds and Goldman-Sachs will raise the cash for the Bartlett Maritime Corp., which put the deal together. At the end of a 30-year lease, the feds get the two yards. The American Naval Shipyard project will cost “multi-billions” of dollars, said panelist Bill Daley of Goldman-Sachs. It’ll be built by a public-private partnership with the state of Ohio using money from industrial development bonds while his firm raises the private funds. But the project still needs to show political backing. Sponsors rolled out a joint supportive letter from U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (D-Ohio) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and three other Ohio lawmakers, all Democrats. One, Tim Ryan, a longtime union backer, as is Brown, seeks the Senate seat Portman is retiring from this year. The firm’s information packet includes a unanimous endorsement from the Lorain City Council. Lordstown Mayor Arno Hill, who also spoke, said that after GM left, “Everybody had the perfect project for us” to replace it, “but nobody had any money. This one does.” April 2022 �Forum Speakers Underscore Their Compelling Support for Jones Act America’s freight cabotage law – a vital source of U.S. maritime jobs – enjoys ongoing, strong support from the administration and from all components of the industry. That conclusion was a main takeaway following the 2022 Capital Link Jones Act and U.S.-Flag Shipping Forum, an online conference that took place Feb. 24-25. Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley gave the keynote speech on the forum’s first day. Panelists throughout the event included representatives from domestic shipyards, law firms, and Seafarers-contracted companies including Crowley Maritime; Matson; TOTE; Pasha; Overseas Shipholding Group; Seabulk; Great Lakes Dredge & Dock; American President Lines; Liberty Maritime; and Maersk Line, Limited. Lessley assured attendees that the administration’s support of American maritime is unwavering. “The Biden-Harris Administration is working on every front to support a strong U.S. Merchant Marine,” she said. “The administration is crystal clear that the U.S.-flagged fleet, including of course our Jones Act fleet, plays an essential role in both our national and our economic security. That is why, shortly after taking office, President Biden issued an executive order laying out his Made in America agenda. The order reaffirms what we have always known: The Jones Act is truly a ‘make it in America’ policy on our waterways.” She continued, “As you know, the Jones Act guarantees that cargoes moved between U.S. ports travel on vessels that are built, owned, and crewed by Americans. Because of the Jones Act, today, more than 40,000 vessels of all types, all built in the United States, ply our nation’s waterways, reliably delivering domestic passengers and goods to the places they need to be using the most fuel-efficient mode of transportation available.” The Jones Act, which has helped safeguard the nation for more than a century, “also ensures that we have strong domestic shipbuilding capability,” Lessley pointed out. “Our Jones Act fleet in turn supports more than 150 active shipyards that, according to a 2021 MARAD study, support nearly 400,000 jobs and generate $28.1 billion of annual labor income as well as more than $42 billion in GDP. taken to improve maritime workplace safety; and a formal Mariner Workforce Development Plan, which “will bolster safety, and support for both credentialed and prospective U.S. mariners based on several key goals, including supporting existing mariner workforce development programs, mariner education, and training institutions, and improving mariner workforce diversity and workplace safety,” Lessley stated. “This will be intended to nurture and grow a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, which is integral to the contiguous, non-contiguous, and international trade.” “The Biden-Harris Administration is working on every front to support a strong U.S. Merchant Marine.” – Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley “The Jones Act also supports a domestic merchant fleet of 96 ocean-going vessels crewed by thousands of highly skilled, unionized merchant mariners qualified to operate sealift assets for national defense needs,” she added. “The Jones Act is truly a cornerstone of our U.S. maritime industry and the Biden-Harris Administration is working hard to strengthen this industry by building on this essential foundation. And with new opportunity on the horizon, such as the emergence of offshore wind as a renewable energy source, the Jones Act remains poised to remain the cornerstone of our nation’s maritime industry into the foreseeable future.” She also discussed the America’s Marine Highways Program; investment in ports across the country; steps being Newly elected American Maritime Partnership (AMP) President Ku’uhaku Park also addressed the forum. (The SIU is an AMP affiliate.) “I’m happy to report that overall support for the Jones Act in Congress and the administration has never been higher than it is today,” he said. “An overwhelming majority of the Members of Congress in both parties and in both chambers support the Jones Act. In addition to the Congress, this administration is extremely supportive of the Jones Act. President Biden strongly supported the Jones Act during the campaign and then reiterated his strong support publicly almost immediately upon taking office.” He underscored the Jones Act’s importance: “The Jones Act is the fundamen- tal law of our business, underpinning an industry that supports nearly 650,000 family-wage jobs and provides more than $150 billion in economic value every year. Labor income for the exceptional mariners and other workers in this industry totals about $40 billion annually. There are about 40,000 vessels in the U.S. domestic fleet – one of the largest domestic fleets in the world.” Park said the rationale for backing the law remains quite sound. “Historically, the Jones Act has enjoyed support for three reasons: national security, homeland security and economic security,” he said. “Senior military officials and senior homeland officials have consistently talked about the importance of the Jones Act to the security of our nation…. It is not lost on our elected leaders that repealing the Jones Act would be outsourcing our nation’s jobs and security.” He said an additional reason “for the strong support today is the supply chain crisis, which has reminded us all in vivid ways that reliable transportation is not an academic point. The recent supply chain crisis has really underscored the importance of a reliable domestic maritime industry, particularly in the U.S. non-contiguous trades. Today, as you all know, America faces one of its worst supply chain disruptions ever for containerized cargoes…. It is a dismal picture with one bright spot: the performance of the U.S. domestic maritime industry…. Additionally, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, international carriers canceled more than 500 trans-Pacific sailings. In contrast, Jones Act carriers have provided uninterrupted service and maintained a lifeline to many states and communities.” Louisiana Senator Introduces Bipartisan American Offshore Worker Fairness Legislation U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-Louisiana) recently introduced the American Offshore Worker Fairness Act. This bill, cosponsored in the House by Reps. Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) and John Garamendi (D-California), provides a level playing field between U.S.-flagged vessels and foreign-flagged vessels working in offshore energy activities in U.S. waters, according to its proponents. “U.S. and Louisiana mariners and maritime companies lose when foreign vessels, which do not pay U.S. taxes, business taxes or payroll taxes, take advantage of loopholes to hire foreign workers for half the cost,” said Cassidy. “This bill … gives the American worker a fair shot.” The proposed changes also improve the oversight of foreign-flag vessels and the mariners who work on them. “Our bipartisan bill closes an egregious Jones Act loophole so that foreign-flagged vessels are held to the same high standards as U.S.-flagged vessels developing our nation’s offshore energy resources, including for offshore wind projects,” said Garamendi. “As the former Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I know that American workers and U.S.-flagged vessels are ready, willing, and able to do this work.” April 2022 Graves stated, “Louisiana has a great opportunity with this bipartisan legislation to bring more jobs to the Gulf region and make sure there are good job opportunities in Louisiana. Other countries are taking advantage of using foreign vessels and workers operating in U.S. waters. This is not a level playing field, not putting America first, and we need to close this loophole. This bill takes us a step closer to bringing parity to the market. I look forward to working with my colleagues in ensuring an American workforce produces America’s energy and promotes our way of life in south Louisiana.” “The Shipbuilders Council of America and the 400,000 men and women in our domestic shipbuilding workforce strongly support the American Offshore Worker Fairness Act,” said Matthew Paxton, president of the council. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation closes a loophole that has long been exploited by foreign competitors to undercut America’s maritime workforce. We applaud the efforts of Senator Cassidy, Representative Graves, and Representative Garamendi in showing leadership by standing up for the men and women of America’s maritime industry.” “On a level playing field, U.S. vessels and U.S. merchant mariners can compete with any anyone on the planet. However, we cannot compete with mariners making Sen. Bill Cassidy (R) Louisiana Rep. Garret Graves (R) Louisiana far less than what any U.S. citizen would or should accept,” said Offshore Marine Service Association President Aaron Smith. “The American Offshore Worker Fairness Act closes this loophole and ensures that when foreign vessels operate in U.S. waters, they play by our rules and pay U.S.-level wages. As such, we wholeheartedly endorse this legislation and applaud Dr. Cassidy for all he is doing to help Louisiana mariners.” As stated in the “Frequently Asked Questions” that was issued by Cassidy’s office alongside the bill, “U.S. mariners are already serving on U.S.-owned/U.S.flagged and U.S.-owned/foreign-flagged, and even in some very rare cases foreignowned/foreign-flagged subsea construction vessels. This class of vessels perform very technical and demanding work within the offshore industry so know U.S. mariners can do this work. Further, the U.S. merchant marine is highly skilled and qualified, and the U.S. has some of Rep. John Garamendi (D) California the best maritime training schools in the world, thus, there is no reason to think that additional U.S. mariners cannot be trained to conduct this work.” The American Offshore Worker Fairness Act would: n Require the U.S. Coast Guard to inspect these vessels annually to ensure compliance with this law and that the crew members on these vessels secure TWIC cards from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. n Require mariners on foreign-flagged vessels be either U.S. citizens or citizens of the nation where the vessel is flagged. n Limit the number of visas that could be issued to crew of each foreign vessel to 2.5 times the number of crewmembers on that vessel. This would allow for regular crew shift changes. n Require foreign vessels prove their ownership on an annual basis. The full text of the bill is available online. Seafarers LOG 5 �Deadline Extended Recruiting in the Beaver State Some Pensioners Remain Eligible to Resume Sailing SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp (front, second from left) is pictured with students at the Tongue Point (Oregon) Job Corps Center, visiting with aspiring mariners in mid-March. In recent years, some of the graduates have joined the SIU and shipped out. “These young mariners have represented our port well, and we continue to recruit from this program,” Asp said. A recent trustee action lengthens the opportunity for some SIU pensioners to resume sailing. Seafarers Pension Plan (SPP) Trustees, in an effort to recruit qualified mariners, announced in 2021 that pensioners who had retired within the last five years could to return to work with an SIU-contracted employer without having their pension benefits suspended. This development required relaxing some formal regulations of the SPP through the end of last year. Now, those regulations won’t be enforced at least through June 30, 2022 – which means eligible pensioners may resume (or continue) sailing. According to a memo from an SPP subcommittee, “This waiver of the suspension rules only applies to those pensioners who have retired within the last five years. Deep-sea seamen can return to covered employment for an unlimited period of time during this period. Inland boatman can return to covered employment for a period of 90 days per calendar year. All pensioners returning to covered employment must sail above entry level and comply with all the requisites of the Shipping Rules, if applicable, or any contractual provisions contained in a collective bargaining agreement.” Pensioners returning to work under these provisions will maintain the seniority level they enjoyed at the time of their retirement. In the initial communication from last year (which still holds true), the trustees noted, “This trustee action allows eligible pensioners to continue collecting their full monthly pension benefits, earn the wage rates specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and, if you are receiving a wage related pension benefit, you could also earn additional $15 increments for every 120 days of covered employment for which you work. In addition, if you resume employment and work for 90 days, you will become eligible for active seafarer benefits from the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan and your claims would be processed in accordance with those rules.” Interested pensioners are asked to contact their local port agent for more information. Spotlight on Mariner Health Preventing, Treating High Cholesterol Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. High cholesterol can be a result of diet, lifestyle (including smoking), and/or genetics. Without testing, it is difficult to determine if a person has high cholesterol, because there are no symptoms. However, having elevated cholesterol levels may increase an individual’s risk of heart attack, stroke and other complications. Cholesterol is a fatty molecule needed by cells in order to function. It is produced by the liver but also may be acquired from the foods a person eats. The term “high cholesterol” refers to the amount of cholesterol circulating through the blood at any given time. High cholesterol usually is diagnosed by a blood test. A doctor will order a lipid panel to measure low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and cholesterol levels. If results are high, the doctor will decide whether to recommend medications. Lifestyle changes also may be in order. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), LDL, sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, makes up most of your body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol raise your risk for heart disease and stroke. HDL, or “good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol 6 Seafarers LOG and carries it back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that routine cholesterol screenings for adults after age 20 be conducted yearly or more often if results continue to be high. High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits or plaque to build up inside of the arteries, especially in the brain, kidneys and heart. When this happens, blood flow is diminished or it may stop completely, leading to any number of complications. Maintaining a healthful diet rich in fiber, vegetables, limited red meat and processed foods can help keep cholesterol levels in check. So can exercising, drinking more water and fewer sodas and alcohol. Medications can be helpful for those with high cholesterol. They include statins; cholesterol absorption inhibitors; bempedoic acid (Nexletol); bile-acid-binding resins; and others. Statins, perhaps the most commonly known medication for high cholesterol, block a substance the liver needs to make cholesterol. This causes the liver to remove cholesterol from a person’s blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, choices include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Altoprev), pitavastatin (Livalo), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). Healthy Recipe Chicken Bruschetta Servings: 24 Ingredients 6 1/2 pounds chicken breast without skin 2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning 6 teaspoons kosher salt 12 cups roma tomato, diced 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaf, thinly sliced 3 cups sweet onion, diced 12 teaspoons garlic, minced 18 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, salad dressing Preparation Preheat grill to 350 F. Combine tomatoes, onion, basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar dressing. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes. Can be refrigerated while chicken is cooking. Season the chicken with salt and Mrs. Dash, and grill or pan-fry until well done (internal temp of 165 F). Cut chicken into slices and top with bruschetta mixture in 2” hotel pan. Serve hot. Nutritional Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 227 Calories; 12g Fat (46.3% calories from fat): 24g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 57mg Cholesterol; 543mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat: 1 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 Fat. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship April 2022 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Training with the Troops “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Feb. 14 - March15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15. Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups Port The Seafarers-crewed USNS Dahl (pictured above) teamed up with members of the U.S. Air Force 33rd Recue Squadron in Kadena, Japan, to conduct deck landing qualifications aboard the Patriot-operated vessel in the Philippine Sea in early February as part of Exercise Cope North 22. The operation is a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise that includes Australian, Japanese and U.S. forces, according to the U.S. Navy. The Dahl is part of Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3; it strategically “places containerized and palletized cargo throughout the Indo-Pacific Region for all U.S. Armed Services, including the Air Force,” the Navy reports. (Photo by Second Mate Garrett Flottman) Update on SIU Text Alerts Beginning April 28, 2022, individuals who have signed up for SIU text alerts will receive messages from a new number: (412) 899-8989. (The prior number is 97779.) No action is required to maintain an existing subscription. The change is due to new industry regulations that essentially are mandating a move to a “10-digit long code” (abbreviated as 10DLC) for organizations that send text messages. In accordance with legal requirements, subscribers will receive a “goodbye” message from 97779 (which will read, “The SIU is changing numbers. You’ll hear from 4128998989 after this. No action required by you to remain subscribed.”). Then, they’ll get a “hello” message from the new number, which will read: “SIU: Welcome to our new number. Thanks for being part of our mobile news network.” All of our opt-in keywords will remain unchanged. To sign up for alerts, text the word “join” to 97779 before April 28, or text “join” to (412) 899-8989 after April 28. April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................................Monday: April 4, May 2 Algonac..............................................Friday: April 8, May 6 Baltimore.....................................Thursday: April 7, May 5 Guam..........................................Thursday: April 21, May 19 A B All Groups C A Jacksonville........................................Thursday: April 7, May 5 Joliet............................................Thursday: April 14, May12 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: April 13, May 11 New Orleans......................................Tuesday: April 12, May 10 Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: April 5, May 3 Norfolk...............................................Friday: April 8, May 6 Oakland...........................................Thursday: April 14, May 12 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: April 6, May 4 Port Everglades..............................Thursday: April 14, May 12 San Juan...........................................Thursday: April 7, May 5 St. Louis................................................Friday: April 15, May 13 Tacoma...............................................Friday: April 22, May 20 Wilmington.......................................Monday: April 18, May 16 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m C Reliefs All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 19 4 1 18 5 9 3 33 32 29 2 6 17 16 1 1 2 20 4 28 250 6 3 3 5 1 6 1 15 18 4 2 4 9 2 4 1 4 3 0 12 103 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 5 2 4 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 22 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 1 3 10 1 3 5 4 20 8 1 2 10 4 0 3 4 12 0 15 110 1 1 0 3 2 2 4 4 13 3 1 0 10 1 2 3 2 2 1 2 57 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 0 1 0 4 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 18 Engine Department 3 2 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 5 1 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 2 2 0 6 9 0 13 13 2 4 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 7 11 4 3 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 3 3 0 5 2 1 2 0 0 14 2 0 74 56 10 1 0 2 1 0 2 2 3 9 2 0 0 6 1 0 0 2 2 1 6 40 6 0 3 12 0 5 12 19 28 12 3 6 10 9 2 1 8 17 4 21 178 1 1 0 5 1 2 5 10 19 8 1 2 11 7 3 4 2 5 2 11 100 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 5 1 1 0 5 2 0 0 0 1 0 2 23 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 1 10 1 2 5 15 23 5 1 0 14 11 0 2 2 7 0 20 121 5 1 0 4 1 0 1 9 13 0 0 5 15 6 1 2 6 3 0 5 77 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 5 1 0 0 1 2 1 5 0 1 0 0 19 Steward Department 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 5 2 0 8 3 0 15 10 4 6 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 11 6 0 7 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 2 2 4 0 4 2 1 0 0 0 15 7 0 85 43 10 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 10 0 0 1 6 3 0 3 1 3 0 9 43 4 0 2 17 1 3 6 20 28 16 3 6 20 22 0 4 3 14 1 26 196 6 1 0 7 1 0 2 11 22 5 0 6 15 9 1 2 5 4 1 10 108 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 1 4 0 1 0 1 16 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 15 10 0 2 2 0 1 2 11 22 9 1 0 12 2 1 3 0 10 0 9 97 5 0 1 1 0 1 1 13 50 16 0 0 30 7 3 9 1 8 0 3 149 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 Entry Department 10 2 1 0 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 1 9 5 13 26 4 7 0 0 0 0 7 17 2 2 0 3 2 5 0 1 7 5 0 0 7 5 68 83 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 11 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 1 4 0 1 27 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 2 23 13 5 0 3 0 4 6 8 38 18 2 0 16 8 1 2 0 15 0 13 152 6 1 0 2 0 1 3 18 91 25 2 2 29 7 0 11 0 14 0 10 222 334 208 337 194 823 535 314 GRAND TOTAL: 496 April 2022 B Trip Deck Department 14 4 0 0 1 1 2 2 0 20 5 0 0 0 0 5 5 0 1 0 0 29 13 4 25 17 1 15 7 5 2 0 0 5 0 1 9 12 3 9 3 1 2 4 0 1 1 0 6 1 0 11 4 0 5 0 1 13 10 2 174 89 19 Honolulu...........................................Friday: April 15, May 13 Houston.........................................Monday: April 11, May 9 Registered on Beach 256 122 4 2 1 9 0 2 0 9 19 9 0 1 5 2 2 2 0 7 0 10 84 32 5 4 36 6 20 7 52 59 55 1 9 31 26 1 1 8 26 1 46 426 7 5 3 15 1 8 4 26 34 15 3 8 13 4 3 1 3 5 2 15 175 2 0 0 8 0 1 0 11 10 3 0 1 7 1 1 1 0 5 0 2 53 Seafarers LOG 7 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer 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 This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What are some things you like about this school? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Kristyn White Chief Cook You’re learning as you go. What you do here is what you’re going to do on the ship. This is my first time here; everybody is so respectful, and they give positive feedback. It’s going really well. Ahmed Hussain GVA Everything is good at the school. There’s a lot of support here; anything we need, we get it. This is my second time here. My experience here has been very good. Wordell Prescott QMED The instructors are awesome, including the welding instructor, Chris Raley. I feel like I’m a better welder since I’ve taken his class. This is my third time here. All of the practical training we get is very useful for shipboard life. Mery Koch Chief Cook I like the knowledge of the chief cooks here and the teacher, Paul (Gelrud). He’s amazing. The passion he puts into the class is great. We’re encouraged to do our best and keep learning. Daniel Leon QMED The courses are very informative and they really help us out. Welding is a good example; I used to weld, but I wasn’t that good. After taking the class, I improved. I’ve been here four times. Charlene Briggs Chief Cook I like the sense of community – the feeling that the school belongs to all of us. It’s a great place to upgrade. There are good chefs and good instructors here. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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 The Sea-Land Defender joined the SIU-crewed fleet in 1980, when this snapshot was taken. Constructed in Japan, the dieselpowered vessel was 745 feet long and had a service speed of 22 knots. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 8 Seafarers LOG April 2022 �PRESIDENT TOUTS INFRASTRUCTURE BILL – SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak represented the union Feb. 17 during a visit by President Biden to Lorain, Ohio. Biden highlighted the numerous expected benefits of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed last year. The group photo at left includes (from left) Brdak, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Leonard DiCosimo, President, Cleveland Federation of Musicians Local 4. Brdak is in the foreground of the selfie, while the president is at the podium. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALASKANS – The SIU has a long history of providing maritime career opportunities for citizens from the Last Frontier, and that tradition is alive and well. Pictured at the Anchorage hall (photo at left) are future mariner Faith Wood, who recently began the apprentice program in Piney Point, Maryland, and (photo at right) Clayton Laulainen. At press time, Laulainen was awaiting his start date for the apprentice program. A-BOOK IN JACKSONVILLE – Chief Cook Olive Stewart-Paul (center) picks up her A-book. She’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolmen Eddie Pittman (left) and Adam Bucalo. April 2022 WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Recertified Bosun Marc Marcus (right), pictured with SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul at the hiring hall, receives his first pension check. Marcus started sailing with the SIU in 1971. WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – AB Virgilio Fucanan (center) visits the hiring hall to pick up his first pension check. His wife, Fermilia, is at left, while SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick is at right. Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU TALKING MARITIME WITH REP. CRIST – The hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida, hosted a labor “meet and greet” Feb. 16 for U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Florida), who’s running for governor of Florida. Also in attendance was Dr. Tracye Polson, who’s running for an at-large seat on the Jacksonville City Council. In photo above, Crist (left) poses with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. The congressman also is in the remaining photos – greeting Chief Storekeeper Lisa Curtis (far right) and AB Timothy Brock (immediate right). HONORED BY PORT COUNCIL – SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (second from left) has been active with the San Francisco Bay Area and Vicinity Port Maritime Council (part of the Maritime Trades Department) since 1990. At a meeting March 9 in San Francisco, the council saluted him with a plaque and best wishes as he transfers to New Orleans. Pictured from left are SUP President Dave Connolly (who also serves as port council president), Celona, MFOW President Anthony Poplawski (port council VP), and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook John Bennett (second from right) is pictured at the hiring hall while receiving his first pension check. He started sailing with the SIU in 1978. Standing with him are (from left) Administrative Assistant Dylan Rivera, Patrolman Kathy Chester and Port Agent J.B. Niday. B-BOOK IN ALGONAC – OS Matthew Conley (left) receives his full B-book at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak is at right. 10 Seafarers LOG SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS – The USNS John Lenthall (left) sails next to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush during an underway replenishment March 4 in the Atlantic Ocean. The Lenthall’s crew includes CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Valek) April 2022 �WITH SEAFARERS IN SAN JUAN – SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo submitted these photos, taken at the hiring hall. ABW Alexis Figueroa is pictured in photo at left, displaying his first SIU discharge following completion of a 120-day tour aboard the USNS Invincible (Crowley). (He previously sailed with the Military Sealift Command.) In photo at center, QEE/3rd Asst. Engineer Jose Encarnacion (left) stops by the hall with his wife and their daughter following the Seafarer’s full tour aboard the USNS Montford Point (Ocean Shipholdings). Chief Steward Kevin Valentin is at left in photo directly above, with Crespo. Valentin is holding the shipping card for his first steward relief job, aboard the USNS Soderman (Patriot). The photo at right includes ABW Angel Pagan (right) and Crespo. Pagan, a four-year member who’d just finished a long tour aboard the SLNC Goodwill (Chesapeake Crewing), noted, “The SIU has been a life-changing experience for me, my wife and my two daughters.” At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ATB COURAGE – Pictured aboard the Crowley vessel are (from left) Second Mate Ernesto Rios Pratt and AB/Tankerman Sean Leeson. ABOARD OVERSEAS CHINOOK – SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala (right in photo at left) submitted these snapshots from the OSG vessel. He’s pictured with AB/Tankerman Carlos Avila. The other photo at right includes Avila and SA Mujahed Mosa. GETTING OUT THE VOTE – Seafarers team up with other trade unionists in Houston to “block walk” for pro-labor candidates ahead of recent elections. April 2022 Seafarers LOG 11 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA LOUIE ACERIDANO Brother Louie Aceridano, 71, started his career with the union in 2006 when he shipped on the Green Ridge. A steward department member, he most recently sailed on the Resolve. Brother Aceridano makes his home in Burien, Washington. BENJAMIN ADVINCULA Brother Benjamin Advincula, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing on the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Advincula most recently sailed on the Buffalo. He makes his home in Port Jefferson Station, New York. FAUSTO ARANDA Brother Fausto Aranda, 66, joined the SIU in 1994, when he sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Aranda’s final vessel was the Bay State. He is a resident of Richmond, Texas. JAMES ATWELL Brother James Atwell, 52, began sailing with the union in 1994. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Humacao. Brother Atwell upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and most recently sailed on the Cape Rise. He lives in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. CHRISTOPHER BEATON Brother Christopher Beaton, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1979, first sailing aboard the Tam Guilden. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several 12 Seafarers LOG occasions. Brother Beaton last sailed on the USNS Gordon. He resides in Palm Bay, Florida. REX BOLIN Brother Rex Bolin, 61, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1977 when he shipped on the Charleston. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Bolin’s final vessel was the Cape Diamond. He resides in Port Charlotte, Florida. CURTIS BURKS Brother Curtis Burks, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1986, initially sailing on the USNS Chauvenet. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2016. Brother Burks most recently shipped on the USNS Seay and lives in Houston. FLORENTINO CABALLERO Brother Florentino Caballero, 72, began sailing with the union in 1998 when he worked aboard the USNS Yano. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Caballero last sailed on the Agate. He lives in the Bronx, New York. THOMAS CASEY Brother Thomas Casey, 68, joined the SIU in 1974 when he sailed with Inland Tugs. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Casey concluded his career on the Northerly Island and makes his home in St. Louis. DENIS COSSIO Brother Denis Cossio, 71, signed on with the union in 1996. He first sailed aboard the Liberty Spirit and worked in both the deck and steward departments. Brother Cossio upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Saratoga and is a resident of Port Washington, New York. LAWRENCE CROFT Brother Lawrence Croft, 60, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1981, initially shipping with G&H Towing. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Croft last shipped aboard the USNS Pollux. He lives in Dickinson, Texas. WILLIAM GROW Brother William Grow, 61, donned the SIU colors in 1998. He first sailed aboard the USNS Prevail, and worked in the steward department. Brother Grow upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Manulani and is a resident of Fallbrook, California. JEROME JORDAN Brother Jerome Jordan, 63, began his career with the SIU in 1981. A steward department member, he initially sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Jordan upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the American Liberty and resides in Jacksonville, Florida. MIKE KIFLE Brother Mike Kifle, 66, started sailing with the union in 1989, initially shipping on the Independence. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Kifle concluded his career aboard the USNS Fisher and settled in Houston. KENNETH KOONTZ Brother Kenneth Koontz, 61, joined the union in 1997 and first sailed aboard the McDonnell. He was a member of the engine department and last shipped aboard the Sumner in 2003. Brother Koontz lives in Lemoore, California. FRANK MARTIN Brother Frank Martin, 68, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1987. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the steward department. Brother Martin’s first vessel was the Kauai; his last, the John U.D. Page. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Tennessee. JAMES MCCORMICK Brother James McCormick, 69, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1975, initially sailing aboard the SeaLand Market. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother McCormick’s final vessel was the Oregon. He resides in Kirtland, Ohio. AHMED MIHAKEL Brother Ahmed Mihakel, 64, signed on with the SIU in 1978. He initially shipped on the Point Julie and was a deck department member. Brother Mihakel upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the American Endurance and resides in Costa Mesa, California. DAVID MOE Brother David Moe, 68, started his career with the Seafarers in 2003 and first sailed aboard the Green Mountain State. A deck department member, Brother Moe last shipped on the Observation Island. He makes his home in Toledo, Oregon. MELVIN NELSON Brother Melvin Nelson, 63, signed on with the union in 1995. He initially sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company and worked in the engine department. Brother Nelson upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the Honor and is a resident of Cypress, Texas. DANA PARADISE Brother Dana Paradise, 62, joined the SIU in 1979 and first sailed on the El Paso Cove Point. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Paradise most recently sailed on the Overseas Santorini and makes his home in Fall River, Massachusetts. JOHN PARKHURST Brother John Parkhurst, 69, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1988. He first shipped on the Rover and sailed in the engine department. Brother Parkhurst upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Resolve and calls Garland, Texas, home. MICHAEL RUETER Brother Michael Rueter, 56, began sailing with the SIU in 1991. He sailed in the engine department and first shipped on the Sealift Arctic. Brother Rueter upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the SBX and lives in Athens, Texas. HERNAN SANGA Brother Hernan Sanga, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2001, first sailing aboard the Mokihana. He was a steward department member and last shipped on the Meteor. Brother Sanga resides in Carson, California. SAIDU SESAY Brother Saidu Sesay, 68, joined the union in 2001. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Sesay’s first vessel was the Gem State; his last, the Maersk Kinloss. He makes his home in Houston. NATIVIDAD SUAZO Brother Natividad Suazo, 67, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2003 when he worked on the Continued on next page April 2022 �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. Continued from Page 12 Sulphur Enterprise. A deck department member, Brother Suazo concluded his career on the Magnolia State. He lives in New Orleans. JACK WALKER Brother Jack Walker, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989, initially sailing with OLS Transport. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Walker last shipped aboard the Liberator and resides in San Clemente, California. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Gilliland. Brother X lives in Fairfield, Alabama. GREAT LAKES JAMES FISHER Brother James Fisher, 71, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1974. He initially sailed on the Southdown Challenger and was a deck department member. Brother Fisher last shipped aboard the St. Clair and resides in Harbor Springs, Michigan. RICHARD METCALF WALLACE WILLIAM Brother Wallace William, 57, signed on with the union in 1995. He first sailed aboard the USNS Able and worked in the deck department. Brother William upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Green Bay and is a resident of Tampa, Florida. Brother Richard Metcalf, 65, joined the union in 1979 and first sailed on the Monticello. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Metcalf last sailed on the American Republic. He settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. JOHN WAGNER BEVERLY WILLIAMS Sister Beverly Williams, 70, embarked on her career with the SIU in 2000, initially sailing aboard the USNS Assertive. She upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and primarily shipped in the deck department. Sister Williams last sailed on the Evergreen State. She calls Crystal River, Florida, home. Brother John Wagner, 67, started his career with the Seafarers in 1979 when he shipped on the Paul Thayer. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school within his first year of membership. Brother Wagner’s final vessel was the William Roesch. He makes his home in Girard, Pennsylvania. ELIJAH X Brother Elijah X, 65, signed on with the union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Sealift Pacific. April 2022 Hall Center. Brother Konjoian worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He is a resident of Port Charlotte, Florida. SIDNEI BARBOZA ERNEST LEE Brother Sidnei Barboza, 62, signed on with the union in 2002, initially sailing aboard the USNS Brittin. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Barboza last sailed aboard the Vision and settled in Miami. Brother Ernest Lee, 67, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991 when he sailed on the American Cormorant. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2014. Brother Lee’s final vessel was the Legend. He makes his home in Gretna, Louisiana. ROBERT CHAPMAN Brother Robert Chapman, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2007. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Chapman was employed by Allied Transportation for the duration of his career. He lives in Currituck, North Carolina. INLAND MICHAEL ALLEN Brother Michael Allen, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1995. An engine department member, he was employed by Westbank Riverboat Services for most of his career. Brother Allen is a resident of Meraux, Louisiana. Brother Fulgencio Anaviatate Santiago, 67, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1977 when he shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point Brother Mario Luis, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996 when he sailed with American Marine Corporation. He sailed in the deck department and remained with the same company for duration of his career. Brother Luis lives in Kailua, Hawaii. DARRYL NELSON Brother Ronald Dortch, 70, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1973. He was a deck department member and worked for Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. Brother Dortch resides in East Brewton, Alabama. Brother Darryl Nelson, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. He first shipped on the Beaver State and worked in the deck department. Brother Nelson upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked on the Dodge Island and resides in Mobile, Alabama. FRANK GILL Brother Frank Gill, 67, signed on with the union in 1979. He first sailed aboard the Santa Maria and was a member of the deck department. Brother Gill upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2003. He was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and makes his home in Long Beach, California. Brother William Kelch, 66, joined the SIU in 1977. He was first employed by G&H Towing and sailed in the deck department. Brother Kelch upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation and resides in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. STEVEN KONJOIAN FULGENCIO ANAVIATATE SANTIAGO MARIO LUIS RONALD DORTCH WILLIAM KELCH KEVIN WIMBLEY Brother Kevin Wimbley, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2006 when he sailed on the Black Eagle. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Wimbley most recently shipped on the Liberty and makes his home in Rexford, Montana. school in 1989. Brother Anaviatate Santiago was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in Puerto Rico. Brother Steven Konjoian, 66, donned the SIU colors in 2003. A deck department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul MARSHALL NOVACK Brother Marshall Novack, 67, signed on with the union in 1976. He sailed in the deck department and initially worked aboard the Erna Elizabeth. Brother Novack upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation and makes his home in Laguna Hills, California. Center. He concluded his career with G&H Towing and resides in Corpus Christi, Texas. JOHN SARES Brother John Sares, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1991, initially sailing on the Cape Charles. An engine department member, he last sailed aboard the Mississippi Queen. Brother Sares is a resident of Skokie, Illinois. MICHAEL TRAUGHBER Brother Michael Traughber, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1979 when he shipped on the Overseas Washington. He was a member of the deck department and was last employed by Southbay Barge. Brother Traughber makes his home in San Pedro, California. JOHN WOZUNK Brother John Wozunk, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed with American Towing and Transportation. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1979. Brother Wozunk concluded his career working for Crowley. He lives in Blackwood, New Jersey. PAUL WYLEMSKI Brother Paul Wylemski, 63, signed on with the union in 1995. He initially sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Wylemski upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. He last worked for Penn Maritime and makes his home in Newington, Georgia. JACK PEGRAM Brother Jack Pegram, 59, joined the SIU in 1987. He was a deck department member and first shipped aboard the Manhattan Island. Brother Pegram upgraded often at the Paul Hall Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA MILES BLACK Pensioner Miles Black, 77, died January 3. He signed on with the SIU in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Manhattan. Brother Black was an engine department member and also worked on shore gangs. He last worked for Cargotec Services and went on pension in 2006. Brother Black lived in Mount Lake Terrace, Washington. JOSEPH BOURGEOIS Pensioner Joseph Bourgeois, 97, passed away January 19. He joined the union in 1942 and first sailed aboard the Henry Baldwin. A deck department member, Brother Bourgeois last shipped on the Pioneer and retired in 1985. He made his home in Citrus Springs, Florida. GREGORY BROYLES Brother Gregory Broyles, 58, died December 2. Born in Los Angeles, he started sailing with the SIU in 1989. Brother Broyles was a steward department member and first shipped on the Independence. He most recently sailed aboard the Mahi Mahi and resided in Norman, Oklahoma. DAVID CLAYPOOL Brother David Claypool, 60, passed away December 13. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1994, initially sailing aboard the USNS Bellatrix. Brother Claypool sailed in the engine department. He last shipped on the Advantage in 2006 and called Kingman, Arizona, home. CARLOS EBANKS Pensioner Carlos Ebanks, 82, died December 22. He began his career with the Seafarers in 2001. Brother Ebanks was a deck department member and worked on the Keystone Texas for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2010 and settled in Marrero, Louisiana. SYLVESTER FURTADO Pensioner Sylvester Furtado, 101, 14 Seafarers LOG passed away January 15. He donned the SIU colors as a charter member in 1939. Brother Furtado was a member of the deck department and first shipped aboard the Robin Doncaster. He last sailed aboard the Del Viento before retiring in 1982. Brother Furtado resided in Williamsport, Maryland. HENRY HAYES Pensioner Henry Hayes, 78, died January 4. A steward department member, he started sailing with the union in 1990. Brother Hayes’s first vessel was the USNS Pollux; his last, the USNS Loyal. He went on pension in 2008 and made his home in Mobile, Alabama. ADEL IRANI Brother Adel Irani, 56, has passed away. Born in India, he embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1999. Brother Irani initially sailed aboard the Global Sentinel. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and most recently sailed on the Maersk Kinloss. Brother Irani was a resident of Torrance, California. RALPH KIRBY Pensioner Ralph Kirby, 72, died January 16. He joined the SIU in 1989 when he sailed on the John Paul Bobo. Brother Kirby shipped in the deck department and concluded his career on the Freedom. He became a pensioner in 2014 and lived in Port Charlotte, Florida. ERIC MANLEY Pensioner Eric Manley, 58, passed away February 1. He first sailed with the SIU in 1987, initially working on the Gemini. A steward department member, Brother Manley last shipped on the Cape Intrepid. He retired in 2018 and was a resident of Shelton, Washington. KENNETH SMITH Pensioner Kenneth Smith, 77, passed away January 4. He joined the SIU in 1986, initially sailing aboard the USNS Assurance. Brother Smith was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the USNS Heezen. He became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Honolulu. WILLIAM SMITH Pensioner William Smith, 84, died January 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1978. A steward department member, Brother Smith first shipped aboard the Manukai. After concluding his career aboard the Reliance, he went on pension in 2002. Brother Smith was a Honolulu resident. SANTOS THOMAS Pensioner Santos Thomas, 72, passed away October 1. He signed on with the union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Chilbar. Brother Thomas sailed in the steward department and most recently shipped aboard the USNS Watkins. He retired in 2016 and settled in the Bronx, New York. EDDY USMANY Pensioner Eddy Usmany, 81, died January 7. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1986. Brother Usmany initially shipped aboard the USNS Bowditch and worked in the steward department. He became a pensioner in 2009 after sailing on his final vessel, the Yorktown Express. Brother Usmany made his home in Palm Coast, Florida. EMERSON WALKER Pensioner Emerson Walker, 92, passed away February 5. He began his career with the SIU in 1965 when he sailed on the Iberville. Brother Walker shipped in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He was last employed by Sealand and retired in 1994. Brother Walker lived in La Habra, California. GREAT LAKES EDWARD KRAUSE Pensioner Edward Krause, 96, died January 9. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1946. Brother Krause was a deck department member. He worked for Erie Navigation for the duration of his career and retired in 1988. Brother Krause called Sandusky, Ohio, home. NICKOLAS VERBANAC Pensioner Nickolas Verbanac, 94, passed away December 30. He joined the SIU in 1961 and first sailed aboard the J.A. Kling. Brother Verbanac was a member of the deck department. He last shipped on the J.A.W. Iglehart and retired in 1997. Brother Verbanac made his home in Toledo, Ohio. INLAND BRUCE BEAM Pensioner Bruce Beam, 70, died January 13. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2004. Sailing in the engine department, Brother Beam worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2019 and resided in La Marque, Texas. IVEY BROWN Pensioner Ivey Brown, 81, passed away January 3. He began sailing with the union in 1958, initially working aboard the Del Monte. A deck department member, Brother Brown was last employed by OSG Ship Management. He became a pensioner in 2003 and settled in Youngstown, Florida. MARY HOPKINS Pensioner Mary Hopkins, 78, died January 8. She embarked on her career with the SIU in 1998 when she worked with Orgulf Transport. Sister Hopkins was a steward department member and continued working for the same company for the duration of her career. She retired in 2008 and made her home in Odessa, Missouri. WILLIAM JUSTI Pensioner William Justi, 92, passed away January 30. A steward department member, he joined the union in 1975, initially working for Tug Management Corp. Brother Justi’s final vessel was the Abby G. He became a pensioner in 2010 and lived in Spring Hill, Florida. TIMOTHY MACRURY Pensioner Timothy MacRury, 66, died January 13. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1976 when he sailed with H&M Lake Transport. Brother Ma- cRury sailed in both the deck and steward departments. He last worked for OLS Transport and began collecting his pension in 2020. Brother MacRury resided in Port Huron, Michigan. KENNETH MCLAMB Pensioner Kenneth McLamb, 69, passed away January 22. He donned the SIU colors in 1980 and initially sailed on the Overseas Joyce. Brother McLamb was a member of the deck department and most recently sailed aboard the Legacy in 2016. He became a pensioner the following year and settled in Waynesville, North Carolina. DOUGLAS PARKER Pensioner Douglas Parker, 66, died November 29. He embarked on his career with the union in 1974. Brother Parker sailed in the deck department and was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation for most of his career. He most recently sailed in 1986, went on pension in 2018 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. DEWEY ROUTH Pensioner Dewey Routh, 95, passed away January 28. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1976, initially working for Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Routh was a deck department member. He last shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. JOHN THOMAS Pensioner John Thomas, 89, died December 31. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1970 when he worked with Steuart Transportation. Brother Thomas was an engine department member. He was last employed by STC Peggy S Corporation and went on pension in 1995. Brother Thomas made his home in Tangier, Virginia. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Alvarez, Ramon Bonilla, Pedro Broussard, Nelson Camarda, Frank Johnson, Solister Laboriel, Jorge Olan, Gilberto Powery, Wordsworth Rosario, Jorge Scott, Samuel 77 88 93 91 94 76 85 93 79 70 DOD 01/24/2022 01/07/2022 01/26/2022 01/14/2022 12/28/2021 12/30/2021 02/02/2022 01/12/2022 01/22/2022 11/29/2021 April 2022 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings LONE STAR STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), November 21 – Chairman Lionel Rivas, Secretary Martin Buck, Educational Director Teon Shelton. Chairman noted this was first union meeting since re-crewing vessel. He encouraged everyone to keep documents updated and stressed shipboard safety and mutual respect. He thanked SIU and Seafarers Plans officials “for keeping our jobs safe and our benefits intact.” Secretary welcomed everyone aboard. Educational director encouraged fellow mariners to upgrade at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested shipboard Wi-Fi and asked that this subject be included in next contract negotiations. Next port: Lake Charles, Louisiana. OVERSEAS MYKONOS (Overseas Ship Management), January 1 – Chairman John O’Shaughnessy, Secretary Juan Vallejo Hernandez, Educational Director Patrick Montgomery, Steward Delegate Mohammad Abou Abdou. Members reviewed old business including discussions of increasing pension and vacation benefits, and Wi-Fi and computer access aboard ship. Chairman gave thanks to the steward department for doing a great job during the holidays. He reminded everyone to keep documents up to date and reiterated the importance of safety. On behalf of crew, secretary praised SIU Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez for 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. his great work at the White House. He instructed members to separate garbage and to keep rooms clean. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to check the SIU website for upgrading courses. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members revisited suggestions to increase pension pay and asked for a higher food budget. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), January 16 – Secretary Charles Sassone, Educational Director Randy Slue, Deck Delegate Troy Glatter. Crew waiting on arrival of new bosun to elect a chairman. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center, which will increase individual earning potential. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested pay increases, penalty pay for ship restriction, Wi-Fi access and a better satellite phone. Crew asked for new mattresses and better pillows. Next port: Cape Canaveral, Florida. INDEPENDENCE (TOTE Services), February 2 – Chairman Edward Wright, Secretary Gerald Hyman, Educational Director Marcos Arriola, Deck Delegate James Armer, Steward Delegate Anthony Parks. Chairman thanked crew for staying diligent in their duties and keeping positive attitudes despite delays during trip. He informed members of upcoming shipyard period that will With Seafarers on Horizon Pacific Gathering for a union meeting aboard the Sunrise Operations vessel in Oakland, California, are (from left) Recertified Steward Ronald Davis, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Electrician Aaron Ellis and Bosun Josesimo Balerite. extend the normal length of the trip. Educational director reminded crew to stay up to date with required immunizations, physicals and Coast Guard documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Secretary announced a higher food budget, citing the rising prices of food during COVID-19 pandemic. Ship placed under MSC charter midway through voyage. Crew restricted to ship in Asian ports. Members would like to see current agreement replaced with SIU Standard Freightship Agreement. Members requested monthly payment increases for pensioners. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. HORIZON PACIFIC (Sunrise Operations), February 5 – Chairman Josesimo Balerite, Secretary Todd Curry, Deck Delegate Paul Dilbeck, Engine Delegate Anthony Henry, Steward Delegate Kenneth Huddleston. Chairman talked about safety aboard the vessel and advised crew to leave clean rooms for oncoming members. He emphasized importance of wearing masks and using gloves at the serving line. Secretary recommended crew go to Piney Point to upgrade. He also recommended donating to SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed COVID testing and were reminded to show up to ship on time for reliefs. Steward department was thanked for nice dinners that were put out for Christmas and New Year’s. Union representative was requested on ship for payoff. Wi-Fi needs to be fixed for better connection. Members expressed their appreciation for direct deposit. Next port: Oakland, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt April 2022 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Welding April 25 May 13 June 6 June 24 July 11 July 29 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic May 2 May 20 MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook April 25 May 27 May 30 July 1 July 11 August 12 August 15 September 16 ServSafe Management April 18 April 22 May 23 May 27 July 4 July 8 Able Seafarer-Deck May 23 June 10 August 29 September 16 October 17 November 4 Advanced Galley Operations June 20 July 15 August 15 September 9 October 10 November 4 Lifeboat/Water Survival April 11 April 22 May 9 May 20 June 6 June 17 August 1 August 12 August 29 September 9 Chief Steward May 9 June 3 July 18 August 12 September 12 October 7 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 June 24 August 22 August 26 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting RFPNW April 25 May 13 June 27 July 15 July 25 August 12 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW April 25 May 20 July 25 August 19 FOWT June 13 July 8 August 29 September 23 Junior Engineer July 11 September 2 Marine Electrician May 16 June 17 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG Safety/Open Upgrading Courses September 19 September 23 Medical Care Provider April 11 April 15 Basic Training June 6 June 10 August 8 August 12 Basic Training Revalidation April 22 April 22 May 6 May 6 June 3 June 3 June 10 June 10 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 September 2 December 12 December 16 Government Vessels April 11 April 15 April 25 April 29 May 9 May 13 June 13 June 17 June 27 July 1 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 2 May 6 June 27 July 1 October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 9 May 13 May 23 May 27 August 15 August 19S COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 4/22 April 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #878 – Graduated January 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Marcantony Arcila, Tyler Bean, Corey Bellezza, Alexander Bennett, Deyni Steven Camacho Fernandez, Dashiel Depaulis, Nathan Dixon, Mark Ina Jr., Jordan Jeffries, Matthew Kaufmann, Joseph Lucas, Dahlia Grace Puaokuupuuwai Milsap, Kyara Isabel Nunez, Riley Russ, Kamron Stripling, Jeremy Stultz, Steven Ware and Kenneth Wilson. Apprentice Water Survival Class #879 – Graduated February 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Mukhtar Ali, Jarrett Conkey, Alondra Delgado, Matthew Epstein, Parker Hampton, Kyle Jolivette, Derrel Oliver, De’andre Peden, Markalle Redd, Darryl Shack Jr., and Mark Stookey. Important Notice To all Students April 2022 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated February 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Bates, Brandon Coleman, Martin Cox, Johncarlo Garibaldi, Nathaniel Howard, Cordera Looney, Noah Pittman, Richard Russ Jr., and Emilie Whitlow. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments aboard SIU-crewed vessels. Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated February 25 (above, from left): Venise Spears and Ronald Burris. Advanced Reefer Container Maintenance – Graduated February 18 (above, from left): M’barek Nouhairi and Gajatri Normatova. Mike Faye, their instructor, is at the far right. Government Vessels – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Rizaldy Manalopilar Ano Jr., Daniel Avery, Julian De Los Santos, Lydia Dye, Herb Gulliford, Lionel Hall, Leroy Harris, Terry Herndon, Noah Hughes, Heather Lassiter, Tiara MacKlin, Ethan Martell, Dindo Prellagera Reforsado, Edsel Auguis Renegado, Tameka Scott, Adam Felix Soto and Tyrone Wilson. 18 Seafarers LOG April 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Junior Engineer (Plant Maintenance) – Graduated February 18 (left, in alphabetical order): Carlos Marcos Gutierrez, Luzern Hawkins, John Jaremchuk III, Jorge Yakeny Laboriel Lalin, Zion Lyons, Kelly Percy, Brandon Thornton, Neil Laconsay Tupas, Harry Whitney IV and Fernandez Lacpta Wilcox Jr. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Felipe Clotter, Emmanuel De Gracia Matias, Melissa McCartney and Lareesa Warren. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated February 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Roslyn Anderson, Orin Galvez Godfrey Jr., Rahman Phillip and Brian Alberto Rojas Perez. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated February 11 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Erik Bain, Jessica Davis, Julian De Los Santos, Eliezer Estremera, Deon Greenidge, Hussein Abdul Hussein, Christopher Kluth, Tracey Manuel, Latara Rengifo and Anthony Roman. Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. April 2022 Seafarers LOG 19 �APRIL 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 4 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 17-19 Attendees converse in person (at the Paul Hall Center) and via online connection. SIU Safety Directors Meet for Yearly Training On March 8, SIU safety directors from across the country met virtually for a series of training sessions and presentations designed to provide the team members with up-to-date information. The SIU safety directors who attended the virtual meeting included Amber Akana, Ben Anderson, James Brown, Gordon Godel, Anthony Houston, Gerret Jarman, Joseph Koncul, Andre MacCray, Kevin Marchand, Osvaldo Ramos and Kevin Sykes. Additional meeting participants included SIU President Michael Sacco, SIU Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Paul Hall Center Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Paul Hall Center Assistant Vice President Bart Rogers, Paul Hall Center Vocational Director Wayne Johnson Jr., Culinary Instruction Coordinator John Het- manski and SIU Piney Point Port Agent Mario Torrey. MacCray said, “Regardless of whether it is in person or via video conferencing, the safety meeting is always productive. This last one shared some useful information regarding recruiting, shipboard safety, the future direction of the union and much more. Johnson Jr. remarked, “It’s always good for the different departments at the school to communicate with the safety directors during these meetings. It gives us all an opportunity to educate ourselves on each other’s processes, discuss industry updates and/or changes, and review our strengths, shortcomings and potential solutions.” Topics covered during the meeting included COVID-19, shipboard safety trends, sanitation, and the latest details from the Recruiting and Contract offices. Oregon Congressman Introduces Safer Seas Act In House of Representatives Introduced in the House of Representatives at the end of February, the Safer Seas Act aims to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) in the maritime industry. It was introduced by Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) along with 17 co-sponsors, and the bill has since been referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. According to the subcommittee, the bill: n Clarifies the Coast Guard’s ability to deny, suspend, or revoke a merchant mariner credential to individuals who have been convicted of sexual harassment or sexual assault; n Strengthens transparency surrounding companies’ sexual assault policies and procedures; n Protects victims and witnesses who report SASH incidents from discrimination; 20 Seafarers LOG Taking part in the meeting from Piney Point, Maryland, are (from left) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Paul Hall Center Asst. VP Bart Rogers, Paul Hall Center Vocational Director Wayne Johnson Jr., Paul Hall Center VP Tom Orzechowski and SIU President Michael Sacco. n Directs the Coast Guard to initiate rulemaking to determine safe levels of alcohol consumption by crew members aboard vessels; n Outlines surveillance requirements, which may be used as evidence in criminal or marine safety investigations; n Creates a master key control system to limit the personnel who have access to private spaces; n Requires reporting to the Coast Guard by any seafarer, master, or vessel owner with knowledge of sexual harassment or sexual assault; n Extends the right to civil action for those pursuing sexual assault and sexual harassment cases; n Provides the Secretary of Transportation the ability to waive requirements for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy students who provide reasonable safety concerns when obtaining a merchant mariner license required for graduation; and n Adds definitions for sexual assault and harassment. “We are taking a critical step toward eliminating sexual violence in the maritime industry,” DeFazio said. “With this legislation, we can help fight assault and harassment in maritime transportation through penalties for perpetrators, new requirements for vessel owners, expanded legal recourse for victims, and a myriad of policies to prevent sexual assault and harassment in the first place. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation signed into law and protect hard-working seafarers.” “As chairman of the Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’ve heard heartbreaking stories from survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse from within our maritime industry – and I know that keeping our seas safe is a mission that will not be complete without eradicating these threats to our seafarers,” said Carbajal. “The Safer Seas Act will focus not just on preventing future sexual violence, but also on supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.” The bill is supported by maritime unions, including the SIU, AMO, MEBA and the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “We applaud the efforts of the Committee to work with maritime labor and the industry to create meaningful reforms that will ensure safe and equitable workplaces for mariners now and in the future,” said Greg Regan president of Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. April 2022 � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2022 Description An account of the resource INDUSTRY SECURES FULL FUNDING FOR TANKERS, MSP, CABLE SHIPS AFL-CIO OPPOSES OPEN REGISTER SIU PRESIDENT PENS OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR OF U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS MARITIME LABOR BACKS PRESIDENT BIDEN ON UKRAINE, SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA AMP SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ON JONES ACT, ENERGY PRICES BIDEN REAFFIRMS JONES ACT SUPPORT CDC UPDATES GUIDELINES FOR MASKS SPONSORS: SUBMARINE REPAIR BASES WILL CREATE THOUSANDS OF UNION JOBS SEAFARERS MAY SIGN UP FOR FREE CREDIT MONITORING ID PROTECTION PAST MAY 31 FORUM SPEAKERS UNDERSCORE THEIR COMPELLING SUPPORT FOR JONES ACT LOUISIANA SENATOR INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN AMERICAN OFFSHORE WORKER FAIRNESS LEGISLATION SOME PENSIONERS REMAIN ELIGIBLE TO RESUME SAILING SIU SAFETY DIRECTORS MEET FOR YEARLY 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 04/01/2022 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. 84, NO. 4 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/6a8d5a538096e86814a1ec886a228d46.pdf 3900d65ed2868ae8a593cd227f4967ee PDF Text Text MAY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O U.S. House Hearing Underscores Need for Strong Maritime Industry Readiness Requires Reliance on ‘Commercial Industry Partners’ The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command and the acting head of the U.S. Maritime Administration recently told a key House subcommittee that the U.S. Merchant Marine remains vital to the nation’s security. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (left in photo at left) and Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley (right in same photo) also offered candid assessments of challenges facing the industry. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) (right in photo above) chaired the hearing. Page 3. U.S. Ready Reserve Force Becomes More Modern Modernization of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF) is underway, as the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration recently announced its purchase of two vessels: the Honor (below) and Freedom (photo at right), both roll-on/roll-off ships. Formerly part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program, both ships will be renamed as they join the RRF. Page 4. Financial Committee Meets Page 2 Remembering Don Young Page 5 �President’s Report Union Yes The recent win by workers who formed a union at an Amazon distribution center in New York is excellent news in its own right, but it also signals even greater potential for employees across the country. For anyone who missed it, this was no April Fools’ Day joke: On April 1, more than 2,500 individuals voted to join the Amazon Labor Union. They won the election by more than 500 votes, overcoming a massive anti-union campaign and securing the first such victory in the company’s history. One prominent publication called it “one of the biggest wins for organized labor in a generation.” Whether an election happens at a large facility like the Amazon warehouse or at comparatively smaller ones like the various Starbucks locations that have recently unionized, it’s always heartening to see workers pulling together and choosing union representation. It also demonstrates that even though our nation’s labor laws remain severely outMichael Sacco dated, workers can in fact beat the odds and win. Labor unions have always served as the strongest employee advocate in any workplace. From factory floors to the federal government to the deckplates, union members have always counted on their organization to fight for their rights, wages, safety and health care. Through continual work and perseverance, unions will remain a cornerstone of the American workforce. It would be even better news if wins like the one at Amazon were the rule rather than the exception. And I believe that’ll be the case if the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act becomes law. This legislation, long overdue, would restore fairness to a process that gradually has become severely slanted in management’s favor. When workers want to form or join a union, they should be free to do so, without employer interference. The PRO Act would give them that chance. Meanwhile, kudos to the grassroots movement in New York that culminated in a spirit-lifting victory for workers. Industry Remains Vital Comments from the commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command during a recent congressional hearing clearly spelled out how our nation depends on a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost reiterated her support of our industry – including our crews – saying the time is now for American-flag fleet revitalization. On the latter point, the Ready Reserve Force began taking steps in the right direction with the acquisitions of two newer ships. This is a good start, and I’m hopeful it’s just that: a start. The RRF is a critical component of our nation’s sealift. It should consist of modern vessels. Be sure to read our coverage of the hearing, which also included excellent remarks by Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley and by representatives from both sides of the aisle. Upgrading in Piney Point I’ve recently had opportunities to spend a fair amount of time at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. It’s good to see our operations safely moving back towards something that resembles pre-pandemic times, even if we’re not totally there yet. As the school ramps up its course frequency, I encourage Seafarers to take advantage of everything it offers. The Paul Hall Center is the key to moving up, boosting your earning power, and staying on top of the requirements for your particular job. Check out the upgrading course schedule in the LOG or on the SIU website. If you need help getting started, contact the school, your port agent or the union’s membership assistance office. Plenty of people are ready and willing to help. I remain proud of the school, which has come a long, long way in its nearly 55 years of operation. It’s a first-class facility with modern equipment and a great staff, and it happens to be located on a very scenic spot. Utilize it for a brighter future. Committee members convene at headquarters and begin their work. Members Review Paperwork at Headquarters Rank-And-File Seafarers Approve Union’s 2021 Financial Records Seven SIU members in early April approved the union’s financial records for 2021. The SIU Constitution requires that a group of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fellow members) annually examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. Accordingly, this process began with the financial committee’s election in Piney Point, Maryland, and then in the following days when they reviewed the paperwork at SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland. The committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2021 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s June membership meetings. Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew (chairman), Chief Steward Richard Toth, QMED Riley Donahue, Chief Cook Marilou Toledo, Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, Chief Steward Cayetano Toledo and Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo. They were elected April 4 at the monthly membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The members handled their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the an- nual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. In part, their report reads, “We, the committee, do hereby state that we have examined the procedure for controlling of the funds of the union and have found that the system of internal control is adequate to safeguard them properly…. 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 members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. Finally, the union’s legal counsel met with the committee and made themselves available should the committee members have any questions. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 5 May 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Finance committee members and headquarters personnel are pictured as the group wrapped up its work. Seated (from left) are Chief Steward Cayetano Toledo, Chief Cook Marilou Toledo and QMED Riley Donahue. Standing (also from left) are Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, Chief Steward Richard Toth, Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew (who chaired the committee), and Chelsea Heindel from the office of the union’s secretary-treasurer. May 2022 �U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost Commander, TRANSCOM Lucinda Lessley Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Military Readiness ‘Inextricably Linked’ To U.S. Commercial Maritime Industry House Hearing Emphasizes Need for U.S. Crews, Newer Ships A recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives featured candid discussion about challenges facing the maritime industry, and also emphasized the critical need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Two individuals testified at the March 31 gathering, conducted by the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Seapower and Projection Forces: U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); and Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. Titled “Posture and Readiness of the Mobility Enterprise,” the hearing featured strong words of support for U.S. mariners, not just from the panelists but also from legislators. Chairman Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut), after pointing out that U.S. “mobility forces” already had conducted more than 200 missions “in support of the effort to deliver weapons and supplies to the brave people fighting in Ukraine” expressed wide-ranging distress about sustaining the ability to execute such missions. “Today, the ships and aircraft that comprise our sealift and airlift capabilities are challenged by readiness shortfalls, obsolescence, and an evolving threat landscape,” he said. “Congress has acted on a bipartisan basis to address some of these issues….” For example, Courtney commended the recent securing of full authorization for the Tanker Security Program (TSP). Courtney also said he remains “very concerned about the path forward on recapitalizing our sealift fleet. In just a decade, nearly threequarters of our fleet will reach the end of their service life…. I remain firmly committed to the three-pronged strategy of cost-effective life extensions for current ships, the procurement of a discrete number of used ships and the start of a domestic new-build effort…. We will continue to look at an ‘all of the above plan’ for sealift, rather than the either-or choice between used or new ships.” Ranking Member Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) said of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, “If there is anything in this war that we can use as a lesson learned, it is the value of our logistics forces and their need to pace with the combat forces…. I would propose a strategy that expands our Tanker Security Program; that ensures our intra-theater connector strategy is coupled with a prepositioned force appropriate for the Pacific distances our forces will be required to traverse; that has adequate surge sealift forces; and, that has adequate bulk fuel stores positioned at the correct locations….” Van Ovost stressed the military’s reliance on “our commercial industry partners” to help ensure ongoing readiness. She said the country’s ability to “project and sustain military forces anywhere on the globe at a time and place of our nation’s choosing … could not happen without our total force and civilian personnel, who are critical to our daily capacity and ability to seamlessly transition to a wartime footing. The DOD’s ability to project military forces is inextricably linked to commercial industry. These industry partners provide critical transportation capacity and global networks to meet day-to-day and wartime requirements.” Emphasizing those points, the general added, “During times of war, 90% of our personnel are transported via commercially contracted air and 90% of our military cargo is transported by sealift vessels.” Van Ovost also said recapitalizing the sealift fleet must be a top priority. “By 2032, approximately 70% of government-owned surge sealift ships will approach the end of their service life and must be replaced,” she stated. “DOD, DOT, U.S. Navy and TRANSCOM made initial progress in executing the strategy to recapitalize the fleet with used sealift ships from the commercial market and are working through the process of the initial purchases. The Vessel Acquisition Manager will also survey additional ships authorized for purchase in FY22. These first ships are a welcome beginning to the recapitalization of vital square footage and capacity.” Lessley described many of the laws and programs that help maintain the U.S. maritime industry and then pointed out, “These programs are sustained by a strong and highly qualified U.S. Merchant Marine and shoreside personnel. As they always have during times of crisis in our nation’s history, U.S. Merchant Mariners and other critical transportation infrastructure workers – including longshore workers, truckers, rail workers, and warehouse workers – have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the effective operation of our maritime transportation system and our intermodal supply chains. These essential workers have moved record volumes of cargo often at great personal risk, and we remember their heroic efforts and sacrifices during the COVID19 pandemic.” Like other speakers, Lessley also described challenges to the nation’s strategic sealift capability, which she said includes “an aging fleet, operations in increasingly contested environments, a shortage of available mariners, and unprecedented readiness challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.” She pointed out, for instance, that the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) consists of just 41 government-owned vessels. “This is nearly the smallest the RRF has been since inception and provides only a fraction of the sealift needed by the DOD,” she said. Lessley added, “Due to the declining number of ships in the U.S.-flag oceangoing fleet, MARAD is concerned about our ability to quickly assemble an adequate number of qualified mariners to operate large ships for surge and sustainment sealift operations if an extended mobilization were to occur.” She then explained some of the steps the agency is taking for potential mitigation. Meeting With Ukrainian Ambassador SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (fifth from left), in his role as Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, joined other officials in meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador to Singapore Kateryna Zelenko (fourth from right). During an April gathering in Singapore, they discussed current conditions for Ukrainian mariners and the suffering of citizens in Ukraine. ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton is between Heindel and the ambassador. Also pictured are (from left) John Canias, ITF Maritime Department; Simon Spacey, VP Human Resources, CMA-CGM; Guy Platten, Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping; George Pitaoulis, Marine Personnel and Development Director, ABC Maritime; Vitalii Chaika, Group Crewing Director at ASP Ship Management; Capt. Belal Ahmed, Managing Director, Western Shipping; and Francesco Gargiulo, CEO, International Maritime Employers Council. May 2022 Seafarers LOG 3 �RRF Adds Two Newer Vessels to Fleet The Ready Reserve Force (RRF), a vital component of United States combat deployment capability, is set to receive some critically needed tonnage this year. The Honor and Freedom are expected to enter service this fall, according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s (MARAD). The two ships, formerly part of the American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) fleet, will be renamed the Cape Arundel and Cape Cortes, respectively, adding more than 432,000 square feet of total sealift capacity and 316,000 square feet of military cargo capacity, MARAD reported. Both vessels carried military cargoes (and SIU crews) for many years and participated in the Maritime Security Program (MSP). The two ships will replace older vessels retired in Fiscal Year 2022 and will be owned by the Department of Transportation. “The Ready Reserve Force is an essential element of U.S. national security,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We are proud to use this innovative method to more quickly acquire two additional vessels and ensure America’s Ready Reserve Fleet is always ready to answer the call.” According to MARAD, “The Ready Reserve Force is a subset of vessels within MARAD’s National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) ready to support the rapid worldwide deployment of U.S. military forces. As a key element of Department of Defense (DOD) strategic sealift, the RRF primarily supports transport of Army and Marine Corps unit equipment, combat support equipment, and initial resupply during critical surge periods – the period of time before commercial ships can be secured for similar support.” The Freedom is one of the new scheduled additions to the RRF. The current RRF is comprised of 41 vessels, which are required to be “at the ready,” defined by MARAD as “fully operational within their assigned five- and 10-day readiness status.” Most if not all of those ships include SIU crews, both during an activation as well as during periods of reduced operating status (ROS). “We selected these ships to continue the RRF recapitalization because each meets criteria set forth in the National Defense Authorization Act and provides a standard set of capabilities that we identified with the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, and U.S. Transportation Command,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “These vessels will provide reliable sealift capacity for years to come.” These vessels were purchased using a vessel acquisition manager (VAM), an integrated program office that includes MARAD and Naval Sea Systems Command members and leverages commercial practices, according to MARAD. This enables the Departments of Transportation and Defense “to partner with the industry to effectively and more quickly replace aging sealift vessels with newer ships to meet national security requirements,” the agency reported. Previous Maritime Administrator RADM Mark Buzby, speaking in 2018, explained the importance of the RRF when he noted, “From 2002 to June of 2008, 118 ship activations were called for in support of Operations Enduring Free- Mobilizing for Atlantic Resolve The SIU-crewed Endurance (below) and Liberty Passion (above) are among the vessels that recently began sailing in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, described by the U.S. Army as a “pre-planned, rotational force deployment (that) was announced in December 2021.” The Endurance (operated by TOTE Services for ARC) is pictured April 6 arriving in Denmark, while the Liberty Passion (Liberty Maritime) is shown March 21 in Greece as an M1 Abrams tank disembarks. According to the Army, “The rotation will include joint and multinational training events to build readiness, increase interoperability and enhance the bond between NATO Allies and regional partner nations.” (Endurance photo courtesy ARC; Liberty Passion photo by Spc. Austin Steinborn, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) 4 Seafarers LOG dom and Iraqi Freedom. In that period, there were 13,575 ship operating days with a reliability rate of 99 percent. Almost 25 percent of the initial equipment needed to support the U.S. armed forces operations in Iraq was moved by the RRF. By comparison, Military Sealift Command’s combined sealift fleet of large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) and fast sealift ships carried 29 percent of the cargo required for the invasion. “The RRF provides significant cost savings to the Department of Defense by maintaining shipping capacity in a reduced operating status until needed,” Buzby added. “These vessels also provide maximum flexibility to an already thinly stretched Navy.” NLRB General Counsel Abruzzo: Ditch Captive-Audience Meetings National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo on April 7 issued a memorandum to all field offices announcing that she will ask the board to find mandatory meetings in which employees are forced to listen to employer speech concerning the exercise of their statutory labor rights, including captive audience meetings, a violation of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Abruzzo explained that the board has long recognized that the NLRA protects employees’ right to listen to – or refrain from listening to – employer speech concerning their rights to act collectively to improve their workplace. “Forcing employees to attend captive audience meetings under threat of discipline discourages employees from exercising their right to refrain from listening to this speech and is therefore inconsistent with the NLRA,” the board announced. The memo asserted that years ago, the board incorrectly concluded that an employer does not violate the NLRA by compelling its employees to attend meetings in which it makes speeches urging them to reject union representation. As a result, employers commonly use explicit or implied threats to force employees into meetings about unionization or other statutorily protected activity. “This license to coerce is an anomaly in labor law, inconsistent with the Act’s protection of employees’ free choice. It is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of employers’ speech rights,” said Abruzzo. “I believe that the NLRB case precedent, Jennifer Abruzzo NLRB General Counsel which has tolerated such meetings, is at odds with fundamental labor-law principles, our statutory language, and our Congressional mandate. Because of this, I plan to urge the board to reconsider such precedent and find mandatory meetings of this sort unlawful.” She said she’ll urge the board to correct that anomaly and propose they adopt “sensible assurances that an employer must convey to employees in order to make clear that their attendance at these meetings is truly voluntary. Such an approach will appropriately protect employers’ free-speech rights to express views, arguments, or opinions concerning the employees’ exercise of their protected labor rights without unduly infringing on the rights of employees to refrain, or not, from listening to such expressions.” May 2022 �Young is pictured in 1998 (photo at right) addressing a Maritime Trades Department meeting, and (third from left in the photo above) in 2015 during the Maritime Congressional Sail-In, a yearly event (during non-pandemic times) that promotes the industry. Among those also in the photo are SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (second from right). Pro-Maritime Congressman Young Dies Alaska and the U.S. maritime industry lost a unique advocate March 18 when U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) died at age 88. “It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce Congressman Don Young, the Dean of the House and revered champion for Alaska, passed away today while traveling home to Alaska to be with the state and people that he loved. His beloved wife Anne was by his side,” said a statement from his spokesperson, Zach Brown. Young was an unwavering backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine. He was the only member of Congress who was a licensed merchant mariner, from his days as a tugboat captain prior to becoming an elected official. He also spearheaded a direct connection between Alaska citizens and the apprentice program at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. President Joe Biden stated, “There is no doubt that few legislators have left a greater mark on their state. Don’s legacy lives on in the infrastructure projects he delighted in steering across Alaska; in the opportunities he advanced for his constituents; in the enhanced protections for Native tribes he championed. His legacy will continue in the America he loved.” “I had many meetings over the years with Don Young,” recalled SIU President Michael Sacco. “He truly was one of a kind. You always knew where you stood with him. And he always stood with us.” Young was born on June 9, 1933, in Meridian, California. He earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching at Chico State College in 1958. Young moved to Alaska in 1959, the same year Alaska became a state. After becoming mayor of Fort Yukon in 1964, he held various state-level offices until he was elected to the U.S. House in 1973. He remained U.S. Representative for nearly 50 years, and was the longestserving current member of Congress at the time of his death. Young spoke at the Executive Board meetings of the SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO in both 1998 and 2003. He contributed his voice and presence in support of many key maritime programs and laws, such as the recently enacted Tanker Security Program, the Maritime Security Program, The Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, and the Jones Act. “As a mariner myself, I recognize the crucial role the maritime industry plays in delivering goods to communities across the globe,” said Young in 2014. “I am a strong supporter of the Jones Act, which I believe is necessary to maintaining a viable U.S. Merchant Marine fleet that keeps Alaskan communities fueled and supplied even in some of the world’s most challenging conditions. Alaska’s maritime industry is not only critical to our state’s economy, it is also an important part of our state’s identity.” Paul Doell, president of the Seafarersaffiliated American Maritime Officers, said, “Don Young was a tough, blunt, reliable advocate of the U.S. merchant fleet and American merchant mariners in all trades, and he held close ties to AMO throughout his long service in the U.S. House of Representatives. Our union always had an open door to his office, and I was privileged to have been among AMO staff members to discuss maritime issues with him, reveling in his earthy perspective.” “Everybody knows Don Young,” Young himself said in a 2016 interview. “They may not like Don Young; they may love Don Young. But they all know Don Young.” UVC Gains Status as Official AFL-CIO Labor Constituency Group The Union Veterans Council (UVC) in mid-March got a boost from the AFLCIO. The federation’s executive council (SIU President Michael Sacco is the longest-serving member of that group) unanimously voted to recognize the UVC as the AFL-CIO’s seventh official labor constituency group. UVC Executive Director Will Attig noted, “During the 2009 AFL-CIO Convention, the AFL-CIO passed a resolution to form the Union Veterans Council. From its inception, the UVC was a force multiplier for union veterans and all working families in their fight for economic freedom and security. And we are proud to announce that because of our success and growth, the UVC is becoming its own nonprofit labor organization….” He continued, “This decision by the UVC board, with the support of the AFL-CIO, will allow us to scale our programmatic work and capacity to be even more effective as we fight to help union veterans and all working families better their lives. The Union Veterans Council’s foundation will remain unchanged and our mission to bring working-class vet- erans together to speak out on the issues that impact us most remains the same…. The Union Veterans Council was built to protect working-class veterans and their interests. We will continue to do so now with greater authority and reach. I want to thank everyone who was a part of this transition and for your continued support in the next part of our journey.” The related AFL-CIO Executive Council statement reads in part: “Union members in every industry, occupation and region of the country have proudly and bravely served in the armed forces of the United States…. Since its founding 13 years ago, the UVC has steadily and sustainably grown in its outreach, its effectiveness and its fundraising capacity. With a diligent focus on organizing – at the national and local level – coupled with the initiative and creative thinking of UVC leadership, the UVC has evolved into a force multiplier for federation and affiliate organizing, legislative and electoral campaigns, and other important initiatives. The UVC has now reached operational capacity that makes its status as a constituency organization more appropriate than its former project status.” Seafarers Contract Ratified at Inland Lakes Management May 2022 The federation’s other constituency groups are as follows (with descriptions from the AFL-CIO website: A. Philip Randolph Institute: APRI is an alliance between labor and the civil rights movement. Today, it fights for racial equality and economic justice. Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance: APALA is the nation’s first national organization of AAPI workers. It focuses on advancing worker, immigrant and civil rights. Coalition of Black Trade Unionists: CBTU is an independent voice for Black workers within the labor movement. Coalition of Labor Union Women: CLUW unifies union women to face shared concerns. The coalition focuses on action on issues important to women workers. Labor Council for Latin American Advancement: LCLAA represents 2 million Latino workers. The council organizes working people to protect the rights and expand the influence of Latinos. Pride At Work: Pride@Work brings together the labor movement and the LGBTQ community in pursuit of social and economic justice. A new four-year contract between the SIU and Inland Lakes Management (ILM) covering licensed mariners has been negotiated and ratified. ILM operates the SS Alpena on the Great Lakes. The vessel is a self-unloading bulk carrier that hauls cement. The contract is retroactive to Nov. 1, 2021 and runs through Oct. 31, 2025. It calls for annual wage in- Will Attig UVC Executive Director creases and maintains the current health and pension benefits. Additionally, the new agreement maintains the Paul Hall Center benefit for training and upgrading. Negotiating on behalf of the union were Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell and Port Agent Todd Brdak. Seafarers LOG 5 �With Seafarers Aboard Maersk Michigan Vessel master Capt. T. Pham submitted these snapshots from the U.S. Marine Management, Inc. vessel, which is operating in the Far East. The photo directly above with members holding flags includes ABDM Fernando Haber, ABW Harvey Carvajal, Bosun Gregorio Cudal, ABDM Tomas Calderon Robinson, ABW Peter Stoker and ABW Roy Enriquez. The tank-cleaning photo (immediate right) includes the aforementioned Seafarers plus Pumpman Walden Galacgac, QMED Joshua Bonita, and QMED Elhassene Elkori, while the remaining photo at top right includes (almost) the whole crew. The Maersk Michigan is a 600-foot-long product tanker that was built in 2003 in Japan. It has a beam of 104 feet. Spotlight on Mariner Health Migraine: More Than a Headache, It’s a Disease Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. A migraine is not merely a headache, but a neurological disease that can cause debilitating attacks, often with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Episodic and chronic migraines are terms used to describe how many migraines a person has per day or per month. These attacks can last for several hours to days. Migraines are thought to result from changes in levels of the brain chemicals in certain regions of the brain. Symptoms vary at different stages of migraines, and they may occur in children and teenagers as well as adults. Warning signs that a migraine may be imminent might include mood swings, food cravings, increased thirst and frequent yawning. An aura may be experienced before or during the migraine. There can be changes in vision and hearing, and difficulty speaking. A headache is the actual phase of the migraine attack and may include pain on one or possibly both sides of the head, along with eye pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or sounds and even smells. Treatment can range for taking Ibuprofen or Tylenol to heavy sedatives and narcotics. There are many medica- 6 Seafarers LOG tions on the market for treatment. Alternative treatments include hypnosis, relaxation tapes, head-bands, nasal sprays and acupuncture. Persistent migraines warrant an appointment with a specialist. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Migraines are often undiagnosed and untreated. If you regularly have signs and symptoms of migraine, keep a record of your attacks and how you treated them. Then make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your headaches. Even if you have a history of headaches, see your doctor if the pattern changes or your headaches suddenly feel different.” The organization further recommends immediate treatment if an individual experiences any of the following signs and symptoms, which may suggest an urgent medical situation: an abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap; headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, numbness or weakness in any part of the body, which could be a sign of a stroke; headache after a head injury; a chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement. Moreover, the American Migraine Foundation estimates that at least 39 million Americans live with migraine, but “because many people do not get a diagnosis or the treatment they need, the actual number is probably higher.” Healthy Recipe Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken Thighs Servings: 24 Ingredients 3/4 cup sriracha sauce, separated 1/4 cup & 1/2 cup 3/4 cup honey 7 pounds chicken thigh, boneless 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes 24 whole plums, cut into wedges 1/2 cup canola oil 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Preparation Whisk together 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce and honey; set aside. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic storage container; add remaining 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and crushed red pepper. Seal container and turn to coat chicken. Let stand in refrigerator for 2 hours. Preheat a charcoal or gas grill with greased grill rack for direct cooking over medium heat. Drain chicken; discard marinade. Grill chicken 15 to 20 minutes or until done (165 degrees), turning several times and brushing with reserved Sriracha-honey mixture. Brush cut sides of plums with oil and grill, cut sides down, during the last 5 minutes of grilling or until slightly charred. Remove chicken and plums to platter. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Sprinkle chicken with parsley, if desired. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 330 Calories: 21g Fat (56.4% calories from fat); 19g Protein; 18g Carbohydrate, 1g Dietary Fiber; 88mg Cholesterol; 198mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fruit; 2 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship May 2022 �Full Books in Alabama Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 10 - April 11. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 11. Port Chief Cook Jonte Crenshaw (left) and AB Daniel Flanagan (right) receive their full B-books. They are pictured with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White following the March membership meeting at the hall in Mobile. Update on SIU Text Alerts Beginning April 28, 2022, individuals who have signed up for SIU text alerts were scheduled to begin receiving messages from a new number: (412) 899-8989. (The prior number was 97779.) No action is required to maintain an existing subscription. The change is due to new industry regulations that essentially are mandating a move to a “10-digit long code” (abbreviated as 10DLC) for organizations that send text messages. In accordance with legal requirements, subscribers should have received a “goodbye” message from 97779 (which read, “The SIU is changing numbers. You’ll hear from 4128998989 after this. No action required by you to remain subscribed.”). Then, they should have gotten a “hello” message from the new number, which read: “SIU: Welcome to our new number. Thanks for being part of our mobile news network.” All of our opt-in keywords remain unchanged. To sign up for alerts, text the word “join” to 412-899-8989. May & June Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................................Monday: May 2, June 6 Algonac..............................................Friday: May 6, June 10 Baltimore.....................................Thursday: May 5, June 9 Guam..........................................Thursday: May 19, June 23 Honolulu...........................................Friday: May 13, June 17 Houston.........................................Monday: May 9, June 13 Jacksonville........................................Thursday: May 5, June 9 Joliet............................................Thursday: May12, June 16 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: May 11, June 15 New Orleans......................................Tuesday: May 10, June 14 Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: May 3, June 7 Norfolk...............................................Friday: May 6, June 10 Oakland...........................................Thursday: May 12, June 16 Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C A A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 20 2 5 17 1 9 8 35 32 23 2 4 18 6 3 1 3 25 2 14 230 5 3 2 4 1 8 1 21 18 7 1 5 11 5 2 3 1 7 1 5 111 3 0 0 4 1 3 0 7 3 1 2 0 4 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 34 Deck Department 14 4 1 0 4 1 4 1 0 18 7 3 1 0 0 8 7 1 3 1 0 28 11 4 28 16 3 20 4 3 0 0 1 4 3 0 11 6 3 3 1 0 0 4 0 1 2 0 4 2 0 13 5 1 1 0 0 24 8 0 185 86 21 2 2 3 11 0 5 1 15 16 13 0 3 3 2 1 1 3 11 0 8 100 36 6 5 31 3 16 9 52 54 53 1 10 33 24 4 1 7 35 2 37 419 6 3 4 6 2 11 4 30 32 12 3 7 14 6 3 2 1 3 1 21 171 2 0 0 7 1 3 0 10 7 2 1 0 4 2 1 1 2 5 0 0 48 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 2 3 11 0 4 6 12 13 9 1 1 12 7 2 2 3 13 1 10 115 2 0 3 2 0 2 4 6 14 6 0 4 11 5 1 4 2 6 0 5 77 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 1 2 1 0 1 2 2 1 0 0 2 0 6 23 Engine Department 3 2 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 5 2 0 0 2 0 3 2 0 5 0 1 12 5 1 15 9 1 5 4 0 0 1 0 2 4 0 8 9 1 5 3 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 4 3 0 6 3 2 1 1 0 6 6 2 82 61 11 1 0 1 6 0 2 1 8 10 3 0 2 6 4 1 1 2 5 0 5 58 4 2 3 15 0 4 14 19 21 16 3 4 16 8 4 3 7 18 4 17 182 1 1 1 5 0 1 8 11 17 7 0 1 14 8 4 5 2 8 1 5 100 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 2 6 1 1 1 6 3 0 0 0 3 0 6 34 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 0 2 7 0 2 4 19 29 8 1 1 10 11 0 5 2 6 0 18 130 1 1 0 5 1 0 1 6 11 2 0 3 8 4 1 1 4 5 0 9 63 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 5 2 0 2 6 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 21 Steward Department 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 8 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 11 4 0 17 9 4 6 1 1 1 0 1 2 3 0 8 6 1 10 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 6 0 6 1 1 0 0 0 16 3 0 92 43 12 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 8 6 3 0 2 6 1 0 1 2 2 0 12 47 9 0 1 14 1 3 12 25 30 16 1 4 18 18 0 8 3 12 1 25 201 5 1 0 10 0 0 2 8 19 3 0 5 16 8 1 3 4 5 1 16 107 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 5 1 1 3 2 0 0 1 22 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 14 8 0 0 2 1 2 2 11 10 11 1 0 8 2 2 1 0 16 0 19 96 4 1 2 1 1 2 1 15 55 11 0 0 20 5 1 11 0 1 0 12 143 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 9 Entry Department 4 1 1 0 0 3 2 3 0 1 0 1 0 2 7 14 16 37 9 9 0 0 0 0 3 10 0 1 2 0 2 11 0 0 8 7 0 0 9 6 63 106 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 3 10 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 2 0 3 35 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 2 21 14 3 0 2 1 5 5 16 30 22 3 0 18 7 0 1 0 23 0 24 174 8 1 0 1 0 2 2 16 89 21 1 2 33 10 1 8 0 8 0 16 219 347 221 368 240 823 552 323 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: May 4, June 8 Port Everglades..............................Thursday: May 12, June 16 San Juan...........................................Thursday: May 5, June 9 St. Louis................................................Friday: May 13, June 17 Tacoma...............................................Friday: May 20, June 24 Wilmington.........................Monday: May 16, *Tuesday : June 21 * Wilmington change in June due to Juneteenth Observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m SPAD Works For You Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD May 2022 GRAND TOTAL:489 253 150 Seafarers LOG 7 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer 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 This month’s question answered by upgraders attending classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and education in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Has being a mariner measured up to what you thought it would be since you joined the union? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Nadine Nomed-Ryf Chief Cook Yes, it has, because I have learned a lot about the job, people and what being a mariner is really all about. I’m from France, so all of this was really new to me when I first started. I have been sailing for almost three years and I am very happy about what I have achieved so far. It’s been a rewarding experience. Samuel Ortiz Chief Cook Being a mariner is far more exciting and rewarding than I thought it would be when I joined. Put simply, it has changed my life in a real good way. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Dennis Vega Chief Cook It’s been awesome so far. Since joining, I’ve had the opportunity to see a lot of new places and meet a lot of new people. The experiences have been great with some ups and downs, but mostly ups. Overall, it’s been a really great experience. Dewayne Thomas Chief Cook I have learned a lot since sailing as chief cook. And yes, being a mariner is everything that I thought it would be. I’ve sailed for the last three years as a chief cook and it has been a really good experience for me. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Kevin Santiago Chief Cook Being a mariner is way more than I expected it to be. Sailing has changed so many things in my life in a positive way. It’s really been a dream come true for me. Johanns Rivera Rivera Chief Cook Yes, it has. Being a merchant mariner so far has been an awesome career for me and I’m glad I chose it. Going to sea has made my life better and better and better. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 8 Seafarers LOG SIU pensioner Farid Zaharan submitted this photo, taken in July 1974 in Poti, Georgia. He’s standing third from right. “Some of the people were from the crew of the SS Eagle Traveler (Sea Transport Corp.) and the others were from the seamen’s club,” wrote Zaharan, an OS on that voyage and an active Seafarer from 1970-2008. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org May 2022 �SUPPORTING PRO-LABOR CONGRESSMAN – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-New Jersey) (second from left) greets SIU personnel during a campaign kickoff March 21. Pictured from left are SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Pascrell, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and SIU Patrolman James Bast. TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSMAN – SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell (left) meets with U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) during a labor gathering in Chicago in late March. They spoke at length about the Maritime Security Program, the Jones Act, and America’s cargo preference laws and their collective importance to the nation’s security and economy. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Two longtime members recently called it a career in the Crescent City. Carl Gegenheimer (second from left in photo at left) retired from Crescent Towing after 47 years of service. He worked his way up from deckhand to captain and served as a union delegate. This photo was taken at his retirement luncheon. Pictured from left are SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Carl, Kurt Gegenheimer (Carl’s brother and also Crescent’s director of sourcing and procurement), and Crescent VP Eddie Pinner. The photo at right includes Chief Engineer Grant Wilkinson (center), pictured at the New Orleans hall with his wife, Lynn, and Westbrook. A Seafarer for 33 years, Grant spent most of his career sailing with Crescent Towing, but he also sailed in the deep-sea division, including during Operation Desert Storm. READY TO SHIP OUT – Seafarer Anthony Roman (right) displays the shipping card for his first relief steward job as he prepares to head to the Maersk Misaki. He’s following the footsteps of his brother, Jorge Roman, who also sails from the San Juan hall in the steward department. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo is at left. ABOARD CAPE WASHINGTON – Seafarers aboard the Crowley vessel recently delivered materiel overseas for a publicly reported, multinational military exercise. Some of the crew (and one lifeboat) are pictured here, including Recertified Bosun Rick James (above). May 2022 Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – Recertified Steward Perry McCall (left) receives his first pension check at the hall, from SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. McCall sailed with the SIU for nearly 40 years. NEW CONTRACT FOR NATIONAL GLORY – Seafarers in mid-March overwhelmingly ratified a new collective bargaining agreement covering the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning ship. The four-year contract includes yearly wage increases and maintains benefits. Among those pictured on the vessel are AB Roger Utter, AB Hernando Bansuelo, Recertified Bosun Jay White, QMED Keith Carswell, Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Bosun Richard Molina-Blackman, Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett, Electrician Linarys Castillo Ortiz, SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes and SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala. 10 Seafarers LOG FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – AB Erik Ruiz (left) receives his full B-book at the hiring hall on March 29. SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick is at right. A-BOOK IN SUNSHINE STATE – Chief Steward Grazyna Tomaszewska (left) receives her A-seniority book at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hall. SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins is at right. ABOARD OCEAN GLORY – Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning ship in Richmond, California, in early March (photo below) are SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday, AB Oliver Vickers and AB Steven Sparenborg. May 2022 �ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL – Pictured on the SubCom vessel are (from left) Bosun’s Mate Richard Molina Blackman, AB/SJ Desmond Unutoa, AB/SJ Andre Barbary, GVA James Stanford, AB Jorge Alamo, AB Stokley Callender, GVA Darius Harley, Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman and AB Kyle Kinsley. A-BOOK IN GOLDEN STATE – QMED Yuri Hernandez (left) receives his A-seniority book at the hall in Wilmington, California. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Seafarer James Wilkison (right), a tugboat captain with G&H Towing, picks up his first pension check at the hall. SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo is at left. ABOARD TAINO – Pictured in late March aboard the Crowley vessel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are (photo above, from left) Bosun Kemer Rojas, Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, Crowley Chief Port Engineer (and SIU hawsepiper) Armando Garayua, Second Mate Germaine Williams and ABM Raymond Maldonado (all from San Juan). In the photo immediately below (also from left) are Chief Cook Yoaquin Gonzalez, Recertified Steward Kim Strate and ABM Victor Cortes, stripping and waxing galley decks. ABOARD SEABULK ARCTIC – SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (right in photo above) is pictured with Pumpman Jeff Roddy aboard the Seabulk Tankers Inc. vessel, while the snapshot below includes (from left) Chief Steward Al Ramseur and Chief Cook George Burgos. A-BOOK IN JERSEY – QEE Nicholas Panagakos (right) picks up his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Jersey City hall with SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. May 2022 Seafarers LOG 11 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA Bradenton, Florida. LILIA BARRACA JEFFRY CESVET Sister Lilia Barraca, 65, began her career with the SIU in 2001 when she sailed aboard the Allegiance. She sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Sister Barraca most recently shipped on the Pacific Collector. She makes her home in Kunia, Hawaii. Brother Jeffry Cesvet, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2005, first sailing aboard the RJ Pfeiffer. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Cesvet concluded his career on the Green Cove. He resides in Laguna Woods, California. JOHN BENNETT LESLIE CHOICE Brother John Bennett, 66, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1978, initially working for States Steamship. He was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Bennett concluded his career aboard the Lurline. He lives in Sacramento, California. Brother Leslie Choice, 65, started sailing with the union in 1977, initially working for Dixie Carriers. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Choice last shipped on the OMI Star and settled in Houston. ROBERT BROWN Brother Robert Brown, 58, donned the SIU colors in 1982 when he shipped on the Taurus. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Brown was a steward department member and most recently worked on the Cape Washington. He calls Catonsville, Maryland, home. STEVEN BROWN Brother Steven Brown, 67, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1975, initially sailing aboard the Long Lines. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Brown’s final vessel was the Tacoma. He is a resident of Ashford, Washington. GWENDOLYN CAMPBELL Sister Gwendolyn Campbell, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1976. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Sister Campbell’s first vessel was the Santa Mariana; her last, the El Morro. She makes her home in 12 Seafarers LOG JAMES CLARK Brother James Clark, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1973 when he shipped on the Transpanama. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1976. Brother Clark’s final vessel was the Producer. He resides in Port Charlotte, Florida. KEVIN COMBS Brother Kevin Combs, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1981, initially sailing on the Virgo. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Combs most recently shipped on the Maersk Idaho and lives in Gainesville, Florida. JAMES DAVIS Brother James Davis, 65, joined the SIU in 1998 when he sailed on the USNS American Osprey. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Davis concluded his career on the Maersk Carolina and makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. SAMUEL DAVIS Brother Samuel Davis, 65, signed on with the union in 1974. He first sailed aboard the Baltimore and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Davis upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Seabulk Trader and is a resident of Mobile, Alabama. DANIEL DEAN Brother Daniel Dean, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1978, initially shipping on the Columbia. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Dean last shipped aboard the Safmarine Mafadi. He lives in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. MICHAEL FAY Brother Michael Fay, 63, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1975 when he shipped on the Notre Dame. He worked in the engine department and upgraded the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Fay was last employed by Crowley. He lives in Westmont, New Jersey. VIRGILIO FUCANAN Brother Virgilio Fucanan, 67, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He first sailed aboard the Chemical Pioneer and worked in the deck department. Brother Fucanan upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Charleston Express and is a Houston resident. FRANCISCO GAMBOA Brother Francisco Gamboa, 70, began his career with the SIU in 1997. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and initially sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Gamboa upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped aboard the Puget Sound and resides in Honduras. RALPH GARNER Brother Ralph Garner, 60, started sailing with the union in 1986, initially working on an OMI ship. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Garner concluded his career aboard the Cape Knox and settled in Panama City, Florida. GREGORY HAMILTON Brother Gregory Hamilton, 66, joined the union in 1972 and first sailed aboard the Fairland. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Hamilton last shipped aboard the Alaskan Navigator. He lives in Vista, California. ROBERT IVANAUSKAS Brother Robert Ivanauskas, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1973 when he shipped on the Brooklyn. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ivanauskas most recently shipped on the Integrity. He calls Bel Air, Maryland, home. DONALD LUMPKINS Brother Donald Lumpkins, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Anders Maersk. He worked in the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Lumpkins last shipped on the USNS Stockham. He resides in Goose Greek, South Carolina. GREGORY MCNIEL Brother Gregory McNiel, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2006. He initially shipped aboard the Bonny and was a steward department member. Brother McNiel upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Texas and resides in Pompano Beach, Florida. DIANE MICHENER Sister Diane Michener, 65, joined the union in 1979 when she sailed aboard the El Paso Southern. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Michener’s final vessel was the Express. She lives in Athens, New York. CAROLYN MILSTEAD Sister Carolyn Milstead, 65, started her career with the SIU in 2000, initially sailing on the Patriot. She worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Sister Milstead most recently shipped on the Independence II. She calls Valdosta, Georgia, home. SCOTT OPSAHL Brother Scott Opsahl, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1980 and first sailed aboard the Oceanic Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Opsahl last shipped on the Horizon Kodiak and makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. DENNIS PICKERING Brother Dennis Pickering, 65, signed on with the union in 1978. He initially sailed on the Aries and worked in the deck department. Brother Pickering upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the Liberator and is a resident of Harbor City, California. ALBERTO SEMEDO Brother Alberto Semedo, 69, joined the SIU in 2001 and first sailed on the Kenai. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Semedo most recently sailed on the Ocean Jazz and makes his home in Harbor City, California. CHARLES SNEED Brother Charles Sneed, 68, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2001. He first shipped on the OverContinued on next page May 2022 �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. Continued from Page 12 seas Marilyn and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Sneed upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Philadelphia Express and calls Mobile, Alabama, home. ORLANDO SUAZO Brother Orlando Suazo, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 2002. He sailed in the steward department and first shipped on the USNS Able. Brother Suazo upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Montana and lives in New York. TECUMSEH WILLIAMS Brother Tecumseh Williams, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1977, initially sailing on the USNS Potomac. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Williams last shipped aboard the Maersk Ohio and resides in Green Cove Springs, Florida. GREAT LAKES JAN KAMINSKI Brother Jan Kaminski, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990. He initially sailed on the St. Clair and was a deck department member. Brother Kaminski last shipped aboard the Walter J. McCarthy and resides in Boca Raton, Florida. LIONEL TAYLOR Brother Lionel Taylor, 73, signed on with the SIU in 1999, first sailing aboard the Independence. He was an engine department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Taylor last shipped on the Ocean Gladiator. He resides in Brooklyn, New York. SANYBOY WHITING Brother Sanyboy Whiting, 60, joined the union in 1990. He was a deck department member and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Whiting’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the Global Sentinel. He makes his home in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. JAMES WILLIAMS Brother James Williams, 69, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1978 when he worked on the Galveston. An engine department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Williams concluded his career on the Horizon Pacific. He lives in Dayton, Ohio. May 2022 INLAND LUIS ALVAREZ PAGAN Brother Luis Alvarez Pagan, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1983. An engine department member, he was employed by Crowley Puerto Rico Services for his entire career. Brother Alvarez Pagan lives in Puerto Rico. FRANCIS ARNONA Brother Francis Arnona, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1975. He was a member of the deck department and worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Arnona makes his home in Picayune, Mississippi. RAYMUNDO ESTAYA Brother Raymundo Estaya, 66, signed on with the union in 1990. His first vessel was the Sealift Atlantic and he sailed in the engine department. Brother Estaya upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He last sailed aboard the Terrapin Island and settled in Richmond, Texas. CARL GEGENHEIMER Brother Carl Gegenheimer, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1975. A deck department member, he worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Gegenheimer is a New Orleans resident. ANGEL GONZALEZ Brother Angel Gonzalez, 63, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1980. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Gonzalez worked for G&H Towing for most of his career. He resides in League City, Texas. MARK HAYES Brother Mark Hayes, 57, joined the SIU in 2000, initially working on the Dodge Island. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership and was an engine department member. Brother Hayes concluded his career on the Padre Island and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. DALLAS HIGGINS Brother Dallas Higgins, 62, signed on with the union in 1978. He first sailed with Hvide Marine and was a member of the deck department. Brother Higgins upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He was last employed by Seabulk Tankers Inc. and makes his home in Nederland, Texas. MARK LASKOWSKI Brother Mark Laskowski, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 2006 when he worked on the Sound Reliance. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Laskowski’s final vessel was the Pacific Reliance. He lives in Vassalboro, Maine. BOBBY MALONE Brother Bobby Malone, 62, joined the SIU in 1981. He was first employed by Dravo Basic Materials and sailed in the deck department. Brother Malone concluded his career working for Martin Marietta and resides in Poplarville, Mississippi. FRANK MARTINE Brother Frank Martine, 60, donned the SIU colors in 2003. He was a member of the deck department and first sailed with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Martine most recently shipped with G&H Towing. He is a resident of Livingston, Texas. HAL OWEN Brother Hal Owen, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed with Inland Tugs. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Owen was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in Naples, Florida. ASCENCION PASTOR Brother Ascencion Pastor, 72, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001 when he sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He sailed in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Mississippi Queen. Brother Pastor is a New York resident. JOHN PHILLIPS Brother John Phillips, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1977. An engine department member, he first sailed with Dixie Carriers. Brother Phillips upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently worked with Crescent Towing & Salvage and settled in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. ORLANDO RODRIGUEZ Brother Orlando Rodriguez, 66, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1977. He primarily sailed in the steward department and worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services for the duration of his career. Brother Rodriguez makes his home in Miami. ERIC SHORT Brother Eric Short, 62, signed on with the union in 1979. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1981. Brother Short worked with Crescent Towing & Salvage for his entire career. He resides in Covington, Louisiana. MICHAEL STEPHENS Brother Michael Stephens, 60, joined the SIU in 1978, initially working for American Towing. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Stephens most recently shipped on the Resolve. He lives in Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey. JAMES TOMLINSON Brother James Tomlinson, 64, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1999 when he worked for Higman Barge Lines. A deck department member, Brother Tomlinson was last employed by Crowley in 2004. He calls Trinity, Texas, home. AUGUST WERDENBERG Brother August Werdenberg, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1984. The deck department member’s first vessel was the Northerly Island. Brother Werdenberg last shipped aboard the Dodge Island. He settled in Merritt Island, Florida. GRANT WILKINSON Brother Grant Wilkinson, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1990 when he sailed on the Stephen W. Pless. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2014. Brother Wilkinson was most recently employed with Crescent Towing & Salvage. He lives in Mandeville, Louisiana. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA THOMAS ALLEN Pensioner Thomas Allen, 86, died January 16. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2000. Initially sailing aboard the USNS Loyal, Brother Allen was a steward department member. He last shipped aboard the Cyprine and went on pension in 2015. Brother Allen was a resident of East Wareham, Massachusetts. FRANK CASBY Pensioner Frank Casby, 84, passed away January 17. He donned the SIU colors in 1979 and sailed in all three departments. Brother Casby’s first vessel was the Cove Engineer; his last, the USNS Bellatrix. He became a pensioner in 2007 and settled in Franklinton, Louisiana. JEFFREY CHAPPELOW Pensioner Jeffrey Chappelow, 70, died November 30. He began his career with the Seafarers in 2001 and first shipped on the Paul Buck. Brother Chappelow worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Lightning. He became a pensioner in 2016 and lived in Ontario, California. HYDEN ELWIN Pensioner Hyden Elwin, 74, passed away January 22. Born in Honduras, he signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1968. Brother Elwin initially sailed aboard the Steel Flyer and was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Overseas Arctic and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Elwin called Petal, Mississippi, home. BILLY HILL Pensioner Billy Hill, 64, died February 26. He joined the union in 1976 when he sailed aboard the Transeastern. Brother Hill worked in the deck department and most recently shipped on the Maersk California. He retired in 2016 and lived in Livingston, Texas. LESTER HOFFMAN Pensioner Lester Hoffman, 78, passed away March 7. Signing on with the SIU in 1967, he was first employed by Hudson Waterways. Brother Hoffman was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Algol before retiring in 2005. Brother Hoffman resided in Bay City, Michigan. JULIUS KOTAN Pensioner Julius Kotan, 80, died December 10. He started sailing with the union in 1965, initially working for Sea-Land. Brother Kotan sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the Wabash and became a pensioner in 2006. Brother Kotan lived in Daytona Beach, Florida. JULIUS COPELAND Pensioner Julius Copeland, 83, passed away January 24. He joined the union in 1972 and first sailed aboard the President Fillmore. A steward department member, Brother Copeland last shipped on the Achiever. He retired in 2005 and made his home in Clovis, California. ROBERT DAVIS Pensioner Robert Davis, 68, died February 8. He started sailing with the SIU in 1988. Brother Davis was a steward department member and first shipped on the Independence. He most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Promise and went on pension in 2021. Brother Davis resided in Montgomery, Texas. 14 Seafarers LOG PETE MACARAEG Brother Pete MacAraeg, 92, passed away January 12. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1968. Brother MacAraeg was a steward department member and first worked on the Santa Magdelena. He last sailed aboard the Liberator in 1985 and was a San Francisco resident. FRANK MARTIN Pensioner Frank Martin, 68, died January 4. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1987 when he shipped on the Kauai. Brother Martin worked in the steward department. He most recently sailed aboard the John U.D. Page in 2019. Brother Martin became a pensioner earlier this year and lived in Jacksonville, Tennessee. ODELL MURRAY Pensioner Odell Murray, 81, passed away January 30. An engine department member, he started sailing with the union in 2001. Brother Murray’s first vessel was the Marine Chemist; his last, the Resolve. He went on pension in 2011 and made his home in Houston. EDDY NEWMAN Pensioner Eddy Newman, 66, died February 17. He donned the SIU colors in 1990. Brother Newman was a member of the engine department and first shipped aboard the USNS De Steiguer. He last sailed aboard the Howard O. Lorenzen before retiring in 2019. Brother Newman resided in Las Vegas. JORGE OSORIO Pensioner Jorge Osorio, 83, passed away December 25. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1960. Brother Osorio initially sailed aboard the Titan. He worked in the deck department and last sailed on the J.E.B. Stuart. Brother Osorio retired in 1996 and lived in Costa Rica. ISMAEL PURGANAN Pensioner Ismael Purganan, 74, died January 25. He joined the SIU in 1995 when he sailed on the Independence. Brother Purganan shipped in the deck department and concluded his career on the Horizon Kodiak. He became a pensioner in 2017 and resided in Renton, Washington. ment member, Brother Vazquez also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 2002 and made his home in Brooklyn, New York. EFREN VILLAROSA Pensioner Accursio Balbo, 89, died February 2. He became a member of the SIU in 1980, initially sailing with Gloucester Fishermen. Brother Balbo retired in 1997 and settled in his hometown, Gloucester, Massachusetts. SAMUEL WOOTEN WILLIAM BOBAC Pensioner Samuel Wooten, 83, died February 13. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1988, first sailing aboard the USNS Triumph. Brother Wooten was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the Developer before retiring in 2005. Brother Wooten called League City, Texas, home. Pensioner William Bobac, 99, passed away February 17. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1956. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Bobac first worked for Arundel Corporation. He was last employed by McAllister Towing of Baltimore before going on pension in 1984. Brother Bobac was a Baltimore resident. NMU JEFFREY YAP Brother Jeffrey Yap, 61, passed away January 1. He started sailing with the SIU in 1980. Brother Yap was a deck department member and first shipped on the Oceanic Independence. He last sailed aboard the Jack Lummus in 2009 and resided in Kaunakakai, Hawaii. JOSEPH QUITUGUA EDGARDO VAZQUEZ Pensioner Edgardo Vazquez, 91, died September 22. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1963 when he worked with Waterman Steamship. A steward depart- ACCURSIO BALBO Pensioner Efren Villarosa, 85, passed away January 19. He signed on with the union in 1996 when he sailed on the Independence. An engine department member, Brother Villarosa last sailed aboard the Jack Lummus. He became a pensioner in 2015 and was a resident of Honolulu. GREAT LAKES Pensioner Joseph Quitugua, 73, passed away January 21. He first sailed with the SIU in 2001, initially working on the Patriot. Brother Quitugua shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He last shipped on the Dewayne T. Williams and retired in 2019. Brother Quitugua lived in Guam. in both the deck and engine departments and worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2002 and resided in Houston. MUSAID ISMAIL Pensioner Musaid Ismail, 86, died February 4. He joined the SIU in 1966 when he sailed on the Reiss Brothers. Brother Ismail worked in all three departments and last shipped on the John Boland. He retired in 2001 and lived in Yemen. INLAND RODGER ALLBRITTON Pensioner Rodger Allbritton, 76, passed away November 28. He began his career with the union in 1976. Brother Allbritton sailed JOHN MURRAY Pensioner John Murray, 96, died January 15. Born in Philadelphia, he sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with SIU. Brother Murray went on pension in 1968. He was a New York resident. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Anderson, Admiral 89 Batista, Ricardo 88 Bazile, George 94 Brenton, Michael 89 Calderon, Jose 92 Cardinale, Orazio 96 Cardriche, Jules 97 Carpio, Federico 84 Chaves, Antonio 87 Fafard, Alfred 74 Ford, Frank 96 Hernandez, Luis 77 Hobbs, Henry 96 Katz, John 97 Kerns, James 82 Kranz, Herbert 96 Lewis, Marvin 94 Martinez, Juan 87 Martins, Carlos 89 Perez, Juana 97 Rodriguez, Alexander 95 Santiago, Jose 91 Tanner, Samuel 88 Townsend, John 95 Vaneckelen, Emanuel 95 Wallace, Clarence 68 DOD 02/28/2022 03/16/2022 03/13/2022 07/28/2021 02/15/2022 01/04/2022 02/05/2022 01/28/2022 02/23/2022 01/29/2022 11/29/2021 02/18/2022 02/15/2022 01/25/2022 02/22/2022 12/19/2021 01/18/2022 12/31/2022 01/29/2022 02/26/2022 12/31/2021 01/14/2022 01/20/2022 02/17/2022 02/06/2022 01/17/2022 May 2022 �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. USNS MONTFORD POINT (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), January 21 – Chairman Kenneth Steiner, Secretary Jean Favreaux, Educational Director Jose Encarnacion, Deck Delegate Jason Bentz, Engine Delegate Robert Varney, Steward Delegate Jose Sadaya. Crew still needs email access. Satellite phone is the only means of communication. Next port of call Suez Canal and over to Greece to drop supplies. Fueling to take place in Spain for trip to U.S. Ship scheduled for ROS in Virginia. Thirty-day stores received in Bahrain and possibly will take on more in Spain. BBQs will be held while at sea per secretary’s report. Educational director reminded members to update vaccine cards and to check requirements before applying to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed latest COVID-19 guidelines and ROS schedule. Ship in need of new washer and dryers. Members discussed 401K and pension benefits. Deck delegate reminded crew to check documents before expiration. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members plan to include lobster and prime rib in future Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. LIBERTY PEACE (North Star Shipping Company), January 23 – Chairman German Nunez, Deck Delegate Ruben Lopez, Engine Delegate Lionel Alvarez Jr., Steward Delegate Nikia Stripling. Company still charging for Wi-Fi access. Crew requested more towels, wash cloths, fitted sheets and refrigerators in each room. Internet works only half of the time. Educational director urged members to upgrade whenever possible. MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), February 6 – Chairman James Walker, Secretary Ronaldo Torres, Educational Director Herman Castro, Engine Delegate Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez. Shipyard period postponed to June. Secretary reminded members to get COVID-19 vaccine booster to ship out. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases in retirement as well as prescription eyeglass coverage. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), February 13 – Chairman Ion Boros, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Tijani Rashid. Chairman praised steward department for serving delicious meals and for their professionalism. Crew discussed safety protocols and requirements for attending courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases to the food budget, higher vacation pay, better internet connectivity, and the return of annual medical requirements. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), February 3 – Chairman Nagi Mihakel, Secretary Charles Sassone, Educational Director Randy Slue. Members revisited various topics from previous meeting. Chairman discussed overtime issues. Department delegates should receive one hour per meeting and members should receive one hour weekly for room sanitation. Crew should receive penalty pay for power washing or handling chemicals. Issues from last meeting are still ongoing. Educational director reminded crew to be mindful of internet usage and encouraged them to upgrade at the Piney Point school. Members requested equal internet accessibility, company-provided TVs, new mattresses and better pillows. MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), February 20 – Chairman Hussein Mohamed, Secretary Arlene Thomas, Educational Director George Bieselin, Deck Delegate Yamira Colon Del Moral, Engine Delegate Juan Rochez, Steward Delegate Frederick Conroy. Crew discussed possibility of acquiring larger TV and hopes for better reception and Wi-Fi. Chairman encouraged crew to renew documents as early as six months in advance. Vote of thanks given to steward department for working hard and serving good food. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Big washing machine needs to be fixed. Crew offered input on future contract negotiations. Members asked for 18 for 30 vacation days and a day off every 30 days. Crew requested 30-minute coffee time and a pay increase to reflect cost of living expenses. EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sealift, Inc.), February 27 – Chairman Daron Tinney, Secretary Janelle Harper, Educational Director Joshua King. Crew reviewed old business including Wi-Fi “vouchers” and satellite phones in lounge. Chairman mentioned the possibility of losing Wi-Fi and/or cell capabilities during March 14-March 18 exercise. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed ship-joining procedures and quarantine protocol. Ship gym in need of floor padding, new treadmill, equipment repairs and overall updating. Crew lounge couches need to be replaced. Next port: Jinhae-gu, South Korea. MAERSK DETROIT. (Maersk Line, Limited.), February 27 – Chairman William Barrett, Deck Delegate John Walsh. Educational director recommended members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested heaters, and TV repairs. Crew asked for 100% dental coverage, 30 for 30 vacation, pension eligibility after 20 years and an increase to food budget. MIDNIGHT SUN (TOTE Services), February 27 – Chairman Thomas MacGregor, Secretary Dennis Skretta, Educational Director Sutthipong Ticer, Deck Delegate Bakr Saber Elbana. Ship restrictions still in effect. MMC and medical certificates can be renewed online per chairman. Educational director advised crew to get the LNG endorsement to work on the North Star and Midnight Sun. He reminded everyone to check the Seafarers LOG and union portal for class dates and informed them of the latest COVID-19 vaccination requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed watch-standing scenarios and wiper wages. Members suggested a supply of personal hygiene products in the slop chest. With ship restrictions they are not able to go ashore to purchase their own. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), March 4 – Chairman Nagi Mihakel, Secretary Charles Sassone, Educational Director Randy Slue. Members continue to ask for internet access. Captain unwilling to approve any overtime over four hours per day. All previous overtime issues remain. Secretary asked crew to be mindful of disposable items and cleaning-supply usage. Keeping ship stocked is very challenging due to company budget cuts. Members were reminded to clean up after themselves. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to look out for one another. Engine department asked why there is no class to upgrade from QMED to 3AE. Company has allowed ship to order new linens but has deducted the cost from the consumable budget. Members requested new mattresses, better pillows, and company-provided TVs. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt May 2022 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 Welding June 6 July 11 June 24 July 29 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses Steward Department Upgrading Courses MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3 Certified Chief Cook May 30 July 11 August 15 July 1 August 12 September 16 ServSafe Management May 23 July 4 August 8 May 27 July 8 August 12 Advanced Galley Operations June 20 August 15 October 10 July 15 September 9 November 4 Chief Steward July 18 September 12 November 14 August 12 October 7 December 9 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck Lifeboat/Water Survival May 23 August 29 October 17 November 28 June 10 September 16 November 4 December 16 June 6 August 1 August 29 September 26 October 24 November 21 June 17 August 12 September 9 October 7 November 4 December 2 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Fast Rescue Boat June 20 August 22 June 24 August 26 RFPNW June 27 July 25 September 26 July 15 August 12 October 14 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW July 25 September 26 November 14 August 19 October 21 December 9 FOWT June 13 August 29 July 8 September 23 Junior Engineer July 11 September 2 Marine Electrician May 16 June 17 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ 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 #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 September 23 Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30 Basic Training June 6 August 8 June 10 August 12 Basic Training Revalidation June 3 June 10 July 8 July 11 June 3 June 10 July 8 Juy 11 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 December 12 September 2 December 16 Government Vessels June 13 June 27 July 18 August 1 August 15 June 17 July 1 July 22 August 5 August 19 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL June 27 October 24 July 1 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 23 August 15 October 31 May 27 August 19 November 4 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 5/22 May 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class # 880 – Graduated March 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Dale Armstrong III, Jonathan Cordova-Alonso, Kaylah Hill, Jerome Johnson Jr., Jacob Kitten, La’Terri Kohn, Samuel Lambert, John Rapoza, Felix Manuel Rivera Rodriguez, Dean Schrantz, Blake Seele and Brittney Sharp. Deck Operations (Phase III) – Graduated March 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Donovan Armstrong, Seth James, Bryce Kennebeck, Colin Sabitsky, Jesse Schecher, Kyle Smith, Alec Stensaa, Stuart Waite and Jason White. Their instructor, Dominic Hix, is second from the right. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Important Notice To all Students May 2022 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Medical Care Provider – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Kristopher Bechtel II, Steven Benavides Jr., Christian Bryant, Aaron Burnett, Kenneth Cabrera, Carlos Mohler Vega, Patrick Montgomery, Karl Morrow Jr., and Kareem Walters. Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated February 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Kristopher Bechtel II, Steven Benavides Jr., Christian Bryant, Carlos Mohler Vega, Patrick Montgomery, Michael Norman and Kareem Walters. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated March 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Tyson Broussard and Mark Edgell Jr. Government Vessels – Graduated February 25 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Kierra Bradley, Patrick Montgomery, Karl Morrow Jr., Eric Van Mose, Gajatri Normatovea, Andrew Palmer, Blair Royal, Ronald Sease and Jamika Thomas. Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. 18 Seafarers LOG May 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated February 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Benjamin Capellan Almonte and Joseph Smith. FOWT – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Freeman Adamson, Cody Carroll, Nikita Featherston, Dennison Forsman, Anson Johny, Jacob Massie, Eriv Van Mose, Jose Pena, Tyson Richardson and Michael Taylor. Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated March 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Robert Boomer, Kelly Doyle, Charles Drumm, Edward Mateo Galbis, Matthew Gillespie, Alonzo Griswell, Noel Lau, Kelsey Longhi, Louis Alberto Valencia and Liberato Zacarias Viray. Certified Chief Cook – Graduated March 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Munassar Mohamed Ali, Charlene Briggs, Keshyra Armani Brinkley, Paul Erickson Jr., Ahmed Mohamed Hussain, Mery Sofia Koch Lupa and Kristyn White. May 2022 Chief Steward – Loretta Stewart, above, graduated from this course March 25 Seafarers LOG 19 �MAY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 17-19 AMP: Industry Delivers Despite ‘Baseless Criticism’ The head of a major coalition recently pushed back against unfounded commentary about the domestic maritime industry. Ku’uhaku Park is president of the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), a group whose members include the SIU along with representatives from every component of the industry. In late March, he posted an editorial under the headline: “American Maritime Serves Nation In Face of Baseless Criticisms.” Park began, “There is an old yet familiar saying in politics that you should ‘never let a good crisis go to waste.’ As such, it has been no surprise to see the anti-Jones Act activists come out of the woodworks – yet again – as energy prices have increased around the globe in the wake of the war in Eastern Europe. “The anti-Jones Act ideologues and oil trader opportunists, ever predictably, are now calling for waivers to undermine America’s cornerstone maritime law,” he continued. “They claim that the Jones Act is responsible for the increased price at the pump across America. Not only are they wrong on the facts but doing away with the Jones Act could have severe unintended consequences for our nation’s national security, homeland security, and economic security.” He explained that gas prices have “skyrocketed in recent months in part due to uncertainty in global energy markets as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.” However, Park noted, “The fact of the matter is that, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the price consumers face at the pump is directly correlated to the cost of crude oil – a global commodity. The fundamental relationship between crude oil price and gasoline price is consistent and fluctuates upwards and downwards in tandem. Similarly, when the price of wheat “While it has become reflexive for some to point to the Jones Act in every crisis, waiving this law simply would not have an impact on lowering the price of gas. However, it would put money in the pockets of oil traders and foreign interests at the expense of American national security and American workers.”---Ku’uhaku Park, president, American Maritime Partnership changes, so does the price of bread. They’re intertwined.” In February and March, Park said, crude oil prices increased by almost 57%. Given that the cost of crude correlates to around 56% of at-the-pump gasoline prices, “it’s clear what is actually responsible for the increased cost of gasoline. By contrast, the incremental increase in transportation costs during this same time period due to rising fuel prices has been minuscule. In general, the cost of transportation is a small fraction of the delivered cost of gasoline.” He then turned to a question often asked Tennessee Backs Jones Act General Assembly Adopts Resolution The Tennessee General Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Text of the resolution follows. WHEREAS, Tennessee’s 950-mile-long network of navigable water- Tennessee State Capitol 20 Seafarers LOG by other U.S.-flag advocates: Who might benefit from waiving the nation’s freight cabotage law? “The main group of people looking to line their pockets with a Jones Act waiver for gasoline would be oil traders,” Park wrote. “In the wake of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, a reporter for Reuters coined the phrase ‘disaster arbitrage’ to describe situations where oil traders use broad Jones Act waivers to pocket millions of dollars. Under a broad Jones Act waiver, oil is transported on foreign vessels that pay no U.S. taxes, employ foreign mariners at substandard wages, and avoid other U.S. laws even when American vessels are standing by and available to transport the goods. ‘The traders pocket the difference,’ Reuters said, never passing along any savings to consumers. Despite the Jones Act exemptions, gas prices remained high only to the benefit of a select group of profiteering fuel brokers.” While a waiver wouldn’t appreciably affect gasoline prices, it “could potentially have devastating consequences for our nation’s security, especially at a time of uncertainty around the world,” Park asserted. “If nothing else, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underscores the importance of ensuring our nation’s ability to protect our economic and homeland security at home and to support our national security interests around the world. The Jones Act ensures that we have a domestic shipbuilding base as well as a pool of mariners to draw upon during cases of national emergency.” He pointed out that the domestic maritime industry “has kept our nation supplied during the pandemic and the resulting supply chain AMP President Ku’uhaku Park crisis with consistent, reliable service,” and called it “an insult … to take jobs away from these Americans now, at a time of rising inflation and global uncertainty.” Park concluded, “While it has become reflexive for some to point to the Jones Act in every crisis, waiving this law simply would not have an impact on lowering the price of gas. However, it would put money in the pockets of oil traders and foreign interests at the expense of American national security and American workers.” ways, including access to two of the nation’s largest rivers in the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers, makes it a critical hub in the nation’s transportation system; and WHEREAS, the current global pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services for the citizens and workforce of Tennessee; and WHEREAS, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act and codified in Title 46 of the United States Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo between locations in the United States be owned by American companies, crewed by American mariners, and built in American shipyards; and WHEREAS, America’s ability to project and deploy forces globally and supply and maintain military installations domestically depends on the civilian fleet of Jones Act vessels and mariners; and WHEREAS, mariners aboard Jones Act vessels strengthen America’s homeland security as added eyes and ears monitoring the nation’s 95,000 miles of shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable inland waterways; and WHEREAS, Tennessee is home to 20,630 maritime jobs supported by the Jones Act, the eighth highest per capita among all states, which jobs generate $1.24 billion in worker income; and WHEREAS, maritime industry jobs create ladders of opportunity through high-paying, family-wage careers that offer significant career advancement without generally necessitating advanced formal education and extensive student loans; and WHEREAS, the more than 40,000-vessel-strong Jones Act fleet supports nearly 650,000 family-wage jobs and more than $154 billion in economic output nationally and $4.5 billion to Tennessee’s economy; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that this body affirms its resolute support for the Jones Act and celebrates the centennial anniversary of the Jones Act and its important role in fostering a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to Tennessee’s and the nation’s economic prosperity and to national security. May 2022 � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2022 Description An account of the resource RANK AND FILE SEAFARERS APPROVE UNION'S 2021 FINANCIAL RECORDS MILITARY READINESS 'INEXTRICABLY LINKED' TO U.S. COMMERCIAL MARITIME INDUSTRY RRF ADDS TWO NEWER VESSELS TO FLEET NLRB GENERAL COUNSEL ABRUZZO: DITCH CAPTIVE-AUDIENCE MEETINGS PRO-MARITIME CONGRESSMAN YOUNG DIES UVC GAINS STATUS AS OFFICIAL AFL-CIO LABOR CONSTITUENCY GROUP SEAFARERS CONTRACT RATIFIED AT INLAND LAKES MANAGEMENT AMP: INDUSTRY DELIVERS DESPITE 'BASELESS CRITICISM' TENNESSEE BACKS JONES ACT 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 05/01/2022 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. 84, NO. 5 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/7af4dd9b2967081e71b945194c08e626.pdf b68ac44db0b26f47b38c6a0b2a041615 PDF Text Text JUNE 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O WWII Mariners Honored with Gold Medal Nearly 77 years after fighting ended and 34 years after token veterans’ recognition was granted, U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II received the Congressional Gold Medal for their service, during a bipartisan presentation inside the U.S. Capitol on May 18. Above, WWII mariners are pictured immediately after the ceremony. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), a longtime proponent of the official recognition, is at far right. Page 3. (Photo courtesy Defense Dept.) D.C. Event Focuses on Jobs Pictured at a wind-energy event in Washington, D.C., on May 4 are (from left) SIU New Bedford Port Agent James Bast, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson. SIU Members Help Conclude Operation Deep Freeze 2022 Catching Up in Piney Point Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa (left) recently completed safety training at the Paul Hall Center – and also chatted with SIU President Michael Sacco (right) while at the school in Piney Point, Maryland. “It was great to catch up,” the bosun noted. The SIU-crewed Ocean Giant handled the second segment of this year’s resupply mission to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Bosun Richard Hamilton provided this photo (and others), shot from the Waterman-operated vessel as it sailed to the National Science Foundation facility. Page 24. DHS Secretary Backs Jones Act Page 2 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 1 Contracts Ratified Page 4 5/23/22 4:16 PM �President’s Report Answering the Call Congratulations to SIU members and to all of our union’s port personnel for the incredible job you did last month in filling a large number of jobs in less than 24 hours, in response to a handful of no-notice vessel activations. Our industry, like so many others, is currently weathering a manpower strain, so this wasn’t exactly an ideal time to handle those activations – but you all rose to the occasion, like always. On one hand, sure, this was just a case of doing our jobs. But realistically, it wasn’t easy, it was important and time-sensitive, and our team answered the call. I extend my thanks and admiration to everyone who helped get it done. New Leadership at MARAD Speaking of congratulations, I’m glad to note the recent confirmation of Rear Adm. Ann Phillips (USN, Ret.) to the post of maritime adMichael Sacco ministrator. She definitely has big shoes to fill – our longtime friend, Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, did an excellent job at MARAD (and previously at the Military Sealift Command) – but I know she’s up to the task. We’re already working with the new administrator and will continue doing everything possible to help the agency fulfill its critical mission of strengthening and maintaining the U.S. Merchant Marine. MARAD obviously is a crucial agency for Seafarers; their work to promote American-flag shipping and U.S. crews is part of our lifeblood. My thanks also go to Lucinda Lessley for her outstanding work as acting administrator prior to Adm. Phillips’ confirmation. Her integrity and thoughtfulness shined through at all times. Register and Vote While some Seafarers already have voted in this year’s primaries, it’s not too soon for others to double-check their voter registration status ahead of Election Day 2022 (Tuesday, November 8). Make sure you and your eligible family members are registered, and please support promaritime, pro-worker candidates. Without question, there has been an awakening across the U.S. regarding workers’ rights. In part, that’s why the labor movement finds itself at a crossroads with the elections on the horizon. The combination of a labor-friendly administration and a rising interest in collective action has generated considerable momentum, but at the same time, the opponents of labor are as well-funded and determined to dismantle worker power as they have ever been. To make matters even more complicated, partisan gridlock has stalled progress on more than one item on the labor movement’s agenda. It’s no secret that union membership across the country has declined over the years, but union households still play a major role in determining outcomes of many elections. This depends, though, on everyone from the movement exercising their constitutional right to vote. That the enemies of the working class have attempted so many times to interfere with that right only reveals how terrified they are of a unified labor movement making its voice heard. This encouragement goes beyond presidential and congressional elections. Union families must vote the whole ballot from state legislatures to city hall to local school boards. Those who seek to swipe power away from America’s working class operate best under the cover of darkness, funneling money into races and legislative manipulations that mostly escape the notice of national and even your local media. That’s why labor cannot leave any political stone unturned. Leadership must do its part to educate members on the issues, but ultimately the responsibility rests with each union member to cast her or his ballot strategically. Without concentrated political power at every level of government, the labor movement cannot achieve its goals. And make no mistake, those goals benefit not just America’s working families, but all of America. DHS Secretary Backs Jones Act U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently underscored his support of America’s freight cabotage law. During an April 27 hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, the secretary answered a question from U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Mississippi) about the Jones Act. Palazzo noted that during his time in Congress, he has seen “constant attacks against the Jones Act by special interest groups bent on allowing foreign ships and crews to push out American sailors and shipbuilders.” The congressman then pointed out that President Biden’s Made in America executive order “explicitly emphasized the importance of Jones Act shipping…. Do you support the Jones Act and are you committed to rigorous enforcement of the Jones Act?” Mayorkas replied, “I do and I am. And I want you to know that the President’s Buy American initiative is something that he is holding the entire administration to. We have strict protocols to which we must adhere and we do so quite proudly with respect to our contracting to make sure that we are indeed buying American…. I do believe in the Jones Act. I do support it. I know I have a waiver authority and we exercise that quite prudently in only cases of emergency….” The hearing concerned the Fiscal Year 2023 Department of Homeland Security Budget. The Jones Act is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. It helps sustain more than 650,000 American jobs while pumping billions of dollars into the U.S. economy each year. U.S. Rep. Andy Levin (D-Michigan), longtime union organizer and member of the House Education and Labor Committee and the House Labor Caucus, announced on May 10 that the U.S. House of Representatives adopted his resolution to grant congressional staff in the right to organize and bargain collectively, which was included in the rule for the Ukraine supplemental, by a vote of 217-202. The passage of the House resolution is the final step required to grant legal protection to most congressional House employees. The Senate must pass its own resolution in order for Senate employees to have the same protections. “After 26 years, the House has finally provided its workers the fundamental human right to form a union without fear of retaliation. As someone who has spent decades in the labor movement and devoted their life to protecting and enhancing workers’ rights, this moment stands out as a major highlight,” said Levin. “Congressional staff are joining a broader movement of workers in our society who are organizing, bargaining collectively and stepping up to make clear that they want more of a voice in their workplaces. I’m so proud that Congressional Democrats upheld our values of believing in the collective voice today. If there is any place in the country that needs to walk the walk and respect the will of workers, it is the U.S. Congress – the bedrock of democracy. We cannot stop fighting until every worker in the country can form a union without interference.” He added, “I want to thank deeply Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland), Whip James Clyburn (D-South Carolina) and Chairperson Zoe Logfren (D-California) for their partnership in this important effort and for their steadfast commitment to workers in the People’s House. Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude and admiration to the congressional staff who fought to make this moment possible, shared bravely their workplace experiences, good and bad, clearly illustrated their need for the protected right to organize and demonstrated the sheer power of worker solidarity.” Logfren stated, “One of the first votes I cast as a Member of the House – late on my very first day in that Congress – was to pass the Congressional Accountability Act. As someone who grew up in a union family, as a former congressional staffer, and as a longtime advocate of workers’ rights and protections, I was proud to cast that vote. However, Congress failed to follow through on an important part of the law that would provide legislative branch staff with the option to organize, if they choose. Today, I’m proud to cast my vote for Congress to follow through on that promise. I am thankful for the tireless advocacy on behalf of Congressional staff by my colleague Representative Levin, the members of the Congressional Workers Union for their courage, and Speaker Pelosi for her leadership as we act to support those who make our work on behalf of the American people possible.” House Staffers May Form a Union International Propeller Club Honors U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney At Event O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 6 DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas June 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut), a longtime advocate of the U.S. maritime industry, received the prestigious Salute to Congress award May 17 in Arlington, Virginia. The award is sponsored by the International Propeller Club. When announcing Courtney’s selection as this year’s honoree, International Propeller Club President C. James Patti said, “During his time in Congress, Chairman Courtney has been a forceful and outspoken advocate for all segments of the maritime industry. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in the enactment of numerous maritime legislative initiatives and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the programs and policies important to our industry are funded, implemented and enforced.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman attended the gathering. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 2 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �USA Maritime: Keep ‘Ship American’ Rules The coalition USA Maritime, to which the SIU is affiliated, has expressed strong opposition to a misguided attempt to turn over the transportation of U.S.-government financed cargoes to foreign-flag, foreigncrewed shipping interests. Such a move would, according to USA maritime, severely weaken the U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine, cost thousands of American maritime workers their jobs, and destroy the ability of the U.S.-flag industry to provide the commercial sealift readiness capability relied upon by the Department of Defense. Writing in response to a pair of concurrent resolutions introduced in the U.S. Senate, the coalition described the “ship American” components of cargo preference as “essential to the maintenance of our U.S.Flag Merchant Marine.” Further, USA Maritime called the resolutions unnecessary, because the law “already allows for the waiver of Ship American preferences if U.S.-flag vessels are not available at fair and reasonable rates. USAID cur- rently waives Ship American rules for 40% of its flagship Food for Peace program and awards 70% of such cargoes to foreign carriers.” The statement continued, “The resolutions are overbroad. They are not limited only to supplies for Ukraine but would waive Ship American rules everywhere. Resolution bined – accounts for only 8% of program costs. The premium for using U.S.-flag ships accounts for less than 1% of program costs.” The statement concluded, “Today’s environment of rising peer nation competition from Russia and China is not the time to give up our U.S.-flag shipping capacity or turn it over to foreign interests. We need to be “The premium for using U.S.-flag ships accounts for less than 1% of program costs.” – USA Maritime 37 would waive Ship American rules indefinitely; Resolution 38 would divert cargoes to foreign carriers for an arbitrary three-year period.” Significantly, the coalition also spelled out how the resolutions “dramatically overstate the cost of shipping American. All ocean shipping under the Food for Peace program – foreign-flag and U.S.-flag com- prepared to support our allies in Europe and elsewhere with American sealift ships and American mariners who have never failed to answer the call when needed by our nation.” According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, cargo preference “is the general term used to describe U.S. laws, regulations and policies that require the use of U.S.-flag vessels in the movement of cargo that is owned, procured, furnished, or financed by the U.S. Government. It also includes cargo that is being shipped under an agreement of the U.S. Government, or as part of a Government program.” Preference cargoes typically include military items, food aid, and shipments generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. There are corresponding percentage requirements that specify how much of the cargo must be moved on American bottoms, ranging anywhere from 50 to 100 percent. Cargo amounts themselves vary from year to year. For example, according to the Congressional Research Service, U.S. international food-assistance outlays fluctuated from Fiscal Years 2016 to 2020 based in part on demands that changed due to conflicts in Syria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. In the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020 and ending September 30, 2021, U.S.-flag ships delivered approximately 650,000 metric tons of food-aid cargoes around the globe. Rear Adm. Phillips Takes Leadership Reins At U.S. Maritime Administration the 6th Fleet Commander, Phillips was involved in the deployment of goods in support of the Pakistani earthquake relief efforts. Prior to her retirement, she was commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, which included 14 vessels and 10 subordinate commands – all part of the Amphibious Expeditionary Forces along the U.S. east coast. She earned a Master of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary in 2016. Ku’uhaku Park, president of the American Maritime Partnership (to which the SIU is affiliated), said Phillips’ confirmation comes “at a time when maintaining a strong American Maritime is even more critical than ever. We look forward to working with Admiral Phillips to ensure our nation has the shipbuilding, sealift capacity, and reliable movement of commerce that is essential to America’s security.” MARAD is self-described as the Department of Transportation agency “responsible for America’s waterborne transportation system…. At our core, we support the technical aspects of America’s maritime transportation infrastructure – things like ships and shipping, port and vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety. We promote the use of waterborne transportation, and ensure that its infrastructure integrates seamlessly with other methods of transportation. MARAD also maintains a fleet of cargo ships in reserve to provide surge sealift during war and national emergencies, and is responsible for disposing of ships in that fleet, as well as other non-combatant government ships as they become obsolete. “Beyond that, we work hard to maintain the overall health of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Commercial mariners, vessels, and intermodal facilities are vital for supporting national security, and so the agency provides support and information for current mariners, extensive support for educating future mariners, and programs to educate America’s Ann Phillips testifies at a Senate young people about the vital hearing in late December 2021. role of maritime operations in the lives of all Americans.” (Sipa USA/Alamy) Ann Phillips is the new head of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), following her confirmation by the Senate on May 10. Phillips retired as a rear admiral after serving nearly 31 years on active duty with the U.S. Navy. “We look forward to working with Admiral Phillips at the Maritime Administration,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “She has an accomplished record within the Navy and in Virginia. “We also thank Lucinda Lessley for her work as the acting administrator,” he added. Prior to being nominated by President Biden in October 2021, Phillips was the Special Assistant to the Virginia Governor for Coastal Adaptation and Protection. In that role, she coordinated with federal, state and local partners to create equitable strategies to deal with rising waters and climate impact to critical coastal infrastructure assets within the commonwealth. She received her commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps upon graduation from the University of North Carolina in 1983. She served aboard two vessels – the USS Cape Cod and the USS San Jose – during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She was the first commanding officer aboard the USS Mustin. As the executive assistant to June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 3 One day before the medal ceremony, personnel from the American Merchant Marine Veterans, their families and friends visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. World War II Merchant Mariners Honored With Congressional Gold Medal in D.C. The SIU on May 18 joined in celebrating long-overdue recognition for U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II as they received the Congressional Gold Medal in the Capitol Building. Ten members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) participated in the one-hour ceremony, which featured remarks from members of congress, the administration, and the military. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez represented the SIU at the event. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress. The veterans received the medal on behalf of the approximately 1,500 remaining mariners of World War II. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in wartime service. “The bravery demonstrated by the U.S. Merchant Mariners to keep Allied Forces supplied during World War II is second to none,” said AMMV President Dru DiMattia. “In the face of targeted attacks by German submarines and Uboats, the unarmed U.S. Merchant Mariners met the moment with resilience and courage, and serve as an inspiration for all of American maritime.” In 2020, Congress unanimously passed the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act thanks in part to the advocacy of U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska) along with organizations including the SIU. The bill was promptly signed into law, but the official award was delayed due to the global pandemic. “We gave up our yesterdays for your and their tomorrow,” stated former mariner Dave Yoho during the ceremony, which he called a “humble tribute to my fallen brothers.” Yoho served in the engine department, signing on as a 16-year-old. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (DCalifornia) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) led the congressional delegation to recognize the mariners. “We celebrate these patriots for doing their part to preserve liberty,” Pelosi told them. “They earned their rallying cry: ‘We deliver the goods,’” added McConnell. Garamendi and the late U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) pushed Congress for years to honor the World War II mariners with a gold medal. After saying it was “a great day, a happy day,” Garamendi declared, “Without you, the success of the World War II would not have happened.” House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (California) said the presentation was “long overdue.” He saluted the mariners: “Everything America asked them to do, they delivered.” U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) paid tribute by quoting President Franklin Roosevelt: “The merchant marine delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operation and across every ocean in the biggest, most difficult job ever undertaken.” Also taking part in the presentation were Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command; U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Scott Buschman; and U.S. Maritime Deputy Administrator Lucinda Lesley. The gold medal will be placed on display in the American Merchant Marine Museum at the Academy in Kings Point, New York. The World War mariners on hand received duplicates. They included Yoho, William Balabanow, Gerard Driscoll, James T. Lindsey, Charles A. Mills, George Offenhauser Sr., Bob Ross, James Sciple, Jack Laub and George Shaw. For information on ordering a replica of the medal, email Katrina McRae at katrina.mcrae@dot.gov. Seafarers LOG 3 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Penn Maritime Crews Approve 3-Year Pact SIU members employed by Penn Maritime recently ratified a three-year contract that features significant gains. The new agreement, approved in mid-April and covering approximately 250 Seafarers, calls for annual wage increases; boosts contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP); raises the food allowance; and provides medical coverage for all members through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). The latter point is noteworthy, according to members and union officials. Penn Maritime was acquired by Kirby Corporation in 2012. Since then, any new employees received medical coverage through a company plan. Typically, those mariners paid several thousand dollars apiece each year just for the premiums (whereas Penn Maritime members covered via the SHBP do not have to pay premiums). “Getting everybody back on the SHBP medical coverage was huge,” said Chief Mate John Harvard, who served on the union negotiating committee. “For guys that have families, it’s a really big help. It shows that the company has some commitment to the members; hopefully, we can keep building trust and mutual respect.” The SIU bargaining team included Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Assistant Vice President Mike Russo, Harvard, Lead Tankerman Michael Lyons and Chief Engineer Jeff Pictured from left are Lead Tankerman Michael Lyons, Chief Mate John Harvard, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Kirby Exec. VP of Vessel Operations Jim Guidry, SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo and Chief Engineer Jeff Rydza. Rydza. Negotiations took place in Houston. “This is a great example of a union and a company working together to hammer out a good agreement,” Russo said. “It’s something we can all be proud of. I think everybody walked away feeling good about this.” Harvard said the contract “exceeded my expectations. I think it was a good contract and we’re headed in the right direction. You don’t always walk away with everything you want, but we didn’t lose anything – just gained. Kudos to Dean, Joe and Mike for their work on the contract.” Soresi said, “The bargaining went well and we secured a good agreement. It certainly seems as if most the members are happy with the results.” Penn Maritime operates up to 15 tugboats and barges in the Gulf region, primarily moving asphalt along inland and coastal waterways. Seafarers Ratify New Contract At VanEnkevort Tug and Barge A new six-year agreement is in place for Seafarers employed at VanEnkevort Tug & Barge, Inc. (VTB). Members overwhelmingly ratified the pact through a combination of shipboard and remote voting in April. The contract took effect April 1 and lasts through March 2028. It calls for annual wage increases for the first three years and then a wage and benefit reopener in April 2025. The pact boosts company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP), maintains health benefits, and also preserves the Paul Hall Center benefit for training and upgrading. SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell and Port Agent Todd Brdak negotiated on behalf of the union. Nearly 50 Seafarers are employed by VTB. They work aboard four state-of-the-art articulated tug-barge units on the Great Lakes, primarily hauling taconite and stone. VTB was founded in 1967. Conveyorman Chris Heffernan said maintaining health care coverage and securing yearly wage increases for the first three years are the contract’s highlights. OS Joshua Childers said he values the boost to the SMPPP “and how every year, there will be pay raises. This was a good step forward, working towards what everybody wants.” Powell stated,“This agreement provides a robust wage package and various other enhancements for our members working for VTB. It is a fair and reasonable package both for the members and company, which is always the goal.” SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak (left in photo directly above) meets with Cook Mark Quinney, AB Jonathan Slanga, OS Darrin McMillan, OS Alphonso Davis and OS Joshua Childers aboard the Dirk VanEnkevort in Toledo, Ohio. Pictured from left aboard the Clyde VanEnkevort in Toledo, Ohio in photo at immediate right are SIU Patrolman Ryan Covert, Watchman Gerald Johnson, Conveyorman Chris Heffernan, OS Adam VonRiedel and AB/Delegate Anthony Cronk. The SIU-crewed Laura L. VanEnkevort is shown in the photo at top right. 4 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 4 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Biden Administration Mandates U.S. Materials for Infrastructure Projects The White House has issued new guidance, requiring that the materials purchased for projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) be produced domestically. The stated goal is to ensure that federal dollars spent on infrastructure projects support U.S. manufacturing and stimulate the domestic economy. As highlighted by this latest guidance, the bipartisan infrastructure package contained a requirement that, starting on May 14, “none of the funds” allocated to federal agencies for projects may be spent “unless all of the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in the project are produced in the United States.” “From day one, every action I’ve taken to rebuild our economy has been guided by one principle: Made in America,” President Joe Biden said in an April 14 speech in Greensboro, North Carolina. “It takes a federal government that doesn’t just give lip service to buying American but actually takes action.” “There are going to be additional opportunities for good jobs in the manufacturing sector,” said Celeste Drake, director of Made in America at the White House Office of Management and Budget. Biden said he looks to reduce reliance on foreign materials, create American jobs and ease supply chain concerns. United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway said in a statement, “President Joe Biden’s interim Build America, Buy America guidance will ensure that publicly funded infrastructure projects help to rebuild the nation’s manufacturing base, strengthen supply chains and support good-paying jobs for U.S. workers…. America’s workers stand ready not only to build new transportation systems, communications networks and other infrastructure through the IIJA, but to supply the raw materials, parts and components needed for all of those projects. These workers lead the world in responsible production practices, and they’ll deliver unparalleled quality, ensuring new roads, bridges and other improvements stand the test of time. The USW looks forward to working with President Biden and his administration to finalize the Build America, Buy America guidance and unlock the full power of the IIJA.” The guidance includes three conditions that must be met for the requirement to be waived: if the purchase “would be inconsistent with the public interest”; if the needed materials aren’t produced “in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory quality”; or if U.S. materials increase a project’s cost by more than 25%. President Biden speaks in mid-April in North Carolina, underscoring his commitment to maintaining U.S. jobs. (Image courtesy White House Twitter account) VP Emphasizes ‘Historic Commitment To Worker Organizing and Empowerment’ The Biden administration will continue working to be known not merely as pro-worker, but as the most pro-union administration in U.S. history. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered that message April 12 during a gathering at a Sheet Metal Workers facility in Philadelphia. Attendees included U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh; U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania); U.S. Rep. Mary Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania); U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Pennsylvania); Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D); Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney (D); and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, who traveled with the vice president. Harris described Shuler as a friend and “a fighter. She goes to work every day for the working people of our nation, and she is an essential partner to our administration.” The vice president’s speech was titled, “The Administration’s Historic Commitment to Worker Organizing and Empowerment.” She detailed many of the steps that demonstrate the commitment, including cross-country travel with Walsh for visits to “job sites and training facilities and union halls.” After mentioning Walsh’s long background in organized labor (including growing up in a union household), Harris said that although their respective histories differ, they have much in common. “My parents met while they were marching for civil rights,” Harris stated. “They taught me that people can make a difference and that when we use our collective voice, whether at a protest or a picket line, we can drive great change. And that belief in the power of solidarity has guided me, [Walsh], and all of us our entire lives. And it guides our administration. “President Joe Biden and I are determined to lead the most pro-union administration in America’s history,” she continued. “We know, each and every day in ways big and small, unions change lives. Unions negotiate better wages and safer working conditions for millions of workers around our country.” Harris also pointed out, “Even if you are not a member of a union, you (should) thank unions for every June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 5 benefit that you receive. Thank unions for the five-day workweek, for the weekend, for sick leave. We should all – anyone who works in America – know that you have benefited from the hard work, from the fight of the leaders in this movement. Our labor leaders, our unions train people to take on good jobs.” However, unions contribute more to society than just a skilled workforce, she said. The labor movement and the good jobs it helps create and maintain “provides community. It provides home. It provides a place that remembers that nobody should be made to fight alone. Vice President Kamala Harris tells a Philadelphia audience that the administration remains solidly committed to workers and the labor movement. (Photo by Bastiaan Slabbers) It is so fundamental in terms of the approach, which says that we all know we are stronger when we stand together. That is at the heart of the spirit behind this movement.” She continued, “Unions create stronger communities. They bring people together. And they, of course, protect workers from things like harassment and discrimination. They give workers a voice. Put simply, unions move our nation forward. And the American people know it. The American people know that when unions win, workers win, families win, communities win. When unions win, America wins, as evidenced by the fact that, today, unions have their highest approval rating since 1965.” Despite the favorable views of unions, it often remains an uphill climb to join one. The vice president said that’s because, in part, “powerful forces in our country have been hard at work building barriers to stop workers from organizing. We’ve got to then take it on with a powerful counterforce, which is why our administration is working even harder to tear those barriers down.” She discussed the work of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, which she and Walsh lead. “Last year, our task force proposed nearly 70 actions the executive branch of our government can take to protect and expand the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain,” Harris stated. “Our President, Joe Biden, accepted every single one.” Harris explained that the bipartisan infrastructure bill that recently became law “will put thousands of union workers, carpenters, and pipefitters, and plumbers, and, yes, sheet metal workers, to work across the country.” She concluded, “Every worker deserves a safe and a healthy workplace. Every worker deserves a job with good wages and fair benefits. Every worker in America deserves the choice to join a union. And the President and I will always stand with you to defend these sacred principles. Our administration will do everything in our power to ensure the workers of our nation can succeed and can thrive. Because when workers succeed and thrive, so does our nation.” Seafarers LOG 5 5/20/22 8:43 PM �AFL-CIO Posts Annual ‘Death on the Job’ Report The AFL-CIO on April 26 released its 31st annual report, “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect,” a national and state-bystate profile of worker safety and health. The report features information on workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses, as well as workplace safety inspections, penalties, funding, staffing and public employee coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act. It also includes information on the state of mine safety and health, and the state of worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a video press conference which highlighted the report’s release, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler outlined the findings of this year’s narrative and stressed the federation’s commitment to worker safety. She also expresses urgency in holding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Congress and employers everywhere accountable for stronger safety measures. Joining Shuler were AFL-CIO Safety and Health Director Rebecca Reindel; M.J. Burke, first executive vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees National VA Council; and Isaiah Thomas, an Amazon warehouse worker in Bessemer, Alabama. Among other disturbing findings, this year’s report reveals that in 2020: n 340 working people died every day because of hazardous working conditions. n More than 4,764 workers were killed on the job from injuries alone. n An estimated 120,000 workers died from occupational diseases. n The job fatality rate was 3.4 per 100,000 workers. n Latino and Black workers remain at greater risk of dying on the job than all workers. n Employers reported nearly 3.2 million work-related injuries and illnesses. n Musculoskeletal disorders continue to make up the largest portion (21%) of work-related injuries and illnesses. n Underreporting is widespread—the true toll of work-related injuries and illnesses is estimated at 5.4 million to 8.1 million each year. “That’s tens of thousands of families losing a parent, a child, a sibling, every single year,” said Shuler. “Latino and Black workers specifically remain at greater risk of dying on the job than all workers. That is, frankly, unacceptable.” Despite these disturbing findings, OSHA still does not have the resources needed to hold employers accountable and enact lasting change, the federation reported. “Workers need more job safety and health protections, not less,” the AFL-CIO said when announcing the report. “Last year, there were only 1,719 OSHA inspectors nationwide, 755 on the federal level and 965 on the state level. That’s just one inspector for every 81,427 workers. Federal OSHA’s budget amounts to $4.37 to protect each worker, with no federal standards for protections against workplace violence and COVID-19.” Reindel emphasized how the AFL-CIO is calling on both OSHA and MSHA to enact stronger job safety and health protections, for Congress to increase resources for job safety agencies, and for workers to have a real voice on safety and health in our workplaces without the fear of retaliation or intimidation. “Having regulations is important,” said Burke during the call. “COVID-19 and the pandemic disproportionately impact minorities and Latinos, as well as women who are about to give birth. It’s so important as we hear the voices of workers across America. I can tell you why I joined a union: It’s about the safety and security of each other.” “Amazon loves to brag about how they have a safe work environment, and if there are any issues, the workers can bring them up to management,” said Thomas. “However, we do not work in a safe work en- vironment, and every time we bring these issues up to management, we are not heard, which is why we’re fighting so hard for our union at Amazon.” The OSH Act went into effect some 51 years ago, promising every worker the right to a safe job. More than 647,000 workers now can say their lives have been saved since the passage of the OSH Act, the AFL-CIO reported. Since that time, workplace safety and health conditions have improved, the federation added. “But too many workers remain at serious risk of injury, illness or death as chemical plant explosions, major fires, construction collapses, infectious disease outbreaks, workplace assaults and other preventable workplace tragedies continue to occur,” the AFL-CIO stated. “Workplace hazards kill and disable approximately 125,000 workers each year – 4,764 from traumatic injuries, and an estimated 120,000 from occupational diseases. Job injury and illness numbers continue to be severe undercounts of the real problem. “Over the years, our progress has become more challenging as employers’ opposition to workers’ rights and protections has grown, and attacks on unions have intensified,” the federation continued. “Big Business and many conservative politicians have launched aggressive assaults on worker protections. They are attempting to shift employers’ responsibility to maintain a safe workplace to individual worker behavior, and undermine the core responsibilities of workplace safety agencies.” The federation also reported that the prior administration in Washington “rolled back progress, attacking longstanding workplace safety protections – targeting job safety rules on beryllium, mine safety examinations and injury reporting, and cutting agency budgets and staff – and attempted to dismantle the systems for future protections.” In the fall of 2019, OSHA began reducing the number of inspections involving significant cases and complex health hazards, a policy that is still in place today. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, OSHA was largely absent from workplaces where it has the authority and responsibility to enforce workplace safety laws, according to the federation. While the number of inspectors and inspections have improved in FY 2021, “there is much more progress to be made to meet or exceed prepandemic levels,” the AFL-CIO noted. “The COVID-19 pandemic also brought to light the weaknesses in federal oversight of state OSHA plans. Congress continues to fund job safety at stagnant levels, allowing an OSHA budget that still only amounts to $4.37 to protect each worker covered by the OSH Act.” The federation concluded, “While progress is slow, the Biden administration has taken important steps to protect workers, prioritizing worker protections on its regulatory agenda, taking steps on targeted enforcement efforts on urgent hazards, and filling staff and leadership vacancies. It also launched broad efforts on worker empowerment and targeting workplace inequities. President Joe Biden has appointed and nominated strong candidates focused on worker protection to lead job safety and health agencies and labor agencies. Immediately upon taking office, he appointed a longtime United Steelworkers (USW) safety and health leader, James Frederick, as acting assistant secretary for occupational safety and health. In April 2021, the Senate confirmed Marty Walsh, the Boston mayor from the construction trades unions, as secretary of labor. In April 2021, Biden nominated Doug Parker to be assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health – the head of OSHA – and he was confirmed Oct. 25, 2021.” The “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect” report may be viewed in its entirety at aflcio.org/reports/death-job-tollneglect-2022 The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) in late April announced the availability of an additional $14.8 million in funding, for a total of $39.8 million, for the America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP). In March, MARAD announced the availability of nearly $25 million in grant funding for the AMHP through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The FY 2022 Appropriations Act made an additional $14.8 million available for the AMHP. According to the agency, “The America’s Marine Highway Program supports the increased use of the nation’s navigable waterways to relieve landside congestion, provide new and efficient transportation options, and increase the productivity of the surface transportation system. By working closely with public and private organizations, the AMHP helps create and sustain American jobs in U.S. ports, on vessels, and at shipyards, while also improving our supply chains.” “Under the president’s leadership, we are making a once-in-a-generation investment in our ports and intermodal infrastructure to move goods faster, strengthen supply chain resiliency, and reduce the climate impacts of port operations,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. In announcing the additional funding, MARAD also reported, “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aims to rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails; upgrade and expand public transit; modernize the nation’s ports and airports; improve safety; help tackle the climate crisis; advance environmental justice; and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. It will drive the creation of good-paying jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably to help everyone get ahead for decades to come.” Coast Guard Foundation Marine Highway Program $14.8 Million Boost Recognizes Seabulk CEO Gets Raises Available Grant Funding to nearly $40 Million A top executive from an SIU-contracted company recently received accolades from the U.S. Coast Guard. On April 22, the Coast Guard Federation conducted its 26th Tribute to the United States Coast Guard Seventh District, which honors personnel from the agency and members of the general maritime community who have contributed to the success of the Coast Guard’s mission. Daniel Thorogood, president and CEO of Seabulk (left), is pictured with Crowley Chief Operating Officer Ray Fitzgerald. (Photo courtesy Coast Guard Foundation) 6 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 6 The night’s main honoree was Daniel Thorogood, president and CEO of Seabulk, for his support of the men and women of the Coast Guard throughout his career, which spans more than 30 years. In attendance from the SIU were Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President of Contracts and Contract Enforcement George Tricker, Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins, and Seafarers Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen. During his remarks, Thorogood told a story about how Coast Guard-operated landing craft supported U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theater of World War II, ultimately leading to the release of his grandparents, who had been taken captive by Japanese forces from a diplomatic posting. Keynote speaker Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz thanked the foundation and those in attendance for their support, and was met with a standing ovation. Schultz was set to retire from the Coast Guard in June after 39 years of service. Also recognized were Coast Guard and industry efforts to safely evacuate 250,000 cruise ship passengers at the start of the pandemic, as well as the work of a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater that rescued four people after extreme weather capsized their vessel 30 miles west of Cedar Key in June 2021. June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Former Transportation Sec. Mineta Passes Away at 90 Partnership to Boost Diversity The SIU is proud to partner with the Louisiana-based “Open Waters” project, which aims to attract people to employment opportunities in the domestic maritime industry – and in particular, works to increase diversity within the industry. SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (second from left) is pictured at a recent meeting with other Open Waters personnel. From left are Captain Michael Bopp, president, Crescent River Port Pilots Association; Westbrook; Captain Roy Vance of the Crescent River Port Pilots Association; Captain Louis Wattigney, Jr., vice president, New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association; and Captain Lee Jackson of the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association. For more info about Open Waters, visit: https://openwaterslouisiana.com/ The SIU joins the rest of the nation in mourning the passing of Norman Y. Mineta, who died May 3 at the age of 90. Mineta, serving as U.S. Secretary of Transportation during the George W. Bush administration, addressed SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department Executive Board meetings in 2004, 2005 and 2006. “Secretary Mineta was someone our industry could count on,” recalled SIU President Michael Sacco. “He always stood with us while serving in the Cabinet and the Congress.” The California native served 20 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented San Jose and nearby California cities. He rose to chair the House Transportation Committee before leaving Congress in 1995. In 2000, President Clinton nominated him to be Commerce Secretary. Upon confirmation, he became the first Asian-American to serve in the Cabinet. In 2001, President Bush asked Mineta to stay in the Cabinet as the Transportation Secretary. He held the post into 2006. Mineta never forgot being uprooted as a 10-year-old from his California home to spend 18 months with his family in a Wyoming internment camp created immediately after Japan attacked Secretary Mineta addresses a 2005 Maritime Trades Department meeting. Pearl Harbor in December 1941 to bring the United States into World War II. He championed civil liberties and worked hard to gain an official apology for those Japanese Americans from the federal government, which happened in 1988. Spotlight on Mariner Health Strokes: Know the Signs, Take Preventive Steps Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke every year. During the past few years, strokes were the second-leading cause of mortality around the world, accounting for 11% of all deaths. There are three main types of strokes. The first (and most common) accounts for approximately 87 percent of all cases. This is the ischemic stroke. It happens when blood flow through the arteries in the brain become blocked and there is a decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients to the area below the blockage. The second type of stroke is the hemorrhagic stroke. This is caused by a rupture in an artery in the brain, which in turn causes damage to surrounding tissues. The third type is the transient ischemic attack, abbreviated as TIA. It is sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” This happens when blood flow in an artery is temporarily blocked, usually for no longer than a few minutes. Common risk factors for strokes include untreated hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. Trauma to the head or neck, and cardiac arrhythmias are June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 7 also sometimes responsible. Many risk factors can be modified through lifestyle changes. For instance, exercising regularly and adopting a healthful diet can decrease chances of having a stroke. Managing diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, limiting alcohol intake, and losing weight also may help. It may be useful to be aware of stroke symptoms. For example, the face may droop to one side, and/or a person’s smile may be uneven. The face may become numb. Other symptoms can include arm weakness, slurred speech, confusion, dizziness, and headache. Strokes can occur at any age but are most common in people ages 55 and older. Getting prompt medical treatment is imperative to decrease the damage done by a blocked artery. Treatment may include blood thinners (to dissolve a clot) and other medications. According to the Mayo Clinic, “A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications…. Effective treatments can also help prevent disability from stroke.” The CDC reported that stroke-related costs in the United States “came to nearly $53 billion between 2017 and 2018. This total includes the cost of health care services, medicines to treat stroke, and missed days of work.” Healthy Recipe Baked Salmon w/Everything Bagel Seasoning Servings: 24 Ingredients 9 pounds salmon fillet, cut into 5oz. portions 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons poppy seeds 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds 2 teaspoons dried garlic, minced 1 tablespoon dried onion, minced 1 tablespoon sea salt Preparation Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, combine dehydrated garlic, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, caraway seeds and fennel seeds and stir to combine. Generously sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper and press skinless side into the “everything” seasoning mixture to coat. Heat oil in a large oven-safe heavy pan over medium-high heat. Flip. Add salmon seed-side down and sear 3-4 minutes. Flip salmon. Transfer pan with everything salmon into oven and cook 6-8 minutes, until fish is fully cooked. Serve hot, Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 214 Calories; 7g Fat (32.8% calories from fat); 34g Protein: Trace Carbohydrate; Trace Dietary Fiber; 89mg Cholesterol; 349mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 5 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship Seafarers LOG 7 5/20/22 8:11 PM �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. The Plan will now accept money orders as payment for the COBRA premium. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www. seafarers.org, under “Benefits-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at 800252-4674. Annual Funding Notice Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities Funded Percentage 2021 2020 January 1, 2021 January 1, 2020 151.6% 145.9% $1,926,792,688 $1,760,929,899 $1,270,798,767 $1,207,119,802 2019 January 1, 2019 131.9% $1,547,219,772 $1,172,841,327 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2021 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. December 31, 2021 Fair Market Value of Assets $2,130,000,000 December 31, 2020 $1,926,792,688 December 31, 2019 $1,760,929,899 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2022, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,197. Of this number, 7,312 were current employees, 6,785 were retired and receiving benefits, and 5,100 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment objectives Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents Real Estate Target 50% 40% 10% Range 40% - 60% 30% - 50% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. 8 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 8 The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 0 2. U.S. Government securities 9 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 11 b. All other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 0 b. Common 26 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 5 6 Real estate (other than employer real property) 1 7. Loans (other than to participants) 0 8. Participant loans 0 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 35 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 0 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 0 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 0 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 13 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 0 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 0 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 0 17. Other 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at (301) 899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling (202) 693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC 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 notice of its status 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, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. 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 $600, 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 ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 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). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee 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. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746; (301) 8990675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2022 5/23/22 4:16 PM �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 941431246, for the year ended July 31, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Supplemental vacation pay 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 $2,150,712 as of July 31, 2021, compared to $1,683,441 as of August 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $467,271. 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 total income of $15,001,476, including employer contributions of $14,992,140, realized losses of $10,980 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $17,510 and other income of $2,806. Plan expenses were $14,534,205. These expenses included $400,876 in administrative expenses and $14,133,329 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% 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., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, telephone number (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and 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, California 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 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, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Medical exam benefits paid 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 $83,495 as of June 30, 2021 compared to $45,678 as of July 1, 2020. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $37,817. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $700,148, including employer contributions of $695,826, earnings from investments of $42 and other income of $4,280. Plan expenses were $662,331. These expenses included $238,822 in administrative expenses and $423,509 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 SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.50 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 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, No. 400, San Francisco, CA 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Annual Funding Notice MCS Supplementary Pension Fund Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 (“Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2021 January 1, 2021 310.30% $6,449,649 $2,078,497 2020 January 1, 2020 302.33% $6,405,877 $2,118,801 2019 January 1, 2019 314.91% $6,561,949 $2,083,726 Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2021 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 $6,990,835 $6,801,674 December 31, 2019 $6,700,794 Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 708. Of this number, 305 were current employees, 274 were retired and receiving benefits, and 129 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 9 Percentage 0 8 9 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 8 50 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, (301) 899-0675. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2022, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC 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 notice of its status 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, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single- employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. 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 $600, 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 ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 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). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee 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. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret Bowen 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 301-899-0675. Seafarers LOG 9 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Important News Notices, Maritime Notes for All Seafarers Renewing Tanker Asst. Endorsements: What Seafarers Should Know In an effort to assist in combatting the delays at the National Maritime Center (NMC) for renewing Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC), the Vocational Office of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has identified a frequent issue that causes applications to be delayed. If a mariner is renewing their MMC and holds endorsement(s) for Tanker Assistant DL and/or Tanker Assistant LG, they must meet the sea service requirement for renewal. To do this, one must show proof of 90 days of seatime, on a DL or LG tanker, within the past five years, to maintain the endorsement, OR a new course completion certificate. If the mariner does not have either the qualifying seatime or the course certificate, they must request in writing to renew without the Tanker Assistant DL and/or Tanker Assistant LG endorsements. This can be done by writing a statement on the USCG CG-719B MMC application form under Section II, in the “Description of Endorsement(s) Desired” box, or by attaching a separate written statement requesting to renew the MMC without Tanker Assistant DL and/or Tanker Assistant LG along with any international tanker endorsements. If the mariner does not provide this information, the renewal application will be delayed and an “Awaiting Information” letter will be mailed requesting it. The mariner then will need to provide the necessary information in the allotted time, as the application will not move through processing until it has been received. For more information, visit: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/ Coast Guard: Shipboard Mask Mandate No Longer in Effect Following a court ruling in mid-April, the U.S. Coast Guard announced the elimination of shipboard mask mandates for U.S.-flag vessels (and for some other modes of transportation). The agency on April 19 posted an update to its “Marine Safety Information Bulletin: COVID-19 Safety Requirements in the Maritime Transportation System.” In part, that update reads, “On April 18, 2022, the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, vacated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandate for mask wear in airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs as well as on airplanes, buses, trains, and most other public conveyances in the United States, including vessels. Per this ruling, the CDC has declared that the mandate is no longer in effect. Federal agencies are reviewing the court’s decision. In the interim the Coast Guard will not enforce the directives requiring mask use on public transportation and in transportation hubs. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.” The complete update and several related links are available in an April 20 news post Postdating of Merchant Mariner Credentials The recently published rule titled “Implementation of the Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, and Changes to National Endorsements” (78 FR 77796) authorizes the Coast Guard to postdate a Merchant Mariner Credential 10 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 10 Notice to Seafarers About ROS Seatime The union has learned that the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) is denying mariners who have submitted ROS time for renewal of Basic Training (BT). For the purpose of the recency requirement, ROS seatime counts day for day for renewal of BT, Advance Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Craft (PSC), and Fast Rescue Boat (FRB). If you have received a denial letter for this issue, you should immediately email iasknmc@uscg.mil with the subject line “elevate to supervisor” and request reconsideration of ROS seatime not being counted day for day. Both the union and our affiliated school in Piney Point are in contact with NMC personnel regarding this situation. New Service Offers Convenient Method to Show Vaccination Status The SIU has partnered with WellCheck to bring members a new way of keeping proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the ready, on mobile devices. By using the WellCheck app, SIU members can upload their vaccine cards using their smartphone, where the information listed will be verified by state medical databases. Once verified, the information can be stored digitally on the member’s mobile device, as well as uploaded to their online SIU member portal (the latter will happen automatically). Once a member’s vaccine records are verified by the state medical database, their proof of vaccination through the WellCheck app can be used at both foreign ports of entry as well as various events and gatherings which require a verified record. All members are strongly encouraged to upload their vaccine cards through the WellCheck app, even if they have previously submitted their information. Additionally, when a member receives a COVID-19 booster shot, they are encouraged to upload their updated vaccine card through WellCheck. Members can also save their verified vaccine information to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on their mobile devices, to ensure they have ready access even if they lose internet connectivity. This is an added service being provided to the membership at no cost, and is not mandatory. To get started, see the May 17 post on the SIU website or visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdz48avh Seafarers Are Encouraged To Renew Documents Early Editor’s note: Due to the turnaround times for merchant mariner credential (MMC) renewals, Seafarers are encouraged to start the process up to eight months before their respective documents expire. Starting the process early will not shorten the “life” of the original document. This is due to a postdating option that the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center began offering in 2014. Parts of the original notice (which is still in effect) explaining the postdating procedures and related benefits follow. on the SIU website. The agency further pointed out, “Questions concerning this notice may be forwarded to Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, at wearamask@uscg.mil.” Previously, the Coast Guard reported, “The CDC mask order applies to all persons traveling on commercial maritime conveyances into, within, or out of the United States and to all persons at U.S. seaports. The term commercial maritime conveyance means all forms of commercial maritime vessels, including but not limited to cargo ships, fishing vessels, research vessels, selfpropelled barges, and all forms of passenger carrying vessels including ferries, river cruise ships, and those chartered for fishing trips, unless otherwise exempted.” (MMC) up to 8 months…. The implementation plan for postdating MMCs and the impact on the current delayed issuance process are listed below. Postdating: n Postdating of an MMC is defined as placing an issue date on the MMC that is in the future. n Postdating of MMCs will only apply to applications for renewal of a credential where no other credential activity is requested or results from the transaction. n Except upon receipt of written request documenting the need for immediate issuance, the National Maritime Center (NMC) will automatically postdate credentials with the appropriate future date. n The issue date of the MMC will be the day following the date of expiration of the current MMC, but no more than 8 months in the future. The expiration date and period of validity of the credential will be 5 years from This is the first screen that will greet Seafarers when signing up with WellCheck. the date of issuance. n If the expiration date of the mariner’s current credential is beyond 8 months from the date that the Coast Guard accepts a complete application, the new credential issue date will be 8 months from the date of application acceptance, at which time the current active credential will become invalid. n Any transactions initiated after a postdated MMC has been approved and mailed will result in endorsement labels being printed and mailed for both the mariner’s active MMC and the postdated MMC. Mariners must ensure that the endorsement labels are properly placed in the appropriate MMC. n The new credential will not be valid until the issue date listed on the new MMC. Mariners must continue to carry their current credential until that date. n In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), mariners are required to return expired or otherwise invalid credentials to the NMC. When the current credential expires, it should be mailed to the NMC. n It is the responsibility of the mariner to maintain control of the postdated credential. If a credential is lost, mariners must follow the procedures to apply for a duplicate, found in 46 CFR Part 10.231. Mariners and other providers should contact the Customer Service Center at IASKNMC@uscg.mil or 1-888IASKNMC (427-5662) with any questions or feedback. This code will open the NMC landing page for credential applications and renewals. Scroll down and look for the “Renewal” tab. For desktop access, go to https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_ mariner_credential/ The “Renewal” tab on the desktop version is on the right side, approximately halfway down the landing page. June 2022 5/23/22 3:37 PM �MEETING WITH PRO-WORKER CANDIDATE – SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (right) and Patrolman Adam Bucalo (left) chat with Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried during a labor-sponsored “meet and greet” at an IBEW hall. Fried is running for governor of Florida. FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – OSM Carlos Velasquez (left) receives his full B-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL – Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman (photo at immediate left) and AB Desmond Unutoa (directly above) display mahi-mahi they caught in Hawaii, while AB John Escobar (photo at far left) puts the finishing touches on his new artwork aboard the SubCom vessel. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – In-person career fairs are becoming more common as COVID-19 restrictions ease throughout much of the nation. In photo at right, SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson (right) and Patrolman James Bast man the SIU table at a recruiting event in Brooklyn, New York. In the photo above, SIU Houston Patrolmen Kelly Krick (right) and Clay Casteel (second from right) chat with students at a “Career Day” event hosted by Aransas Pass High School. June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 11 Seafarers LOG 11 5/20/22 8:11 PM �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WITH CIVMARS ON WEST COAST – SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo and SIU Government Services Division Representative Jesse Ruth recently met with federal mariners in San Diego. They also helped conduct habitability inspections on two new builds at General Dynamics NASSCO, a union shipyard. The photo at left was taken at NASSCO; Vincenzo is second from right, while Ruth is at left. The other two individuals are from the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The large group photo below was taken aboard the USNS Miguel Keith, while the remaining shapshot above includes new and longtime CIVMARS waiting at a local hotel for vessel assignments. ABOARD ARC COMMITMENT – Many thanks to Bosun Anthony Newbill (below left) for these recent photos from one of the newer additions to the SIU-crewed fleet. “It’s a very nice and clean ship with an around-the-world trip,” the bosun noted. “The crew aboard the vessel has seemed very happy with the size of the rooms and the Wi-Fi.” The Commitment is operated by TOTE Services for American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier. Oiler Seth Schrader Oiler John Albritton 12 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 12 AB Yassid Lalin Steward/Baker Reshawn Solomon SA Samone Alston, Chief Cook Ricardo Petilo June 2022 5/23/22 4:16 PM �NEW DUTIES IN OAKLAND – SIU Patrolman Antjuan Webb (left), who sailed as a recertified bosun, shipped out his first member in early April: Recertified Steward Robert Bostick. REMEMBERING BROTHER BROYLES – Aboard Matson’s Mahimahi, vessel master Capt. Leonard Lambert (left) presents SIU Patrolman Antjuan Webb with the paperwork and flag from Recertified Steward Greg Broyles’ burial at sea. (The paperwork is illegible in the photo only because of lighting.) Brother Broyles shipped out of Oakland and sailed with the SIU since 1989. He passed away in December, at age 58, after a courageous battle with cancer. His last ship was the Mahimahi. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU CONNECTING IN ATLANTIC – The SIU-crewed tanker Maersk Peary (right) and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (left), whose crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division, meet April 21 in the Atlantic Ocean. According to the U.S. Navy, they conducted “the first two-station consolidated cargo replenishment at sea (CONSOL). CONSOL capability is when a specially outfitted commercial tanker charted by Military Sealift Command conducts underway refueling operations, transferring cargo to a fleet oiler at sea.” (U.S. Navy photo by 2nd Mate Daniel Hall) WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Recertified Bosun Gregory Agren (left) is pictured at the hiring hall as he receives his first pension check (SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right). Agren started sailing with the SIU in 1987. June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 13 FIRST TRIP COMPLETE – SA Maximo Bencosme (right) is pictured at the San Juan hall with his wife, Vivian, after completing his first voyage as a Seafarer (aboard the Crowley-operated USNS Able). WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY CITY – QMED James Sieger (left), who began sailing with the SIU in 1973, displays his first pension check at the hiring hall hall. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right. SPRUCING UP HOUSTON HALL – Bosun Sergio Gonzalez volunteers some time and elbow grease in early April in the Lone Star State. Seafarers LOG 13 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Everyday savings just for you Looking for new ways to save? Union Plus makes everyday life more affordable with wireless savings, cash back shopping, discounts at restaurants and on movie tickets and live events, and much more. Wireless Savings Cash Back Shopping Restaurant Discounts Movie Tickets & Live Events Exclusive discounts for union families See more at unionplus.org 6/22 14 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 14 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �State Dept. Offers Passport Reminder Editor’s note: The U.S. Department of State issued this notice earlier in the year. It’s also available on the SIU website. Updated Notice to Mariners With International Voyages Effective February 18, 2022 To better serve mariners during this time we are updating our temporary provisions for passport renewals. These provisions are subject to change once operations are on a more normal footing. Qualifications n Be a credentialed merchant mariner; n Be eligible to apply on a DS-82 application for passport renewal. (Check eligibility at https://travel. state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/ have-passport/renew.html); and n Have a current passport that is expired or expiring in 7 months or less. Application and Mailing Instructions Applicants must submit the following: n DS-82 application completed, signed, and dated. Please use the online form filler tool to fill out and print your form: https://pptform.state.gov. This tool produces a barcode to help us process your application faster; n Passport photograph taken within the past six months; n Current passport; n Copy of Merchant Mariner Credential (MCC), front and back. n A check or money order in the amount of $208.32 made payable to U.S. Department of State if applying for a passport book only. If applying for both the passport book and card, the total fee is $238.32. This amount includes the passport fee, expedite fee, and 1-2 day delivery fee (for information regarding passport fees, please visit travel.state.gov). n Letter from supervisor on company letterhead or your U.S. mariner’s union. The supervisor letter should include the following details: n Applicant’s full name; n Printed name and title of applicant’s supervisor or mariners’ union representative; n Supervisor’s or union representative’s signature; and n Date the letter was issued. Applications must be sent by traceable overnight delivery service to: El Paso Passport Agency (PPT/ EP) 44132 Mercure Circile, PO Box 1073, Sterling, VA 20166-1073. Attn: Mariner Program Service Expectations Completed passports will be mailed using a 1-2 day delivery ser- vice. Please be sure the application includes a physical U.S. mailing address and not a P.O. Box. Every effort will be made to process the passport application in about one week of receipt. For instance, applications received on Monday may be completed and sent out by Friday of the same week. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 12 - May 13. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 13. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C Requesting a Second Passport Mariners may wish to apply for a second limited validity passport (4 years). Second passports provide greater flexibility, particularly if mariners need to apply for visas when traveling domestically and overseas. For more information, please see: travel. state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/ have-passport/second-passport-book. html. Following are the two options for applying for a second passport. Option 1: Requesting a Second Passport when Renewing a Passport To apply for a second passport, applicants must also include: n A second DS-82 application (with photograph) completed, signed, and dated; n Signed statement describing the need for a second passport. (This is required in addition to the company letter authorizing use of these special procedures); and n Include payment for both applications in a single check totaling $416.64 ($208.32 per application). Option 2: Requesting a Second Passport without Submitting a Current Valid Passport If mariners need to use their current (10-year) passport while applying for their second passport, they can apply at a passport acceptance facility using a DS-11 form. They can expect to receive the second passport within the expedited timeframe posted at travel.state.gov. To apply at a passport acceptance facility, applicants need: n Completed (not signed) DS-11 application; n Passport photograph; n Photocopy of their 10-year passport data page; n Signed statement of need for a second passport as outlined on our website; n Payment of $208.32 to the U.S. Department of State, which includes $60 for expedite service and the additional $18.32 for 1-2-day return delivery; and n Additional payment of $35 to the passport acceptance facility to execute the application. To locate the nearest passport acceptance facility, see iafdb.travel.state. gov. June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point..............................Monday: June 6, *Tuesday : July 5 Algonac...........................................Friday: June 10, July 8 Baltimore..........................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Guam...............................................Thursday: June 23, July 21 Honolulu................................................Friday: June 17, July 15 Houston..............................................Monday: June 13, July 11 Jacksonville.......................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Joliet..............................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Mobile...........................................Wednesday: June 15, July 13 New Orleans.........................................Tuesday: June 14, July 12 Jersey City............................................Tuesday: June 7, July 5 Norfolk..................................................Friday: June 10, July 8 Oakland..............................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Philadelphia....................................Wednesday: June 8 , July 6 Port Everglades.................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 San Juan..............................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 St. Louis...................................................Friday: June 17, July 15 Tacoma..................................................Friday: June 24, July 22 Wilmington......................... *Tuesday : June 21, Monday: July 18 * Piney Point change in July due to Independence Day observance * Wilmington change in June due to Juneteenth observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 15 Seafarers LOG 15 5/23/22 3:37 PM �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer 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 Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 This month’s question was answered by Seafarers who recently served on the annual financial committee. Question: Why did you enter this industry and why have you stuck with it? Richard Toth Chief Steward I got into this industry after being in the restaurant business, back in the mid-1990s. I shipped for seven or eight years and then got back into the restaurant business – went through three or four restaurants, owning, running, consulting. Then I decided the place for me is back at sea, with this wonderful union we have. Gerard Costello Recertified Bosun I basically wanted to be a free man and control my own life. I saw the opportunity when I was very young – other men that did this – and I followed them. It’s been 38 years now. Riley Donahue QMED I always liked travel, and you get plenty of that in this industry. You can make good money, too. It’s just a good lifestyle for me. Cayetano Toledo Chief Steward You can travel around the world for free, and at the same time, you get paid. I’ve been doing this for 26 years and I love it. A number of my family members also are in the SIU. Marilou Toledo Chief Cook You have a chance to travel all over the world, and it’s a goodpaying job. This career has helped me and my family a lot. Exxl Ronquillo Recertified Steward This was the best opportunity for me and my family. You can travel around the world. I’ve always appreciated the SIU since I joined in 1989. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 16 Steward-department Seafarers are pictured aboard the Long Lines in October 1981 in Newark, New Jersey, where the cable ship was prepping for its next job. Overall, the galley gang included 22 people – part of a crew of 120 that was almost evenly split between licensed and unlicensed personnel. Few steward-department names are available in the original captions that accompanied this and other photos from the AT&T ship, but, Chief Cook Ralph Trotman is in front, second from right; Saloon Messman Terrence McArdle is seated at far left in the second row; Saloon Messman Pierre Bailey is seated at far right in the second row; and Third Cook Clarence Lacey is standing second from right in the back row. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA MOHAMED ALI Brother Mohamed Ali, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1993. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in all three departments. Brother Ali upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the USNS Red Cloud and lives in Oakland, California. FELICISIMO BALORAN Brother Felicisimo Baloran, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1999, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He shipped in the steward department, most recently aboard the Maunalei. Brother Baloran is a Honolulu resident. RICHARD BARNHART Brother Richard Barnhart, 62, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990 when he sailed on the Flickertail State. He upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school and shipped in the deck department. Brother Barnhart’s final vessel was the Horizon Enterprise. He resides in Murrieta, California. KERMIT BENGTSON Brother Kermit Bengtson, 67, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1999. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bengtson’s first vessel was the Long Lines; his last, the Comet. He lives in Wells, Nevada. RAMON DURAN Brother Ramon Duran, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1992, initially sailing on the Independence. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1997. Brother Duran last shipped on the Horizon June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 17 Pacific and makes his home in Stockton, California. CARLITO EPISIOCO Brother Carlito Episioco, 65, signed on with the union in 1988, initially shipping with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Episioco last shipped aboard the APL Thailand. He is a Las Vegas resident. REGINALD GREEN Brother Reginald Green, 65, started sailing with the union in 1978 when he worked for Southern Ohio Towing. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1985. Brother Green’s final vessel was the Ambassador. He lives in Tampa, Florida. JAIME GUERRERO partment. Sister Rogers upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. She most recently sailed aboard the Ohio and calls Clarksville, Tennessee, home. Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Currence remained with the same company for his entire career. He resides in Gulf Breeze, Florida. JOHN SCHAFER JOHN FIGGINS Brother John Schafer, 57, donned the SIU colors in 1993 when he shipped on the Gemini. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Schafer’s final vessel was the Indiana Harbor. He lives in Blackduck, Minnesota. Brother John Figgins, 64, signed on with the union in 2007, initially sailing aboard the Adam E. Cornelius. Brother Figgins was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and settled in Montpelier, Ohio. JOSEPHUS WILLIS Brother Josephus Willis, 61, began sailing with the union in 1999. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Willis’ first vessel was the USNS Pollux; his last, the Cape Race. He makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. GREAT LAKES STEVEN MCDONALD Brother Jaime Guerrero, 66, joined the union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Fredericksburg. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Guerrero most recently shipped on the Maersk Detroit and resides in Selma, North Carolina. Brother Steven McDonald, 62, joined the union in 1993 and first sailed with Upper Lakes Barge Lines. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school in 1995. Brother McDonald remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He resides in Escanaba, Michigan. PERRY McCALL JUAN SANCHEZ Brother Perry McCall, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1982 when he sailed on the Cove Leader. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother McCall concluded his career on the Cape Orlando and settled in Modesto, California. Brother Juan Sanchez, 65, started sailing with the union in 1974, initially shipping on the J.T. Hutchinson. A deck department member, Brother Sanchez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He concluded his career working with Great Lakes Towing and lives in Cape Coral, Florida. SHIRLEY ROGERS Sister Shirley Rogers, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2016. She initially sailed aboard the Edward A. Carter, Jr. and worked in the steward de- INLAND STEVEN CURRENCE Brother Steven Currence, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989 when he shipped with Moran Towing of Texas. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney RUSSELL FURTNEY Brother Russell Furtney, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2013. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Furtney worked with Foss Maritime for the duration of his career. He lives in Seattle. THOMAS MERCER Brother Thomas Mercer, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1996. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mercer was employed by Allied Transportation for his entire career. He resides in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. JOSE GONZALEZ-MORALES ANTHONY RINKUS Brother Anthony Rinkus, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1990 and first shipped aboard the George Washington. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001 and worked for Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. Brother Rinkus resides in Chalmette, Louisiana. STEPHEN THALHEIMER Brother Stephen Thalheimer, 62, signed on with the union in 1992. A deck department member, he was employed by Moran Towing of Maryland for his entire career. Brother Thalheimer settled in Dover, Delaware. ROBERT VAN BLUNK Brother Robert Van Blunk, 63, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed with Mariner Towing. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school within a year after joining the union. Brother Van Blunk was last employed by McAllister Towing and is a Philadelphia resident. JAMES WILKISON Brother James Wilkison, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2004. He sailed in the deck department and worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Wilkison resides in Houston. NMU Brother Jose Gonzalez-Morales, 66, signed on with the union in 1976 when he worked with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Gonzalez-Morales continued working for the same company for the duration of his career. He makes his home in Miami. MIECZYSLAW PEKALSKI DANIEL MORRIS Sister Raymona Pohlman, 65, became a member of the SIU in 2001. She sailed with the NMU prior to the SIU/ NMU merger. Sister Pohlman was a member of the steward department and concluded her career on the Chelsea. She makes her home in Arcade, New York. Brother Daniel Morris, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1986. A deck department member, he was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation for most of his career. Brother Morris is a resident of Laurel Fork, Virginia. Brother Mieczyslaw Pekalski, 65, donned the SIU colors during the 2001 SIU/NMU Merger. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother Pekalski last sailed aboard the Energy Enterprise. He resides in Poland. RAYMONA POHLMAN Seafarers LOG 17 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Final Departures DEEP SEA NGOC ALLEN Pensioner Ngoc Allen, 70, passed away February 15. She joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988 and first shipped on the Bonnyman. Sister Allen sailed in the steward department and concluded her career aboard the Ocean Atlas. She became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Robertsdale, Alabama. EDWARD CAIN Pensioner Edward Cain, 81, died April 19. He donned the SIU colors in 1960 when he sailed aboard the Sampan Hitch. Brother Cain was a deck department member and last shipped on the Independence. He retired in 2002 and resided in Grand Bay, Alabama. DOYLE ELLETTE Pensioner Doyle Ellette, 75, passed away April 4. He signed on with the SIU in 1969, initially sailing aboard the Eagle Traveler. Brother Ellette was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Constellation before going on pension in 2011. Brother Ellette lived in Irvington, Alabama. REUBEN FIFE Pensioner Reuben Fife, 74, died March 7. A deck department member, he started sailing with the union in 1987. Brother Fife’s first vessel was the USNS Silas Bent; his last, the Intrepid. He became a pensioner in 2015 and settled in Thailand. JERRY GONZAGA Pensioner Jerry Gonzaga, 70, passed away March 31. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1989. The deck department member’s first vessel was the Independence. Brother Gonzaga last shipped on the USNS Wheeler before retiring in 2017. He resided in Omaha, Nebraska. DAVID KNUTSON Pensioner David Knutson, 67, 18 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 18 died March 10. He joined the SIU in 1976, initially shipping on the Saginaw Bay. Brother Knutson was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the USNS Red Cloud in 2007. He became a pensioner in 2021 and settled in Medford, Oregon. was the USNS Capella; his last, the Cleveland. Brother Vinca became a pensioner in 2006 and settled in Corpus Christi, Texas. FERDINAND LUGO Pensioner Ferdinand Lugo, 83, passed away March 3. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. A deck department member, Brother Lugo first sailed on the Sea Fox. After concluding his career aboard the Alliance Fairfax, he retired in 2015. Brother Lugo made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. JULIAN MENDOZA Pensioner Julian Mendoza, 89, died March 26. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1961, initially sailing with Waterman Steamship. Brother Mendoza sailed in all three departments. He last shipped on the Cleveland before becoming a pensioner in 1998. Brother Mendoza called Laredo, Texas, home. LUIS PEREZ COLON Pensioner Luis Perez Colon, 77, passed away April 15. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970; one of his first ships was operated by MooreMcCormack. Brother Perez Colon was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. He last worked for Horizon Lines of Puerto Rico before retiring in 2006. Brother Perez Colon lived in Puerto Rico. GILBERTO SERRANO Pensioner Gilberto Serrano, 84, died April 2. He joined the union in 1961 and was a steward department member. Brother Serrano first sailed aboard the Alcoa Pilgrim. He last shipped on the Hawaii and went on pension in 2003. Brother Serrano was a resident of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. MIGUEL VINCA Pensioner Miguel Vinca, 81, passed away March 31. He started sailing with the SIU in 1990. Brother Vinca sailed in the steward department. His first vessel GREAT LAKES JAMES JOHNSON Pensioner James Johnson, 93, died April 14. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1953. Brother Johnson first worked for Michigan Interstate Railway. He was last employed by Michigan Tankers before his retirement in 1975. Brother Johnson lived in Traverse City, Michigan. LYNN MINER Pensioner Lynn Miner, 72, passed away February 25. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed with Michigan Interstate Railway. Brother Miner worked in all three departments and last shipped on the Buffalo. He became a pensioner in 2014 and resided in Beulah, Michigan. RICHARD ROWLAND Pensioner Richard Rowland, 73, died March 16. He began his career with the Seafarers in 2004. An engine department member, Brother Rowland first sailed on the Sam Laud. He last shipped on the Burns Harbor and went on pension in 2015. Brother Rowland resided in Hampstead, North Carolina. INLAND ELTON ADAMS Pensioner Elton Adams, 79, passed away March 15. A member of the deck department, he joined the union in 1963. Brother Adams first worked for Hvide Marine. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Adams became a pensioner in 2005 and made his home in Hemphill, Texas. WAYNE BERRY Pensioner Wayne Berry, 66, died March 28. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1987. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Berry worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2007 and was a Phoenix resident. BERNARD CAIRES Pensioner Bernard Caires, 78, passed away March 8. He joined the SIU in 1981 and first sailed with Gloucester Fisherman’s Fund. Brother Caires was a member of the deck department. He concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation and retired in 2009. Brother Caires resided in Cape Canaveral, Florida. STEWART CORRY Pensioner Stewart Corry, 89, died August 15. He began sailing with the SIU in 1962. Brother Corry was employed by G&H Towing for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 1999 and settled in Houston, his birthplace. MICHAEL DOUTHITT Pensioner Michael Douthitt, 74, passed away March 23. He signed on with the union in 1983, initially working with Dravo Basic Materials. Brother Douthitt sailed in the deck department. He was last employed by Martin Marietta and went on pension in 2011. Brother Douthitt made his home in Houma, Louisiana. HENRY FOSTER Pensioner Henry Foster, 88, died March 14. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1962 when he worked for R.K. Davis Transportation. Brother Foster was a deck department member. He concluded his career with Express Marine before retiring in 1999. Brother Foster resided in Pinetown, North Carolina. ELWIN LEBOUEF Pensioner Elwin Lebouef, 74, passed away April 3. A steward department member, he joined the Seafarers in 1992. Brother Lebouef first shipped with Dixie Carriers. He most recently worked with Allied Transportation and began collecting his pension in 2014. Brother Lebouef lived in Houma, Louisiana. JERRY MUNSON Pensioner Jerry Munson, 83, died April 2. He donned the SIU colors in 1970, initially sailing with Michigan Tankers. Brother Munson was a member of the deck department and was last employed by Mariner Towing. He became a pensioner in 2000 and settled in Green Bay, Wisconsin. WILLIAM PARKS Pensioner William Parks, 92, passed away February 26. He embarked on his career with the union in 1970 when he worked for Moran Towing of Virginia. Brother Parks sailed in the deck department and was last employed by STC Peggy S. Corporation. He retired in 1991 and lived in Onancock, Virginia. THEOPHLIOUS WALLACE Pensioner Theophlious Wallace, 92, died April 16. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1970. Brother Wallace was first employed with Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal. He last worked with New York Railroad Company and went on pension in 2001. Brother Wallace went on pension in 2001 and settled in Staten Island, New York. NMU GEORGE BROWN Pensioner George Brown, 78, died March 25. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with SIU. Brother Brown was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the Eric G. Gibson before becoming a pensioner in 2008. Brother Brown made his home in Shreveport, Louisiana. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Fernandez, Miguel Kasky, Benny Walker, Earl West, Lawrence AGE DOD 94 100 89 93 04/09/2022 03/16/2022 04/12/2022 04/16/2022 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Sunrise Operations), February 19 – Chairman George Khan, Secretary Toney Morris, Educational Director Carlos Amaya Avila, Deck Delegate Gerald Durham, Engine Delegate Michael John Valdez, Steward Delegate Jaime Austria. Chairman reminded crew to follow the company’s COVID-19 policy and mentioned new policy promoting safe workplaces. Crew discussed CHS and the long wait for physicals to clear. Educational director reminded members to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were reminded to keep all public places clean. Crew made several recommendations for the next standard contract negotiation. Recommendations included the availability of Wi-Fi at all times, a raise in overtime budgets when there is an annual crew raise, as well as raises in vacation pay and dental coverage. Members suggested annual pay raises and dental benefits for pensioners to match membership rates. CHS is not doing a very good job with physicals. According to members, CHS doesn’t answer phone calls and takes too long to provide results. COMMITMENT (TOTE Services), February 21 – Chairman Anthony Newbill, Engine Delegate John Albritton. Chairman thanked members for a safe voyage and reminded everyone to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Secretary praised crew for keeping mess 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. hall clean. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested improvements to the movie room, more gym equipment, transformers for rooms, better Wi-Fi and an upgrade to the computer room. Crew also asked for improvements to health coverage, better communication from union hall and more clarification for shore leave. Next port: Brunswick, Georgia. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 18 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Troy Smith, Educational Director Ahmed Sennain, Engine Delegate Mark Canada. Chairman advised crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Educational director urged members to check documents for expiration. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew still without Wi-Fi access. Members were encouraged to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). Steward department was commended for a job well done. Crew requested increases to retirement and medical benefits. Next port: Cherry Point, Washington. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 20 – Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Samuel Sanders, Deck Delegate Zachary Ballard, Steward Delegate Adele Messina. Chairman commended crew for a wonderful trip. Secretary reminded members to place used linens in laundry bag outside in passageway before departure. Educational director recommended that crew upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases in vacation to 20 for 30 and asked for one day off per month. Crew would like to see all contracted companies under one standard contract. USNS BRUCE HEEZEN (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), March 27 – Chairman Robert Natividad, Secretary Tyrane Savage, Educational Director Michael Ribeiro, Deck Delegate Abdo Saleh, Engine Delegate Alex Oliva, Steward Delegate Emmanuel Matias. Educational director reiterated the importance of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. Members were advised to keep a current address on file. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed COVID-19 home test kits and a possible data breach at CHS. Letters regarding data breach have been mailed out. Educational director stressed the importance of remaining ready and available due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Members requested internet access. ISLA BELLA (TOTE Services), March 27 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary In- grid Ortiz-Rosario, Educational Director Jesus Martinez-Ortiz, Deck Delegate Junior Augustin. Chairman reminded members to keep all documents safe when going ashore. He explained the importance of contributing to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) and 401K participation. Chairman thanked everyone for good housekeeping, working safely, and reported positive moral on ship. Members were instructed to place used linens in laundry bags outside stateroom doors. New linens will be issued the day before arrival of new sign-on. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Interested members should submit applications well in advance due to high demand. No beefs or disputed OT reported. DVR is on order for crew lounge. Crew would like better pillows and new mattresses. Members asked when requests for standbys will be reestablished instead of pay in lieu of day off. Crew went over various topics including pension, vacation and 401K benefits as well as tour of duty completions. Steward department was thanked for a job well done organizing storage spaces. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 27 – Chairman Joseph White, Secretary Lionel Packnett, Deck Delegate Hernando Bansuelo, Engine Delegate Christian Frederick, Steward Delegate Esperanza Crespo-Guillen. Crew expressed gratitude for new contractual wage increase. Chairman thanked members for a job well done. He reminded everyone to be considerate of shipmates by cleaning up after themselves and being quiet in passageways. Crew reviewed new contractual working rules and wages. Secretary thanked members for helping with storage and garbage, and keeping the mess halls clean. Educational director reminded everyone of the benefits of upgrading often at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses. Next port: Houston. JEAN ANNE (PASHA), April 3 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair. Secretary stressed the importance of member participation in contract discussions with company. Crew went over various contract negotiation topics including days required for retirement, 401K matching, cost of living increases and physical requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new mattresses and flatscreen TVs in rooms. Good morale reported on ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department for doing an outstanding job. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 19 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck June 27 August 29 July 15 September 16 Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21 Lifeboat/Water Survival August 1 August 29 September 26 October 24 November 21 August 12 September 9 October 7 November 4 December 2 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 August 22 June 24 August 26 RFPNW July 25 September 26 November 14 August 1 August 12 October 14 December 2 August 19 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Welding October 31 November 18 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook July 11 August 15 September 19 August 12 September 16 October 21 ServSafe Management July 4 August 8 September 12 July 8 August 12 September 16 Advanced Galley Operations June 20 August 15 October 10 July 15 September 9 November 4 Chief Steward July 18 September 12 November 14 August 12 October 7 December 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 September 23 Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30 Basic Training August 8 October 3 August 12 October 7 Basic Training Revalidation July 8 July 11 July 15 August 1 July 8 Juy 11 July 15 August 1 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 December 12 September 2 December 16 Government Vessels June 27 July 18 August 1 August 15 August 29 September 19 September 26 October 17 October 24 July 1 July 22 August 5 August 19 September 2 September 23 September 30 October 21 October 28 RFPEW July 25 September 26 November 14 August 19 October 21 December 9 FOWT August 29 October 24 September 23 November 18 Junior Engineer July 11 September 19 September 2 November 11 Marine Electrician October 31 December 2 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 June 27 October 24 July 1 October 28 Welding July 11 September 26 July 29 October 14 Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 15 October 31 August 19 November 4 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 20 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 6/22 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #881 – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Jahnia Cain, Peter Krsna Katha Espinosa, Julius Franks II, Shailynn Guillory, Justin Manley, Zachary Parker, Alton Simpson, William Taylor, Alexia Villaescusa and Nashell Williams. UA to AS-D – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Bryan Aleman Medina, Robert Coleman III, Jacob Couvillon, Richard Diaz Jr., and Brandon Hoisington. (Note: Not all are pictured.) UA to AS-D – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Lucas Anderson, Erik Arnold and Tyler Vitulli. Tank Ship Familiarization LG (Phase III) – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Boothby, Padgett Carpenter, Robert Cruz, Declan Gallagher, Daniel Moran, Travis Morris and Jaime Rios. Welding & Metallurgy – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Alvin Ebdane Alcasid, Diole Abello Bonifacio, Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Wordell U’lam Prescott and Lonny Scott. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far left. June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 21 Seafarers LOG 21 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels (Bosuns) – Graduated March 18 (above, from left): Naser Abdulaziz Saed Ahmed, Gregory Jackson and Franz Eder. Government Vessels – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Roslyn Anderson, Toby Blunt, Joherky Concepcion Castillo, Orin Godfrey Jr., Anthony Martinez, Shereka Morris, Rahman Phillip, Brian Alberto Rojas Perez, Michael Smith and Donald Williams Jr. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Daniel Hanback, Nathaniel Lynch and Roger Stewart. Machinist – Graduated April 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Theodore Gonzales, Vernon Van Humbles, Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Joshua Mann, George Marcelo Mardones, Wordell U’lam Prescott and Lonny Scott. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 22: Juan Rafael Santiago Robles (left) and Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez. Small Arms – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Munassar Hassan Ahmed, Franz Eder, Noel Ramos Gemo, Gregory Jackson, Charles James, Mustafa Abdul Malik, Tomas Merel, Godofredo Froiland Milabo III, Nadiyah Taylor and Montiesha Wilcox. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 22 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated April 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdullah Mohsen Munassar Alamri, Luke Coffelt, Terrell Cuffee, Cody Fox, Jahmal Jones, Kenneth Ledeoux, Christopher Marcani, Michael McGlone, Justin Nicholson, Gajatri Normatova and Julius Castillo Udan. Basic First Aid – Graduated April 29: LBJ Bliss Tanoa. Basic Firefighting (Upgraders) – Graduated April 8: Ronald Caoleng Santos (left) and George Stephanos Galanis. Government Vessels – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Gilbert Tito Allende Jr., Rodolfo Campbell, Sherron Davita Decoteau, Theodore Gonzales, Aurora Santos Kirkwood, Toriano Addaryl Lawson Jr., Emily De Dios Lepley, Domenick Longmire, Mustafa Abdul Malik, George Marcelo Mardones, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Abdulla Nasar Mohamed Mused, Muafa Ali Mohamed Quraish, Isabel Reino Sabio, Derrick Siefke, Kim Smith, Travis Smith, Loretta Stewart, Mukhtar Ahmed Mohamed Suwaileh and Michael Wees. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated April 29: Nicoll QuinonesRodriguez (left) and Agnes Jocson Gamboa. Important Notice To All Students Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Juan Domingo Cardona, Jocecil Lugo Rivera, Nadine Cecile Nomed-Ryf, Samuel Ortiz Reyes, Johanns Rivera-Rivera, Kevin Santiago De Jesus, Dewayne Thomas and Dennis B. Vega. (Note: Not all are pictured.) June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 23 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 23 5/20/22 8:11 PM �JUNE 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 Seafarers-Crewed Ocean Giant Finishes Operation Deep Freeze Bosun Richard Hamilton did his homework before sailing to Antarctica for the first time, but reading about Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) definitely isn’t the same as helping run it. “I knew what to expect but, being from Florida, I didn’t know much about winter clothing,” Hamilton said. “The only ice I know about goes in a glass.” Nevertheless, he and his shipmates aboard the Waterman-operated Ocean Giant earlier this year successfully wrapped up the latest iteration of ODF, the annual resupply mission to McMurdo Station, which is overseen by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The mission began in late December on the West Coast; the Ocean Giant returned to Port Hueneme, California, in late March. (Earlier, the SIU-crewed Maersk Peary delivered fuel to McMurdo during the first segment of ODF.) “We had to keep moving to stay warm,” Hamilton recalled. “The crew did very well. Everybody did their job. Over- all, it was a good discharge, especially considering the conditions we were working in.” According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Ocean Giant arrived at McMurdo Station’s ice pier in mid-February, after a stop at partner facility in New Zealand. The cargo offload was conducted by Seabees from Navy Cargo Handling Battalion ONE. During a 14-day period, 503 pieces of cargo that include containers filled with mechanical parts, vehicles, construction materials, office supplies and electronics equipment, and also a modular building were transferred from the ship, MSC reported. In total, the SIU-crewed vessel “delivered 80 percent of the supplies needed (for) the year’s survival at McMurdo Station,” according to the agency. “This year’s ODF mission was a great success for MSC,” said Leonard Bell, deputy commander, Military Sealift Command Pacific. “The mission presented unique challenges that the crews of our Cargo operations (photo below, left) involving the SIU-crewed Ocean Giant take place during Operation Deep Freeze 2022 in Antarctica. In the file photo directly above, the ship loads materials in California for a prior iteration of Deep Freeze. (Vessel photo by Vance Vasquez, courtesy U.S. Navy) ships and our team on the ground handled flawlessly. The mission is an example of the true professionalism and dedication to duty that our entire team exemplifies over and over again. We are truly proud to have supported ODF 2022, and we look forward to our continued support to the National Science Foundation in the years ahead.” Hamilton said the crew made the best of it despite not being able to leave the ship due to COVID-19 protocols, and despite worsening weather. “The first day, the weather was beauti- Virginia Backs Jones Act The Virginia General Assembly earlier this year passed a resolution supporting the Jones Act, America’s freight Virginia Capitol (in Richmond) 24 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 24 cabotage law. Text of the resolution follows. WHEREAS, Virginia’s rich history of shipbuilding and maritime trade makes the Commonwealth a critical hub in the nation’s transportation system and essential in the growth of offshore renewable energy development; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services for Virginia’s citizens and workforce; and WHEREAS, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act and codified in Title 46 of the United States Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo between locations in the United States be owned by American companies, crewed by American mariners, and built in American shipyards; and WHEREAS, America’s ability to project and deploy forces globally and to supply and maintain military installations domestically depends on the civilian fleet of Jones Act vessels and mariners; and WHEREAS, mariners aboard Jones Act vessels strengthen America’s homeland security as additional eyes and ears to monitor the nation’s 95,000 miles of shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable inland waterways; and WHEREAS, Virginia is home to over 19,280 maritime jobs supported by the Jones Act that generate $1.3 billion in labor income; and ful – cold, but not bad,” he said. “It turned a lot worse from that point on. Minus-15 degrees was the coldest, and the warmest was 3. I had never experienced cold weather like that before, but everything went well between the crew, the McMurdo personnel, Navy personnel and others who were involved.” He added that he would make the voyage again: “It’s definitely something to see.” SIU crews have supported Operation Deep Freeze for decades; the first mission took place in 1955. WHEREAS, maritime industry jobs create ladders of opportunity through high-paying, family-wage careers that offer significant career advancement without generally necessitating advanced formal education and extensive student loans; and WHEREAS, the Jones Act fleet, more than 40,000 vessels strong, supports nearly 650,000 family-wage jobs and over $154 billion in economic output nationally, including more than $4 billion in the Virginia economy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby express its support for the Jones Act. In affirming its resolute support for the Jones Act, the General Assembly also celebrates the centennial of the Jones Act as it continues to foster a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to Virginia’s and the nation’s economic prosperity and national security; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter. June 2022 5/20/22 8:43 PM � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2022 Description An account of the resource DHS SECRETARY ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS BACKS JONES ACT HOUSE STAFFERS MAY FORM A UNION INTERNATIONAL PROPELLER CLUB HONORS U.S. REP JOE COURTNEY AT AVENT USA MARITIME: KEEP 'SHIP AMERICAN' RULES REAR ADM. PHILLIPS TAKES LEADERSHIP AT U.S. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINERS HONORED WITH CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL IN D.C. PENN MARITIME CREWS APPROVE 3-YEAR PACT SEAFARERS RATIFY NEW CONTRACT AT VANENKEVORT TUG AND BARGE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION MANDATES U.S. MATERIALS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS VP EMPHASIZES 'HISTORIC COMMITMENT TO WORKER ORGANIZING AND EMPOWERMENT' AFL-CIO POSTS ANNUAL 'DEATH ON THE JOB' REPORT COAST GUARD FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES SEABULK CEO MARINE HIGHWAY PROGRAM GETS $14.8 MILLION BOOST FORMER TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY MINETA PASSES AWAY AT 90 NEW SERVICE OFFERS CONVENIENT METHOD TO SHOW VACCINATION STATUS RENEWING TANKER ASST. ENDORSEMENTS: WHAT SEAFARERS SHOULD KNOW NOTICE TO SEAFARERS ABOUT ROS SEATIME COAST GUARD: SHIPBOARD MASK MANDATE NO LONGER IN EFFECT SEAFARERS-CREWED OCEAN GIANT FINISHES OPERATION DEEP FREEZE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2022 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. 85, NO. 6 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2fbed3d633eca9c9bfb0e85313bae6b8.pdf 93489890b707cf046d41f6003ad5b617 PDF Text Text JULY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 7 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Shuler, Redmond Elected To Top Posts at AFL-CIO Delegates to the AFL-CIO convention on June 12 elected Liz Shuler (left) as president and Fred Redmond (right) as secretary-treasurer. SIU President Michael Sacco (center), the longest-serving member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, oversaw the election. Later, President Biden (photo directly below) addressed the delegates. The convention took place in Philadelphia. Page 2. (Photos by Jay Mallin) SIU Helps Observe National Maritime Day SIU officials and apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education took part in the National Maritime Day ceremony at DOT headquarters on May 24. Pictured in the front row, from left: SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, SIU VP George Tricker, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Deputy Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan. Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are on stage. Pages 4-5. SHBP Scholarship Winners Page 6 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 1 MTD Convention Coverage Pages 11-14 6/24/22 11:30 AM �President’s Report Cargo Preference Laws Help USA Recent attacks against our nation’s cargo preference laws seem familiar in that they’re apparently designed to capitalize on a crisis. In this case, a pair of Senate resolutions targeting the “ship American” components of cargo preference sprung up in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Cargo preference is sometimes overlooked or misunderstood, but these laws are crucial for U.S. national, economic and homeland security. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, cargo preference “is the general term used to describe U.S. laws, regulations and policies that require the use of U.S.-flag vessels in the movement of cargo that is owned, procured, furnished, or financed by the U.S. Government. It also includes cargo that is being shipped under an agreement of the U.S. Government, or as part of a Government program.” If you remember nothing else about cargo Michael Sacco preference, please let it be the following: The premium for using U.S.-flag ships accounts for less than one percent of program costs, according to our government’s own data. Nevertheless, the completely unnecessary resolutions call for waiving “ship American” rules and diverting cargo to foreign carriers for three years. This would apply not only to cargoes destined for Ukraine, and that’s despite the fact that the law already permits the use of foreign-flag ships if U.S.-flag vessels aren’t available at “fair and reasonable” rates. Preference cargoes typically include military items, food aid, and shipments generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. There are corresponding percentage requirements that specify how much of the cargo must be moved on American bottoms, ranging anywhere from 50 to 100 percent. Cargo amounts themselves vary from year to year. For example, according to the Congressional Research Service, U.S. international foodassistance outlays fluctuated from Fiscal Years 2016 to 2020 based in part on demands that changed due to conflicts in Syria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. In the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020 and ending September 30, 2021, U.S.-flag ships delivered approximately 650,000 metric tons of food-aid cargoes around the globe. One thing that doesn’t change is the rock-solid rationale for maintaining these laws. Again, we turn to the DOT for the following excerpt about why cargo preference is necessary: “Just as many other seafaring nations have learned, history has taught us that Cargo Preference … is necessary for our national defense and a key driver of domestic and foreign commerce. This requires a U.S.-flag commercial merchant marine that can be called upon in times of war or national emergencies. Therefore, Congress has determined that the United States have a merchant marine sufficient to carry the waterborne domestic commerce and a substantial part of the waterborne export and import foreign commerce of the United States; capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency; owned and operated as vessels of the United States by citizens of the United States; composed of the best-equipped, safest, and most suitable types of vessels constructed in the United States and manned with a trained and efficient citizen personnel; and supplemented by efficient facilities for building and repairing vessels.” While we’ve got a long way to go to meet the goal of having American-flag ships carry “a substantial part” of our exports and imports, the SIU wholeheartedly agrees with the above-stated rationale and goals. Moreover, cargo preference laws have helped us answer the bell during all the recent activations – a response that is endangered by efforts to weaken those statutes. Cargo-preference laws are good for America, good for the U.S. maritime industry – and good for the foreign citizens who benefit from many of the cargoes themselves. I thank the Biden administration for supporting these laws, which should be maintained and strengthened. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 7 July 2022 Delegates Elect Shuler, Redmond To Lead AFL-CIO into the Future AFL-CIO Convention delegates on June 12 elected Liz Shuler to serve as president of the federation of 57 unions and 12.5 million members. Shuler is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation. Delegates also elected Fred Redmond to serve as secretary-treasurer; he is the first African American to hold the office. SIU President Michael Sacco, the longest-serving member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, oversaw the election and later was re-elected to the board. The SIU delegation to the convention also included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Vice Presidents Dean Corgey, George Tricker, Nicholas Celona, Joseph Soresi, Nick Marrone and Tom Orzechowski. Other convention happenings included an in-person address by President Joe Biden, and passage of a pro-Jones Act resolution that was read by Heindel. Immediately after her election, Shuler stated, “We are going to amplify the voices of working people – their hopes, struggles, and demands. This is more than a comeback story. This is a new story, yet to be told. A story we will write, on our terms, to be written by every one of us. A new era for all working people across this country. And generations from now, they’ll tell the story of how we succeeded, together, President Biden tells convention delegates that he remains an ardent supporter of unions. (Photo by Jay Mallin) in solidarity.” In her acceptance speech, Shuler delivered a call to action to organize, innovate and reshape the labor movement to meet the moment that the country is in as it continues to emerge from the COVID19 pandemic. Shuler also announced the AFL-CIO’s plan to activate one million workers throughout all 50 states to participate in the electoral process. Redmond said, “We will keep fighting until every worker in this country has the chance to have a good, union job. Everybody in, nobody out. And we’re going to fix our labor laws and make that a reality. I know what the labor movement does. It brings the marginalized in from the margins. It brings respect to the disrespected. It lets people come together and collectively bargain for their own future.” From 2009 until 2021, Shuler served as the AFLCIO’s secretary-treasurer. She assumed the role of president following the passing of Richard Trumka in 2021. Some of the SIU delegation is pictured on the convention floor. From left in front are SIU VPs Nicholas Celona, Joseph Soresi and Tom Orzechowski. SIU VP George Tricker is at far left in the second row while SIU VP Nick Marrone is third from left in that row. The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez participate in the AFL-CIO convention in Philadelphia. 2 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 2 SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel reads a resolution supporting the Jones Act. Delegates approved the statement. (Photo by Jay Mallin) July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Pete Buttigieg Secretary of Transportation Ann Phillips, Rear Adm. USN, (Ret.) Maritime Administrator Adm. Karl Schultz Commandant U.S. Coast Guard Daniel Maffei Chairman Federal Maritime Commission SIU Turns Out for Maritime Day Observances In Washington, DC, Elsewhere Across Country Editor’s note: Additional photos from the various National Maritime Day ceremonies are available on the SIU Facebook page. SIU officials and apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education contributed to the respectful, appreciative atmosphere May 24 at Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters as the agency hosted an in-person observance of National Maritime Day. The event (which also was available as a livestream) marked the first in-person National Maritime Day ceremony in the nation’s capital since 2019. SIU officials in attendance included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President George Tricker, Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift and Port Agent Mario Torrey. Paul Hall Center Apprentices Faith Wood and Alexander Boothby played key roles in the ceremony, which featured remarks from Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips (Rear Adm., USN, (Ret.), U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 3 Schultz, Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Daniel Maffei and Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, commanding officer of the Military Sealift Command. Deputy Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley served as the emcee. Seafarers and SIU officials also took part in National Maritime Day observances in Texas, California and Virginia (all of them in person). At the DOT gathering, Buttigieg noted, “It is nice to have human voices reverberating in this atrium again.” He stated, “We are a maritime nation. From the three ships that changed the fate of the American continent, to the naval base in Hawaii whose bombing catalyzed America’s entry into World War II, to the ships carrying most of the things we all count on every day to our nation’s ports, we have always been and will always be a nation whose destiny is connected to the sea.” Buttigieg added, “In peace and in war, our mariners are the reason food reaches families’ tables around the country, the Continued on next page Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer Commanding Officer Military Sealift Command Lucinda Lessley Deputy Maritime Administrator Seafarers LOG 3 6/24/22 11:32 AM �Paul Hall Center Apprentice Alexander Boothby (photo at left) sounds “eight bells” as part of the Transportation Department ceremony in D.C. while Apprentice Faith Wood (above) carries a wreath towards the stage. Union Participates in Events Highlighting Contributions of Merchant Marine Continued from Page 3 reason supplies reach our service members deployed around the world…. Facing a once-in-a-century pandemic, you have adapted. You have kept sailing. You have kept America afloat.” “It’s my distinct honor to be here as MARAD’s 20th administrator,” said Phillips. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to serve our nation, and to work with so many stakeholders, many of whom are here in person today…. To foster, promote and develop the maritime industry to meet our nation’s current and future economic and security needs.” She continued, “Maritime Day is our annual opportunity to celebrate and commemorate, to honor our maritime history and to make sure our fellow Americans understand how critical the maritime industry has been – and continues to be – to our nation’s success. Most importantly, today we are thankful for the women and men of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and we celebrate their essential role in safeguarding and strengthening our nation.” Schultz said, “From the Coast Guard perspective, the marine transportation system is critical to our nation’s economy and our national security. About 24 percent of our gross domestic product ties to that. And all of us here today, we know the importance of seaborne cargo. We know the importance of a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. But over the past few years, I think Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the ties to their day to day lives.” He added, “In our world, it’s easy to focus on the ships, the ports and the other infrastructure that enable us to execute the mission. But you heard the secretary say it: It’s really about the mariners. It’s not the steel, it’s not the concrete. It’s the people that make this important industry the great industry it is.” Maffei elaborated on the importance of the merchant mariners of WWII, who recently received a Congressional Gold Medal for their service. He said, “Now, more than three-quarters of a century later, we remember their sacrifice and heroism, and that of all U.S. Merchant Mariners who have – right up to the present COVID crisis – put their lives and health on the line in order to ensure the success of U.S. forces and humanitarian efforts abroad. U.S.-flag ships continue to deliver important cargoes, across waterways, to all parts of our country…. On this Maritime Day, we owe them once again our heartfelt gratitude.” Wettlaufer used his speech to look to the future, saying, “To the people in the Among those pictured at the National Maritime Day event in San Pedro, California, on May 22 are SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman (third from left), SIU Pensioner Mary Lou Lopez (second from left) and representatives from the SIUNA-affiliated SUP and MFOW. President Issues Proclamation For National Maritime Day 2022 From sea to shining sea, whether in still or raging waters, America has always been a Nation of maritime travel. Across our 25,000 miles of waterways and over 360 commercial ports, the United States Merchant Marine is integral to our Nation’s prosperity. From helping move goods throughout the supply chain to supporting our troops wherever they are deployed, the Merchant Marine plays a vital role in the economic security and defense of our country. On National Maritime Day and every day, we honor the Merchant Marines for their service and sacrifice and acknowledge their crucial role in protecting our Nation’s security and commerce. Today, our Merchant Marine remains inextricably linked to our national and economic security and competitiveness. Merchant mariners’ legacy of perseverance and dedication is carried on by today’s civilian mariners. As tyranny and violence again cause the tragic loss of innocent lives and senseless destruction in Europe, our merchant mariners have answered the call of duty by crewing vessels of our United States Ready Reserve, moving vital military cargo to help the Ukrainian 4 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 4 front row here, turn around and look at the [apprentices] from the [Paul Hall Center]. That’s the future. “In 2022, as in 1945, American mariners remain essential to our economy and our defense,” he continued. “The close collaboration between and integration across our commercial and labor partners, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration, the shipbuilding and repair industry, certainly the Department of Defense and the merchant marine allow our nation to maintain and retain a vital strategic advantage. An advantage that allows the joint force to maneuver across the globe at the time and to the place of our choosing, in both peacetime and in conflict.” To close out the ceremony, students from the Paul Hall Center served as wreath tenders and performed the sounding of Eight Bells, as is tradition. Pictured at the National Maritime Day ceremony May 19 in Norfolk, Virginia, are (from left) SIU Safety Director Anthony Houston, SIU Government Services Division Representative Sam Spain, Maersk Line, Limited President/CEO Bill Woodhour and SIU Port Agent DeCarlo Harris. Woodhour gave the keynote speech. people in their defense of freedom. We also salute the remarkable efforts of our entire maritime industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They put the well-being of the American people first, risking their lives to ensure that essential cargoes of medical supplies and personal protective equipment were delivered to those in need across our Nation. As we continue to build a better America, our Merchant Marine plays a pivotal role in securing our coastal and inland waterways so that they are open to trade. No matter the hardship, mariners provide a smooth passage for America’s critical domestic goods and serve as stewards of our Nation’s trading gateways with the rest of the world. My Administration continues its unwavering support of the United States Merchant Marine, as well as the Jones Act, which protects the integrity of our domestic maritime industry, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, and contributes over $150 billion in economic benefits. We also know that the future success of the vital maritime industry depends on its ability to attract the talent of all Americans and reflect the diversity of the Nation it serves. That is why we are resolved to continue the urgent work of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the ranks of the Merchant Marine and to end sexual assault, sexual harassment, and bullying in the workplace. Our Nation’s merchant mariners serve with honor and integrity each and every day. Today, we recognize their service and sacrifice and recommit ourselves to fulfilling the promises and uplifting the values that they continue to protect. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2022, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day and to celebrate the United States Merchant Marine and maritime industry with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. July 2022 6/24/22 2:54 AM �From left, Bosun Moussa Hamdy and Third Mate Lucan Shanahan welcome the rescued boater aboard the Endurance. Jack Sparrow? No, but Endurance Crew Rescues Capt. of Black Pearl Seafarers recently rescued an individual boater from a disabled, leaky craft approximately 170 miles off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. SIU and AMO members from the Endurance (operated by TOTE Services for vessel owner American RollOn Roll-Off Carrier) (ARC) performed the operation June 15, shortly after loading more than 1,900 pieces of highpriority military cargo destined for Europe to support ongoing NATO exercises. SIU members aboard the ship during the rescue included Bosun Moussa Hamdy, ABs Michael Otwell, Hussein M. Hussein, Dennis Stevens, Charles Frisella and Joshua Cutchin, Oilers Jorge Valencia Bon, Starling Priester and Denard Williams, Chief Steward Wilfredo Ramos Silva, Chief Cook Michael Page and SA Lynford Robles. The Endurance received a distress call from the Black Pearl, a 30-foot sailboat that was sinking 12 nautical miles from their position. According to a report from ARC, “Once the Black Pearl was in visual range, Endurance Captain Glenn Koshak deftly maneuvered the Endurance into position to lower a rescue ladder and recover the exhausted sailor who was the sole occupant of the boat. Ultimately, he was transferred at sea to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Yellowfin and returned to shore. The swift and professional actions of the M/V Endurance Captain and Crew reflect the best values of the American Merchant Mariner and American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier.” “Helping a sailor in distress on the open seas is a moral imperative regardless of the priority of our cargo. I’m just happy we could help,” said Koshak. The sailboat reportedly had been taking on water for 24 hours and the occupant’s bilge pump stopped working. Koshak reported, “The distressed sailboat was spotted through the binoculars by the AB on watch at about nine nautical miles distance. Meanwhile the chief mate, bosun, and deck crew were readying the starboard pilot ladder and marshalling emergency equipment at the starboard pilot door. The engine crew were readying the ship’s generators to use the bow thruster and getting prepared for maneuvering…. “The mate on watch informed the captain of the Black Pearl of Endurance’s intentions and he stated that the water was above the settee and that he didn’t know how long he would have comms as the water level was nearing the radio equipment. The master of the 868-foot Endurance circled around to the east and cautiously approached the Black Pearl, keeping her at about 20m distance from the starboard side. Once the Endurance had come to a stop and the Black Pearl was positioned near the starboard pilot ladder, the captain of the Black Pearl abandoned his sinking craft and boarded his dinghy. Exhausted, he paddled the small inflatable the 20m to the pilot ladder and boarded the Endurance. “The crew greeted the shipwrecked sailor with urgency, removing his soaked shoes, and giving him blankets and dry clothes. He was checked by the ship’s medical officer, and vitals were relayed to the USCG. All in all, the captain of the Black Pearl was in ok condition with a swollen elbow and a bruise on his side. The steward department made sure he had plenty of Gatorade and food to eat after his exhausting ordeal.” The Endurance then headed back toward Charleston and met the Coast Guard cutter four hours later. “The crew of the Endurance acted with urgency and professionalism to ensure the safe rescue of the captain of the sailboat,” Koshak said. “They put their merchant marine training to the test and because of that a man is alive today. Merchant mariners rely on our brothers and sisters of the sea in times of crisis and always keep a weathered eye on the horizon.” The boat (above) had been leaking for 24 hours off the coast of South Carolina. In photo below, the sailboat’s occupant climbs aboard the SIU-crewed Endurance. Sen. Murkowski Receives SCA Maritime Leadership Award At their annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) recently presented U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) with the SCA Maritime Leadership Award. According to the SCA, “The award is given each year to national leaders or elected officials who demonstrate exemplary dedication and support for the nearly 400,000 men and women who serve in America’s shipyards and throughout the domestic industrial base.” “Throughout her time in public office, Sen. Murkowski has been a staunch advocate for the entire American maritime industry and especially for the hundreds of thousands of hardworking men and women who design, build and maintain our domestic fleet,” said SCA President Matthew Paxton. “Hailing from the Last Frontier, Sen. Murkowski knows firsthand the value of a strong maritime sector to our national defense and transport of commerce, and this Senator Lisa Murkowski (right) receives the Maritime Leadership award recognizes her unparalleled leadership and sigAward from Shipbuilders Council of America president Matthew nificant contributions to our industry in Alaska and Paxton (center) and Chairman Ben Bordelon. (Photo courtesy across America.” SCA) July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 5 Murkowski stated, “Since our nation’s founding, in times of conflict and peace, U.S. shipyards have built and maintained the vessels that protect America’s coastlines and waterways, carry the brave men and women of the U.S. military, and secure the movement of domestic and international commerce. The current geopolitical situation in Ukraine and persistent security threats from China demonstrate the need for Congress to prioritize investments into expanding the fleet of the future, particularly building out a robust fleet of polar security cutters. We must ensure our military is positioned to respond to the increased demand for their services as the maritime theater gets increasingly complex. It’s an honor to be recognized with this year’s Maritime Leadership Award and we will continue to be a vocal advocate for these essential national defense programs.” Murkowski currently serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, where she has advocated for the U.S.-flag maritime industry, as well as advancing policies to strengthen investments in Navy force structure and Coast Guard shipbuilding programs. Seafarers LOG 5 6/24/22 2:22 AM �$136,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Members, Dependents Three Seafarers and five SIU dependents were awarded scholarships from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) this year, totaling $136,000. The following Seafarers were selected to receive Charlie Logan Scholarships, as selected by the SHBP Scholarship Committee (consisting of active and retired educators from various colleges and universities from across the country): QMED Kabir Garcia Santiago, Chief Steward Sheneisha Thompson and QMED Justin Nicholson. In addition, the following dependents will also receive awards: Althea Rose Calixto, Fiona Forbes, Gabrielle Newgen, Hala Saleh and Kaylyn Zwernemann. Santiago’s grant was for $20,000, while Thompson and Nicholson each received an award worth $6,000. Each of the dependent scholarships is worth $20,000. Brief profiles of the winners follow. Kabir Garcia Santiago SIU Connection: QMED who joined the union in 2008. Notable: Puerto Rico native who lives in Carolina. Began working at age 10, and began sailing after college. Plans to become a Third Assistant Engineer in the near future. Academic Items: Graduated from Universidad Del Sagrado Corazon in 2005. Applied to multiple maritime academies. Quotable: “It’s difficult to condense 13 years of sailing…. I’m not only an asset because I have what could be considered a spotless professional record, but I have also never been fired from a job, have excellent social skills, an energetic drive, and am hungry for knowledge and always looking to go to the next level.” BA in communications. Plans to earn an engineer’s license. Quotable: “As soon as I heard about the apprentice program, it became crystal clear to me how to get out of the 9-to-5 deathtrap I was in, because I saw I could change the rules. I no longer had to spend all of my time trying to please a company, when I could join a union.” Althea Rose Calixto SIU Connection: Daughter of QMED Larry Calixto. Notable: Played tennis and participated in theater in high school. Worked at a tea house after high school, while enrolled in community college. Academic Items: Currently enrolled in Cosumnes River College, a community college in Sacramento. She has applied to California State University Long Beach and Sacramento. Pursuing a degree in psychology. Quotable: “I have always admired my dad’s dedication to his career, therefore inspiring me to pursue higher education. I plan to maintain good grades while being an undergraduate, allowing me to apply to graduate schools to advance my schooling and future job opportunities, with the intention of eventually giving back to my family.” Fiona Forbes SIU Connection: Daughter of Tugboat Master Vincent Forbes. Notable: Fluent in Japanese and English, written and illustrated two published books, National Honor Society member. Academic Items: Current high school student, dual enrolled in college courses, applied to multiple four-year colleges. Plans to earn a fine arts degree. Quotable: “I can remember sitting on my father’s lap, begging for ‘just one more story’ as I stare at the painting of him that hangs on the living room wall, trying desperately to see his face, hear his voice, feel his warmth for ‘just a little longer’ before he has to set out for another length out at sea.” Gabrielle Newgen SIU Connection: Daughter of QMED Allen Newgen. Notable: Played volleyball, softball, and swam in high school. Multiple volunteer positions. Academic Items: Current honor roll high school student, applied to several colleges in California. Pursuing a degree in business administration or graphic design. Quotable: “I want to create an enterprise that encourages all influential artists to produce a work of art that gives true meaning and has power within their own voice.” Hala Saleh SIU Connection: Daughter of SA Younis Hizam Faid Saleh. Notable: Currently working as a medical assistant while enrolled in a nursing program. Academic Items: Currently enrolled at Henry Ford College. Has applied to multiple four-year schools, with a plan to obtain a nursing degree. Quotable: “I want to contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. In the end, it’s not about me as much as it is about others. What can I do to make the world a better place? How can I, on my own, improve the lives of others?” Kaylyn Zwernemann SIU Connection: Daughter of Tugboat Captain Michael Zwernemann. Notable: Volunteered by planting trees and working in an animal shelter. Active member in five National Honor Societies. Academic Items: Current high school student who has applied to multiple fouryear colleges in Texas. Plans to get a degree in finance. Quotable: “My dad is probably the most sacrificial and hardworking man I know. When I was younger, I always hated the fact that my dad was away for what seemed like every big event working on a tugboat. But as I have grown older, I have gained an understanding that he did this so I could have every dream I have ever dreamed of, and I know now that it probably hurt him just as much as me to be away for some of those big moments.” Sheneisha Thompson SIU Connection: Chief steward who began sailing in 2014. Notable: Currently raising her daughter while managing her Seafaring career and finishing her degree. Academic Items: Is enrolled in Tidewater Community College, aiming to complete her Associates Degree in radiography. Quotable: “I have a success plan which will help me to achieve and manage my degree. I am determined to prove that I am more than capable of what’s required to succeed. I stay focused on studying and turning in assignments ahead of time. I also love to make weekly plans for my studies and decide in advance my goal for the week, which helps me manage my time better.” Justin Nicholson SIU Connection: QMED who has been sailing since 2015. Notable: Worked as a manager in a ski resort, before learning of the Paul Hall Center apprentice program from an old friend from high school. Joined Class 790 at age 33. Academic Items: Graduated from University of Hawaii in 2010, with a 6 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 6 The SHBP Scholarship Committee met virtually in May to finalize the scholarship awards. The committee consisted of Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Dr. Henry Toutain, Dr. Michael Glaser, Dr. Marla Kohlman, Dr. Gayle Olson and Dr. Keith Schlender. Each are current and/or retired educators. July 2022 6/24/22 11:35 AM �UNION HONORED IN TEXAS – The SIU recently received an award from the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, for “leadership in time of crisis.” The recognition stems from various sealift efforts and humanitarian aid. SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes accepted the honor on behalf of the union. Pictured from left in photo above (taken at the Texas Gulf Coast Working Families Awards Celebration) are Sykes with U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) and SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel; and (remaining photo) Sykes with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) and SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. MEETING WITH PRO-MARITIME CONGRESSWOMAN – SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (right) is pictured with U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington) at a kickoff event for Washington State’s 10th District. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ATB ACHIEVEMENT – SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (second from right) meets with Seafarers aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel. Pictured from left are AB Joseph Andre Gouveia, AE Zach Lindsey, Capt. Ryan Emmons, Hopkins and CM Jon Hendrickson. WITH SEAFARERS IN JACKSONVILLE – OMU Donell Criswell (right in photo above) receives his A-book at the hiring hall, while Chief Cook Arielle Collier (right in photo below) picks up her B-book. Both members are pictured with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. ABOARD GENERAL RUDDER – SIU and AMO members are pictured aboard the training vessel, operated by Crowley during a recent voyage. Pictured in the first row (from left) are CM Rick Caudle, QMED Nasser Aljahmi, 3M Kevin Zeller, 1st AE Sean Holmes, 3M Jack Keating, 2AE Gregory Potemken, AB Andres Martinez, SA Ricardo Escorcia, AB Edwin Zschocher, (back row, from left) Chief Cook Greg Watts, Training CM Ricardo Giannone, 3AE Zachary Weaver, 3AE Cherokee Johnson, Bosun Shaib Juma, Training 1AE Dan Picciolo, Chief Steward Rene Gil, MDR Jack Ford and Capt. Philip Whitney. Thanks to Caudle for the photo, taken in Miami. July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 7 Seafarers LOG 7 6/24/22 2:22 AM �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Seafarers from the Algol and Capella (Ocean Duchess) are pictured during a recent servicing on the West Coast. From left are Recertified Steward Dante Cruz, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, GUDE Mohsin Mohamed, Recertified Bosun Artis Williams, Recertified Bosun Antjuan Webb, Electrician Salah Saleh, GUDE Ruel Decrepito and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. FULL BOOKS IN ALGONAC – AB Trevor Allgeyer (above) and OMU Timothy McDonald (right in the photo immediately below, with SIU Patrolman Ryan Covert) recently received their respective full Bbooks at the hiring hall. HELPING FELLOW SEAFARERS – The SIU recently gathered donations (mostly entertainment items) for crew members on the President Wilson, who’ve had a longer-than-expected shipyard stay in Shanghai. Above are snapshots of bags being packed at the Oakland hall and then delivered to the President Roosevelt for transport. Pictured from left aboard the Roosevelt in the photo at left are SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday and Third Mate Samuel Synstelien. ABOARD GEM STATE – Seafarers are pictured aboard the PGM-operated vessel (photo at right) after returning to Alameda, California, following a turbo activation ordered by the U.S. Maritime Administration. ABOARD USNS JOHN LEWIS – Vessel master Capt. Doug Voss submitted the three photos directly above – along with kudos for SIU members – from the recently completed sea trials. “We had a great crew on board,” the captain noted. “They were a very fun, hard-working crew. We had a one-week sea trial and it was a success.” While members of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters handled the sea trials, CIVMARS from the union’s Government Services Division have since begun sailing aboard the vessel, which was built at General Dynamics NASSCO (a union yard). 8 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 8 July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �ABOARD SLNC YORK – Pictured aboard the Argent Marine vessel in the Pacific Northwest are (far left) AB Clifford Carroll, (second from left) AB Mykel Potter, (second from right) Bosun Derek Minnix and (far right, from left) SIU Patrolman George Owen and Oiler Dennison Forsman. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD AMERICAN PRIDE – Pictured aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning tanker in Port Arthur, Texas, are (photo above, from left) Chief Cook Adolfo Bermudez, SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala and Recertified Steward Richard Jones. Below is Oiler Mario Cruz Levy, also with Zavala. A-BOOK IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook Ahmed Hussain (fourth from left) recently picked up his A-book at the hiring hall. A number of fellow Seafarers congratulated him, including SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (far right). WELCOME ASHORE – Longtime Seafarer Capt. Randy Isenhart (center) is wrapping up his career aboard Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning’s Resolve. He’s pictured with Chief Mate Chris Mullin (left) and Chief Engineer Kevin Hale. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – MDR Duane Akers (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. (Akers hasn’t completely left the fold. He’s working as a safety director for the union.) July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 9 ABOARD OVERSEAS CHINOOK – Pictured from left aboard the OSG vessel are Chief Cook Gladiz David, SIU Houston Patrolman Clay Casteel and ACU Vidal Vallesteros. GIVING BACK IN ALOHA STATE – Volunteers from the SIU, including Port Agent Hazel Galbiso (above, left), recently helped spruce up a local school. The outreach was part of the “Labor of Love” community services program and included representatives from the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council. A few of the other volunteers are pictured in the photo at right. Seafarers LOG 9 6/24/22 2:22 AM �RALLYING FOR LIVING WAGE – The SIU participated in a demonstration at the Hawaii state capitol calling for a minimum-wage increase with no tip penalty. Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Director Gino Soquena, and AFGE National Organizer Lisa Akau. RECRUITING IN PHILLY – SIU Philadelphia Safety Director Andre MacCray (right) promotes the union and its affiliated school during a recent career fair. WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY CITY – AB Lucas Mejia (left), who started sailing with the union in 1991, picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Chief Cook Thomas Smith (left) receives his first pension check at the hiring hall. Smith began sailing with the SIU in 1981. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – QMED Daniel Daligcon (right) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. He started sailing with the SIU in 1995. Diana Marrone, executive administrative assistant, is at left. FAMILY TRADITION – The Seafaring lineage is alive and well for Bosun Adiener Alfaro (right) and his son, AB Lexter Alfaro. The father-son team is pictured during a recent voyage aboard the USNS Maury (Ocean Shipholdings). Both members ship from the San Juan hall. WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Recertified Steward Eddie Taylor (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook, started shipping with the NMU in 1978, and wrapped up his career with Keystone aboard the Cape Kennedy. He’s shown receiving his first pension check. 10 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 10 SEAFARING SELFIE – SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (left) is pictured with AB Adam Simon, who works for G&H Towing. SAFETY TRAINING ABOARD TUG – Longtime Seafarer Capt. John Cox submitted this photo of fellow SIU boatmen Chief Engineer Roberto Rubio (left) and Mate Kent Hayward aboard the G&H Towing boat Frances E. Haden in the Gulf. July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, Philadelphia MTD President Credits Union Members For Dedication, Perseverance in Pandemic Despite facing unprecedented challenges caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the labor movement not only answered the call but also made significant strides, said the leader of the Maritime Trades Department (MTD). MTD President Michael Sacco, who also serves as SIU president, credited rank-andfile members and their unions with living up to their designation as part of the country’s “essential workforce.” Sacco expressed that sentiment in his opening remarks June 9 in Philadelphia, site of the MTD’s quadrennial convention. “Some of you may remember that we were just a week or so away from our 2020 executive board meetings when the pandemic basically overwhelmed North America,” Sacco said. “It’s no exaggeration to say that life hasn’t been the same since then. But we survived, we adapted and we learned. “Do you know what else we did?” he continued. “We delivered! Our members delivered. Our unions delivered. Obviously, there is nothing good about the COVID pandemic itself – but a lot of important things have happened since we had to cancel those meetings in 2020.” Sacco, who was reelected to his position later during the convention, reminded the audience of a period when “you couldn’t find toilet paper or hand sanitizer on the store shelves” and when a runaway-flag ship became stuck in the Suez Canal in 2021. “That’s when people outside our industry began to understand the importance of maritime,” he said. “That’s when the term ‘supply chain’ started to become part of everyday news coverage.” The growing awareness of the industry’s Michael Sacco President, MTD/SIU importance – starting with the significance of workers themselves – can only help bolster the U.S. Merchant Marine and American shipbuilding, Sacco stated. “Additionally, people across the United States are realizing the value of their work – and they’re waking up to the fact that the best way to get what they deserve is by forming or joining a union,” he added. “Our approval ratings are at historic highs. Our publicity is almost nonstop. Workers have won union elections at Starbucks and Amazon, two of the nation’s most high-profile employers. Workers at some Apple stores are also mobilizing for union representation.” He then welcomed delegations from International Longshoremen’s Association; the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; and the American Federation of Teachers. Those respective unions affiliated with the MTD since the department’s previous convention. The MTD president also touched on his pandemic-era experiences with online connectivity, and in particular web meetings. “It’s amazing how quickly it became part of everyday life,” he said. “What I’ve learned about technology is that it can be a double-edged sword. There is no doubt it can increase efficiency and save money. And there is no doubt that we also lose something if our only interactions with each other are on a computer screen. That’s not an old-school sentiment. It’s a human sentiment.” Like other speakers, Sacco also said it will be vital for workers and their unions “to make sure we’re using online connectivity – and technology in general – to enhance workplaces and to boost productivity while still preserving the relationships that are built over time, in person…. Again, I’m not looking to turn back the clock. But it’s up to us to harness the technology and put it to good use.” Lastly, he noted, “Whatever your personal political views, I hope you recognize that the Biden administration is well on its way to being the most pro-union administration ever. Not only that, the president himself has been an outspoken supporter of American maritime, starting in his first week in office. We’ve made great strides under his leadership, and we’ve also got lots of opportunities for more progress.” Shuler Cites ‘Power of Collective Action’ Federation President Sees ‘Future Where Unions Can Be the Constant’ The head of America’s largest labor organization says that unions can and must play vital roles as technology constantly reshapes workplaces. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivered that message June 9 at the Maritime Trades Department convention in Philadelphia. She also expressed the federation’s unwavering support for the U.S. maritime industry. Primarily, she explained her vision for how the labor movement can protect its hard-won gains while remaining vibrant for many years to come. “We cannot sit back and think it’s just going to take care of itself,” Shuler stated. “We want to be that labor movement that’s opening its doors wider than ever, showing workers that we are the place to go to prepare for the future. I see a future where unions can be the constant – where unions can be the solid foundation that people keep coming back to, to learn that next skill, to join that next industry that’s growing and emerging.” She said that, partly as a result of the pandemic, “people are waking up to the power of collective action and unions, like never before. There is activism like we haven’t seen in decades. This is a whole new generation of trade unionists that are showing us all how to be bold, how to take risks, how to be creative and how to be fearless. We need to do the MTD Snapshot July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 11 same.” Shuler mentioned various businesses where people have organized or joined unions in recent months, and noted that new technologies can leave people feeling unsettled. “Our workplaces are changing, especially coming out of the pandemic,” she said. “How do we build that future? It’s about embracing innovation and change. But it’s also about organizing.” Echoing the sentiments of MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco and other speakers, Shuler insisted, “Workers need to have a seat at that table where the decisions about technology are being made. No one knows our industries better than we do. We need to have workers’ voices at every stage of that process. That’s on us, and the labor movement has to prioritize it. We’ve got to keep evolving, and we’ve always been the source for those cutting-edge training programs. The maritime unions are right in the middle of this.” With that in mind, she announced that the federation recently launched the AFL-CIO Technology Institute. “We have to be the ones that shape that technology and control it for workers,” she added. “The industries that are emerging around us, especially coming out of the pandemic – we want to make sure that those are good, union jobs from day one. The Maritime Trades Department is a constitutionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO. It consists of 21 port maritime councils and 24 affiliates (including the SIU), plus executive officers and an executive board. We want to be the source for the highly skilled, most productive workers on the planet. That’s how we get a foothold.” She called for a “solidarity” approach to organizing, and pointed out that during the Amazon campaigns in Alabama, upwards of 15 unions participated, even though most didn’t have a membership stake. She sees that strategy as a model for the future and also said the campaign inspired other organizing drives in different economic sectors. Additionally, Shuler noted the importance of domestic shipbuilding, the Jones Act and cargo preference. “Maintaining a first-class maritime industry is all of our fight,” she said. “Having highly skilled, union, U.S. mariners is how we do that.” She also described U.S. maritime labor as “the most patriotic group of trade unionists. The role that the maritime trades play in keeping our country moving, making sure that our national defense is operable – this is who are movement is, and more people need to see that.” Shuler concluded by designating the Biden administration as “the most prounion administration in history…. That means that working people were at the table as we were planning the country’s recovery. We’re going to keep pushing to get more investment in working people.” She expressed concern about polariza- Because of the pandemic, the MTD’s convention – and its observance of the department’s 75th anniversary – were bumped back from 2021 to June 9-10, 2022 in Philadelphia. There, delegates re-elected Michael Sacco as president; Anthony Gonsiewski Liz Shuler President, AFL-CIO tion among some union members and encouraged everyone to “get back to our roots, focus on issues, get back to faceto-face communication, talk about our shared values and vision. Listen before you talk.” as vice president; and Daniel Duncan as executive secretary-treasurer. They also adopted numerous statements aimed at mapping out the MTD’s future. The convention’s theme was “Anchored in the Past – Full Ahead Toward the Future.” Seafarers LOG 11 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Maritime Trades Department Delegates & Guests Adam Vokac President MEBA Anthony Poplawski President MFOW Anthony Shelton President BCTGM Dave Connolly President SUP Edward Kelly President IAFF Eric Dean President Ironworkers Lonnie Stephenson President IBEW Richard Lanigan President OPEIU Lisa Bolton VP CWA Peter Clark VP ILA Brian Bryant VP Machinists Warren Fairley VP Boilermakers Patrice Caron Exec. VP SIU of Canada Bob Rice Sec.-Treasurer AMO Eric Bunn Sec.-Treasurer AFGE Roland Rexha Sec.-Treasurer MEBA Dale Troll Metal Trades Dept. Harry Kaiser BCTGM Jeanette Bradshaw Michigan Port Maritime Council Robert Howard Chicago Port Maritime Council Louie Diaz Southern California Port Maritime Council John Baker General Organizer ILA Patrick Dolan UA Dan Duncan Sec.-Treasurer MTD Mark Clements Administrator MTD Augie Tellez Exec. VP SIU Dave Heindel Sec. Treasurer SIU George Tricker VP SIU Tom Orzechowski VP SIU Dean Corgey VP SIU Nick Marrone VP SIU Joseph Soresi VP SIU Nicholas Celona VP SIU Govt Svs Karen Horton-Gennette National Director UIW Kris Hopkins AVP SIU Michael Russo AVP SIU Bryan Powell AVP SIU Pat Vandegrift AVP SIU Amancio Crespo AVP SIU Joe Vincenzo AVP SIU Govt Svs Maggie Bowen Plans Administrator Seafarers Bernie Hostein Steelworkers 12 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 12 July 2022 6/24/22 11:40 AM �Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, Philadelphia ITF Official Praises Maritime Labor Cotton Says Jones Act Should be Global Model The top official of a powerful international labor group said the global pandemic called overdue, positive attention to the maritime industry. Steve Cotton, general secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), addressed the Maritime Trades Department convention June 10 in Philadelphia. He discussed the federation’s efforts to help workers in Ukraine; the future of transportation jobs; and the maritime industry’s response to COVID-19. The ITF is a federation of 665 trade unions – including the SIU – representing 20 million workers in 147 countries in the seafaring, port, road, rail and aviation sectors. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel chairs the federation’s Seafarers’ Section. Cotton described the situation in Ukraine as “very challenging for the global labor movement.” He also mentioned the Seafarers Union of Russia, and noted, “Those friends of a long time are still our friends, and they’re not responsible for the behavior of Putin. We’ve had to very delicately make sure our brothers and sis- ters in Ukraine, who are suffering terribly, are supported by the ITF and all the global union movement, and also deal with the fact that some Russian transport workers are not the devil.” He then described how the pandemic, along with the unrelated grounding of a runaway-flag ship in 2021 in the Suez Canal, “highlighted to the world’s media how much they depend on the world’s seafarers. I frankly feel that we’ve been invisible. COVID has given us a unique opportunity to get into the governing bodies of the United Nations and other policymakers to remind them how critical seafarers and other transport workers are.” Cotton said that throughout the pandemic, “we saw collaboration at the port council level to get seafarers on and off ships. Also, the world saw that seafarers are committed and professional, wherever they’re working…. In some of the worst cases, we had seafarers on ships for 18 months, with no shore leave. “We also saw – not in the U.S. – the inability of governments to react to crisis,” he continued. “Bureaucracy made it very dif- MTD President Michael Sacco, ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel are pictured before the second day of the convention. ficult for us to move seafarers around, and we lobbied in all of the countries. We also learned that if we want to make a significant difference, we have to be in a conversation with the shipowners, and we worked collaboratively with them. We got a message to United Nations secretary general, who agreed that seafarers should be defined as essential workers and at the top of the list when it comes to moving across borders because of the pandemic.” Nevertheless, the crew-change crisis proved challenging, in part because of “inconsistent application of international rules.” The ITF official then discussed the always-changing nature of work and how the United States’ freight cabotage law can play a vital role in upholding workers’ rights. “You have the Jones Act, and the world is envious,” he said. “You have a power that goes beyond just words…. What you have in the Jones Act is something we need to transfer globally.” Making “green jobs” union jobs is “critical,” Cotton said. “Why is it critical? Because that’s where the money is going. It’s critical that we build better jobs – better union jobs – and we in the ITF are committed to do that.” Cotton commended Heindel’s work in trying to ensure a bright future for transportation workers while not impeding progress. He described those efforts and said they’re ongoing. “How do we make sure that today’s seafarers have got the skills to be tomorrow’s seafarers?” he added. “We have to have a union voice in every single one of those rooms where decisions are being made.” As a prominent example, he stated, “We need you – the strong American labor unions – and the use of the Jones Act to help us establish what is best practice when it comes to constructing wind farms off the coast. Many of our unions in traditional maritime countries don’t have the Jones Act and struggle to keep their men and women at work in the maritime sector. We think wind farms – the construction, the maintenance – could be an opportunity for good, well-paid unionized jobs for nationals all around the world. ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton says the pandemic highlighted the maritime industry’s importance. “We’re not against change,” he added. “We understand the world will continue to develop and change. But we want a say about what it changes. We want to have a conversation about, what does digitalization look like in the ports?... If we can work smarter, yeah, let’s work smarter. But let’s not put people out of work, and let’s not put people out of work without a conversation about what unions want.” Technology can’t replace the entire workforce, he said, pointing to a recent example of another foreign-flag ship that grounded in Baltimore. The eventual freeing of that vessel showed the importance of “skilled, working men and women,” Cotton said. “Let’s not mistake that a computer is going to come along and move that Evergreen ship out of the mud. That takes real people with real skills and the ability to time-manage the challenge.” He concluded, “Strong labor voices do make a difference, and our commitment in the ITF is unending to you.” Rep. Donald Norcross Stresses ‘Buy American,’ Lasting Value of Union Jobs in USA In a wide-ranging address June 10 at the Maritime Trades Department convention in Philadelphia, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) often returned to one key subject: good, union jobs. A longtime electrician and onetime president of the South Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council before his election to Congress, Norcross also underscored his support for the U.S. maritime industry; emphasized the need for unity across the country; promoted workplace safety; and asked rankand-file union members to recognize the pro-labor work of the Biden administration. Norcross, who’s still a union member, pointed to his own family as a prime example of how union apprenticeships can be gateways to rewarding careers. He said he has three grown children: a doctor, a lawyer, and an electrician. Only the latter has paid off his house, the congressman said. “College isn’t the only path” toward a good job, Norcross stated, and the various paths “are of equal value.” One way to ensure availability of good jobs in the trades is by instituting project labor agreements (PLA), he said. President Biden earlier this Congressman Norcross ad- year issued an executive order mandresses the MTD convention and dating that federally funded conemphasizes his support of the struction projects worth at least $35 million must be handled by workers U.S. maritime industry. July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 13 covered by PLAs. Such agreements create and maintain good-paying jobs, promote local hiring and boost safety standards. “PLAs don’t happen accidentally,” said Norcross, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. “They happen because the stage has been set over years. But we know how important they are. They mean good wages, pensions, safety. It only happens because we collectively work together to put people in positions in public office who understand where we come from.” He said that when traveling in an Armed Services Committee capacity, “when I meet the General Dynamics and Boeings and Lockheeds, I always ask to meet with the union president at each site. I want to hear what they have to say.” Turning to maritime, Norcross said the wind energy sector holds great promise for various sectors of the industry. He also expressed his ongoing support for the Jones Act, and said the pandemic opened the public’s eyes regarding the importance of maritime. “The supply chain does matter, doesn’t it?” he asked. “Buy American means we have a supply chain that we’re not going to (have) to worry about whether the Chinese are going to try to disrupt it. That’s as real as you are sitting here. It is unbelievable on a classified level what we see going on throughout our country. I think we’ve turned a corner; now, we need to make sure we do it. We start with Buy American and we make sure we have the skillsets back here at home.” Speaking about both the maritime industry specifically and the U.S. workforce generally, Norcross added, “You don’t build an industry or lose it overnight…. People are beginning to understand you don’t just snap your fingers” and have a well-trained, reliable workforce in place. Looking towards the midterms later this year, Norcross reminded the audience that Biden “uses the word ‘union’ proudly. This is a big deal.” The congressman called for unity and said when it comes to union involvement in politics, “It’s not about what team you’re on. It’s about what MTD President Michael Sacco (left), U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) we do: helping bring home a paycheck so they can take care of their family. If we get stuck in these (partisan) corners, it’s not a good outcome…. I’ve been on picket lines and nobody likes a fight more than me. But I was on the (Capitol) floor on January 6. That’s not my country. This is not a blue or red issue; this is an American issue as fundamental as anything we do.” Seafarers LOG 13 6/24/22 12:03 PM �Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, Philadelphia ‘U.S. Merchant Marine is Essential’ FMC Commissioner Notes Growing Awareness of Maritime The U.S. maritime industry collectively should capitalize on the growing awareness of its essential roles. Carl Bentzel, a commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), emphasized that view June 9 at the Maritime Trades Department convention in Philadelphia. The FMC is self-described as “the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer.” Bentzel said that the COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted “the essential character of transportation…. The U.S. Merchant Marine is an essential component of our industrial base and our security. We can’t rely on foreign shipping to provide our nation’s objectives.” He also said that while the FMC is not involved in Jones Act issues, he strongly supports maintaining the century-old law, which is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. (The Jones Act requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American.) “It was always something that offended me, that we would consider ceding our territory, our navigable waters, to some foreign nation,” Bentzel said regarding those who would weaken or eliminate the law. “It would be like giving up the state of Nebraska to another nation. We can’t consider that. It’s stunning when we even consider” such proposals. “If you work in the United States, you should be subject to our laws. We should have U.S. health, safety and labor standards. It’s a disappointment to even have to argue this.” He noted the devastating consequences Australia has experienced due to wiping out their own freight cabotage laws. Bentzel added, “During the pandemic, Jones Act carriers are transporting cargo on a timely basis. It’s also getting there to the offshore islands and Puerto Rico. Rates have not gone up. By comparison, the shipping rates on (foreign flag) international cargo shipping have gone up 300 to 500 percent, and it’s taking two to three times longer to travel.” The commissioner pointed out there aren’t many U.S.-flag ships trading internationally, which leaves the country potentially vulnerable. “One-hundred percent of every single container used in the world is built by the Chinese government,” he said. “Forty-three percent of all ships are built by China,” while roughly 80 percent of the world fleet sails under runaway flags.” Bentzel then talked about the original debate concerning the Maritime Security Act of 1996 (a law that created the Maritime Security Program). He read comments from the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) – an honorary SIU member. The senator explained the maritime industry’s importance and said we cannot rely on the goodwill of foreign nations to transport military cargo and other vital supplies. “Those comments are applicable today, perhaps even more so,” Bentzel said. He then focused on ways to grow the in- FMC Commissioner Carl Bentzel dustry. “We should look at this crisis (the pandemic) as an opportunity to make the case that we have to have a (stronger) U.S. presence in (international) shipping,” Bentzel said. “I am a regulator, but in my capacity, I will do anything I can to support and promote the presence of U.S.-flag shipping and U.S. Merchant Mariners.” He concluded, “It is an industrial base that is strategically vital to the United States. We’ve spent too little energy and too little time and too little effort at the federal level doing what we could. I’m going to be working with you to do whatever I can, but it’s really up to your folks in Washington to come up with some plans. There is an opportunity; people recognize that our supply chain is handled by an industry. Before this (pandemic), goods just magically appeared. Let’s capitalize.” Speakers Tackle Labor, Maritime Issues Delegates and guests at the MTD convention heard from an array of speakers representing various segments of the maritime industry and the labor movement. Those speakers included BCTGM Secretary-Treasurer David Woods (above, left); Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Bill Doyle (second from left); Adriana O’Hagan of the American Federation of Teachers (second from right); and Philadelphia Central Labor Council President Pat Eiding (far right). Many of the convention’s attendees are pictured in photo at immediate right. 14 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 14 July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Important Notice: Norfolk Hall Renovations, Temporary Offices Extensive renovations to the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, are expected to commence soon. At press time, the union secured temporary office space that will be utilized during the renovation period. The address of the temporary office is 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, Virginia, 23323. That facility is located 14 miles from the Norfolk hall. The phone and fax numbers for the hall will remain unchanged. “The planning for these renovations has been comprehensive, and I’m confident that the membership will be pleased with the re- sults,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, who is overseeing the project. “It’s definitely time to make these improvements, and we’re still retaining the convenience of the hall’s location, which is near both the waterfront and a main highway.” An exact move-in date wasn’t known at press time but will be posted on the SIU website, communicated via the union’s text service, and published in upcoming editions of the LOG. The renovations are expected to last several months and possibly as long as a year. Contact the hall for more information. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from May 14 - June 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of June 15. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C WellCheck Provides Fast, Convenient Vax Card Storage Thanks to a partnership between the SIU and WellCheck, mariners can now verify their COVID19 cards with state databases, store them digitally on their devices, and call up the information in an instant – all for free. This service, which is being offered to members as an optional convenience, allows mariners to digitally authenticate their vaccine records. This is an important step that increases the card’s acceptance rate in some locations, including foreign ports and some large events. Once verified, the information is then stored digitally thru the WellCheck app, as well as automatically uploaded to the member ’s online SIU member portal. All members are strongly en- couraged to upload their vaccine cards through the WellCheck app, even if they have previously submitted their information. Additionally, when a member receives a COVID-19 booster shot, they are encouraged to upload their updated vaccine card through WellCheck. Members can also save their verified vaccine information to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on their mobile devices, to ensure they have ready access even if they lose internet connectivity. This is an added service being provided to the membership at no cost, and is not mandatory. To g e t s t a r t e d , s e e the May 17 post on the SIU website or visit: https://tinyurl.com/ bdz48avh July & August Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................*Tuesday : July 5, Monday: August 8 Algonac...........................................Friday: July 8, August 12 Baltimore........................................Thursday: July 7, August 11 Guam............................................Thursday: July 21, August 25 Honolulu...........................................Friday: July 15, August 19 Houston..........................................Monday: July 11, August 15 Jacksonville...................................Thursday: July 7, August 11 Joliet..............................................Thursday: July 14, August 18 Mobile.....................................Wednesday: July 13, August 17 New Orleans....................................Tuesday: July 12, August 16 Jersey City...........................................Tuesday: July 5, August 9 Norfolk..............................................Friday: July 8, August 12 Oakland.......................................Thursday: July 14, August 18 Philadelphia......................Wednesday:July 6, August 10 Port Everglades............................Thursday: July14, August 18 San Juan................................... ...Thursday: July 7, August 11 St. Louis.............................................Friday: July 15, August 19 Tacoma...........................................Friday: July 22, August 26 Wilmington..................................Monday: July 18, August 22 * Piney Point change in July due to Independence Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 15 Seafarers LOG 15 6/24/22 11:26 AM �Inquiring Seafarer 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 This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What was the most memorable vacation you’ve taken since becoming a mariner? Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Brandy Baker QMED Spain in 2009, back when I first started in the union. I went to Madrid, and the experience made me want to do and see more. It was a life-changing experience for me, and it put clouds under my feet, it gave me the urge to travel more. Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Vanessa Brumsey-Osbourne Chief Cook My best vacation was during off-time at work, when we went to Saipan. It’s gorgeous, and a day’s sail from Guam. The water was so blue, and you could see your toes through the water. It was a great time. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 Timothy Paul AB Scotland, 2007. I went over with my pregnant wife for our anniversary, and we came home with a daughter! But I love that I have been able to travel and see the world, both on a ship and in my free time. GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 Lance Gibson GUDE I went to Cancun for an anniversary trip with my wife. It was a surprise I set up for her, and she had no idea where we were going until we got to the airport. The smile on her face when she found out was priceless. And we’ve been married for 14 years. HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Michael Zabielski DEU While working on the OSG Houston while it was in the yard, we went to the Bahamas. We saw the palm trees, went snorkeling, we went fishing from the deck of the ship. It was a great time. Ernest Grant DEU I’ve been on some tours that felt like vacations when we went ashore. Belgium was great – the people were so nice, the food was awesome, and their chocolate really is the best. They didn’t speak a lot of English, but they were so nice to me. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Ben Thuringer OMU I went to the Amalfi Coast in 2021. My intent was to tour the ruins of Pompeii, but I didn’t know I needed a reservation! So, I drove my rental car down the coast, and camped out on the beach for the night. It was an amazing trip. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 16 Pic From The Past In 1978, the SIUcrewed Delta Sud received the prestigious Jones F. Devlin award for an outstanding safety record. When the award was presented, the vessel had operated for 773 consecutive days without a single lost-time accident to any crew member. Among those pictured on the vessel in New Orleans are Steward/Cook Edward Vieira (left) and AB John Sanfferer (third from left). Vessel master Capt. W.L. Easter is fourth from left, accepting the certificate from Capt. E.R. Seamen, marine operations manager Delta Line. In that era, the Devlin award was sponsored by the American Institute of Merchant Shipping. It’s still presented today, by the Chamber of Shipping of America. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �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 GREGORY AGREN Brother Gregory Agren, 70, began his career with the SIU in 1987 when he sailed aboard the USNS Bartlett. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Agren most recently shipped on the Cape Island. He makes his home in Port Angeles, Washington. GERTRUDIS ARZU Sister Gertrudis Arzu, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1999, initially working on the Richard G. Matthiesen. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Arzu most recently sailed on the Maersk Kinloss. She lives in the Bronx, New York. STEVE BIGELOW Brother Steve Bigelow, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1973 when he shipped on the Portland. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Bigelow was an engine department member and concluded his career on the Reliance. He calls Edmonds, Washington, home. JUSUF DJUNED Brother Jusuf Djuned, 66, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1981, initially sailing aboard the Innovator. He shipped in the deck department. Brother Djuned’s final vessel was the Overseas Ohio. He makes his home in Seattle. WALTER FEY Brother Walter Fey, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1981. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Fey’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the Chemical Explorer. He is a Philadelphia resident. ROMAN GENETIANO Brother Roman Genetiano, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1990, first sailing aboard the Independence. July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 17 He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Genetiano most recently sailed aboard the USNS Pililaau. He resides in Honolulu. ROMARICO HINAYON Brother Romarico Hinayon, 67, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2000. A steward department member, he upgraded on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Hinayon first shipped aboard the Coast Range. He concluded his career aboard the Manulani and makes his home in Long Beach, California. VERNON HUELETT Brother Vernon Huelett, 66, started sailing with the union in 1980, initially working on the Gemini. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1986. Brother Huelett last shipped on the Dodge Island and settled in Houston. ABUBAKAR IDRIS at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ismail concluded his career on the Dodge Island and makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. Brother Simbler upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the New York and is a resident of Tyler, Texas. departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Vega’s final vessel was the USNS Gilliland. He resides in New York. JOHN JASINSKI THESSOLONIAN SMITH PATRICK SMITH Brother John Jasinski, 69, signed on with the union in 2003. He first sailed with Keystone Shipping Services and worked in the deck department. Brother Jasinski upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Burns Harbor and is a resident of Marquette, Michigan. Brother Thessolonian Smith, 73, began his career with the SIU in 2005. He shipped in the steward department and initially sailed aboard the Lykes Explorer. Brother Smith upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped aboard the Resolve and resides in Alexandria, Virginia. Brother Patrick Smith, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1982. He initially sailed with Atlantic Diving. Brother Smith upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2012. He was last employed by Great Lakes Towing and resides in Lakewood, Ohio. JAMES KASHA Brother James Kasha, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1997, initially shipping on the McDonnell. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Kasha last shipped aboard the St Louis Express. He lives in Dunnellon, Florida. ELKANAH LADIA Brother Abubakar Idris, 70, joined the union in 1997. He was a deck department member and first sailed aboard the Overseas Philadelphia. Brother Idris upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently worked on the Overseas Key West and callas Beaumont, Texas, home. Brother Elkanah Ladia, 70, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He first shipped aboard the Keystone Texas and worked in the deck department. Brother Ladia upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2007. He most recently sailed aboard the Louisiana and resides in Charleston, South Carolina. HUGO INFANTE JAMES SIEGER Brother Hugo Infante, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1994, initially sailing on the Sea Lion. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Infante last shipped on the Dewayne T. Williams and lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. Brother James Sieger, 70, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1973 when he shipped on an Interseas Bulk Carriers vessel. He worked in the engine department and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Sieger concluded his career on the Maersk Seletar. He lives in West Babylon, New York. TAHA ISMAIL KENNETH SIMBLER Brother Taha Ismail, 65, joined the SIU in 1999 when he sailed on the Anders Maersk. He was a steward department member and upgraded Brother Kenneth Simbler, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1988. He first sailed aboard the Inger and worked in the deck department. GREAT LAKES RANDY SORIANO Brother Randy Soriano, 54, joined the SIU in 2004. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Jack Lummus. Brother Soriano’s final vessel was the USNS Montford Point. He lives in the Philippines. FRANK STRONG Brother Frank Strong, 67, joined the union in 2001 and initially sailed on the Cape Ducato. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Strong concluded his career aboard the Pelican State and settled in Houston. EDDIE TAYLOR Brother Eddie Taylor, 70, signed on with the Seafarers in 2001. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Taylor worked for Keystone Shipping Services for the duration of his career and last sailed aboard the Cape Kennedy. He makes his home in New Orleans. JUAN VEGA Brother Juan Vega, 69, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1998 when he shipped on the Long Lines. He sailed in all three INLAND DARRYL ATHERLEY Brother Darryl Atherley, 62, donned the SIU colors in 2007 when he shipped on the Integrity. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Atherley’s final vessel was the Achievement. He lives in Yankeetown, Florida. MICHAEL LAS DULCE Brother Michael Las Dulce, 56, signed on with the union in 1986 when he sailed aboard the Columbia. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Las Dulce most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Island and settled in Cudjoe Key, Florida. NMU LLOYD DAVID Brother Lloyd David, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 SIU/ NMU merger. He was first employed by Marine Personnel and Provisioning and sailed in the steward department. Brother David upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and last sailed aboard the Argonaut. He resides in Philadelphia. Seafarers LOG 17 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Final Departures DEEP SEA GEORGE ARPIN Pensioner George Arpin, 94, passed away May 9. Born in Webster, Massachusetts, he joined the SIU in 1949. Brother Arpin was a steward department member and initially sailed with Waterman Steamship. He concluded his career aboard the Walter Rice before retiring in 1985. Brother Arpin was a resident of Boynton Beach, Florida. MARK CARPENTER Brother Mark Carpenter, 60, died April 27. A Connecticut native, he started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1986. Brother Carpenter shipped in the deck department, initially aboard the USNS Kane. He most recently worked on the Maersk Columbus and lived in Union, South Carolina. MACK FLORES Pensioner Mack Flores, 79, passed away May 16. He became a member of the union in 1986, first working aboard the USNS Algol. Brother Flores sailed in the deck department. He became a pensioner in 2011 after concluding his career on the Liberty Grace. Brother Flores was a Houston resident. JOHN FORBES Pensioner John Forbes, 91, died May 19. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1951. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Alcoa Runner. Brother Forbes’ final vessel was the Carolina. He became a pensioner in 1992 and settled in Mobile, Alabama. WILLIAM HALE Brother William Hale, 88, passed away April 19. He donned the SIU colors in 1951 when he sailed aboard the Pan Atlantic. Brother Hale was a deck department member and last shipped on the Mount Washington. He resided in Slidell, Louisiana. 18 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 18 GREGORY HILL Brother Gregory Hill, 66, died December 26. Born in Maryland, he joined the Seafarers International Union in 1971. Brother Hill was a member of the deck department and first sailed with Interseas Bulk Carriers. He last shipped on the Anchorage in 1995 and called Laurel, Delaware, home. GREGORY JOHNSON Pensioner Gregory Johnson, 67, passed away May 5. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1977 when he worked on the Baltimore. A deck department member, Brother Johnson last sailed on the Maersk Missouri in 2010. He became a retiree the following year and settled in Ronkonkoma, New York. MAURICE KRAMER Pensioner Maurice Kramer, 96, died May 8. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and joined the union in 1945. Brother Kramer was first employed by New York Central Railroad Company and was a deck department member. He last worked with Delta Steamship Lines before becoming a pensioner in 1982. Brother Kramer lived in Metairie, Louisiana. JOHN LEVASSEUR Pensioner John Levasseur, 74, passed away May 4. He signed on with the SIU in 1969, initially sailing with Hudson Waterways. Brother Levasseur was a deck department member. He last shipped on the USNS Yano and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Levasseur lived in Wolcott, Connecticut. PATRICK MAHER Pensioner Patrick Maher, 74, died May 6. He donned the SIU colors in 1991 when he shipped on the Independence. Brother Maher worked in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Reliance and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Maher called Alton, Missouri, home. GEORGE MAJOR Pensioner George Major, 86, passed away March 12. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1967, initially sailing aboard the Cortland. Brother Major shipped in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Cape Mohican and went on pension in 1994. Brother Major lived in Jacksonville, Florida. VARNEY MILNER Pensioner Varney Milner, 76, died April 23. A deck department member, he joined the union in 2001. Brother Milner’s first vessel was the Matej Kocak; his last, the Comet. He retired in 2010 and settled in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. KAID MOHAMED Pensioner Kaid Mohamed, 66, passed away March 10. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1989. The steward department member’s first vessel was the Anders Maersk. Brother Mohamed last shipped on the Keystone State in 2002. He began collecting his pension in 2021 and resided in Oakland, California. JOHN PONTI Brother John Ponti, 67, died April 3. He started sailing with the union in 1977 when he worked on the Overseas Vivian. Brother Ponti was an engine department member and last sailed aboard the Independence in 1985. He lived in Maui, Hawaii. JOSE RADONA Pensioner Jose Radona, 83, passed away March 11. He joined the SIU in 1999, initially shipping on the Independence. Brother Radona was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the Jack Lummus. He became a pensioner in 2010 and settled in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. RUSTY STEWART Pensioner Rusty Stewart, 67, died April 30. Born in Los Angeles, he became an SIU member in 1972. Brother Stewart sailed in the steward department, and his first vessel was the Merrimac. He most recently shipped aboard the Liberty and began collecting his pension in 2020. Brother Stewart called Poulsbo, Washington, home. PETROS TRIANTAFILOS Pensioner Petros Triantafilos, 82, passed away April 14. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1969 when he shipped on the Western Clipper. Brother Triantafilos worked in the engine department and last sailed aboard the Mariner. He became a pensioner in 2005 and lived in Athens, Greece. RENE YANES Pensioner Rene Yanes, 88, died April 23. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1969. An engine department member, Brother Yanes first sailed on the Cottonwood Creek. After concluding his career aboard the Overseas Harriette, he retired in 1998. Brother Yanes made his home in Martinsburg, West Virginia. GREAT LAKES CLARENCE MASON Pensioner Clarence Mason, 92, passed away April 1. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1966. An engine department member, Brother Mason first worked for Great Lakes Associates. He last sailed aboard the Presque Isle and went on pension in 1994. Brother Mason lived in Superior, Wisconsin. INLAND CHARLES CHARNOCK Pensioner Charles Charnock, 85, died May 8. He signed on with the SIU in 1970, initially working with Gulf Atlantic Transport Company. Brother Charnock sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career with Piney Point Transportation in 1997. Brother Charnock resided in Tangier, Virginia. JOSEPH ZORBACH Pensioner Joseph Zorbach, 78, passed away April 26. A member of the engine department, he joined the union in 1971. Brother Zorbach was employed by McAllister Towing of Baltimore for most of his career. He became a pensioner in 2000 and called Ocean City, Maryland, home. NMU GEORGE BROWN Pensioner George Brown, 78, died March 25. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with SIU. Brother Brown was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the Eric G. Gibson before becoming a pensioner in 2008. Brother Brown made his home in Shreveport, Louisiana. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Bristow, Ray 86 Brown, Harold 71 Bruff, Noel 82 Clarke, Ruben 84 Cormier, Paul 95 Denson, Larry 73 Dingas, Loucas 83 Gutierrez, Luis 70 Horsford, Cedric 95 Hunter, Raymond 92 Hunter, Theodore 96 Karalekas, Nicholas 94 Kirksey, James 90 Morales, Oscal 96 Pablo, Franklin 81 Paterson, Jay 84 Rivera, Alejandro 87 Sutton, Troy 96 Thompson, Vincent 83 Williams, Emmitt 94 DOD 05/01/2022 03/19/2022 01/15/2022 03/16/2022 03/21/2022 05/03/2022 03/27/2022 02/22/2022 05/04/2022 04/22/2022 02/19/2022 04/16/2022 04/07/2022 03/24/2022 03/22/2022 04/13/2022 03/19/2022 03/13/2022 05/21/2022 05/05/2022 July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings POTOMAC EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), February 27 – Chairman Richard Hitchcock, Secretary Armon Bailey, Educational Director Ricardo Ducay, Deck Delegate Tyler Peyton. Members discussed various issues with vessel and contract. Bosun to send documented issues to headquarters. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for more assistance with steward department as there are two serving areas to satisfy. Crew gave thanks for the two apprentices on board from the Piney Point school. New flatscreen TV purchased from ship’s fund. Members requested new mattresses, more vacation and Wi-Fi. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), March 5 – Chairman Cleofe Castro, Secretary Ronald Byrd, Educational Director Jerome Culbreth, Deck Delegate Michael Sherman, Engine Delegate Jason Fuller. New sound system in crew lounge and in gym. Captain instructed crew to come to him with purchase requests. Secretary advised members to keep documents up to date and renew them well in advance. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and reminded them to get booster shots before attending. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship to receive new grill, smoker and pizza oven. Members asked for better Wi-Fi. All rooms need 110 voltage converters. Crew requested higher taxi fare allowance for airport trips and more vacation time. New mattresses needed. Steward department was thanked for their service. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), March 13 – Chairman Leoncio Gadingan, Secretary Norma West, Educational Director Jing Hui Huang, Engine Delegate Syed Iqbal. Members requested 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. more vacation pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like physicals to be required once per year instead of every six months. Ship is getting new blankets, pillows and towels. OVERSEAS NIKISKI (Overseas Ship Management), March 27 – Chairman Paulin Augustin, Secretary Steve Concepcion, Educational Director Fontanos Ellison, Deck Delegate Nelxon Diego, Engine Delegate Ismael Manley, Steward Delegate Nelson Bernardez. Educational director reiterated the importance of upgrading at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members can find many forms on the SIU website. Crew requested new pillows, washcloths, water bottles, and refrigerators in rooms. Wi-Fi is slow on board, making online communication difficult. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited) March 27 – Chairman Anecito Limboy, Secretary Stephan Osovitz, Deck Delegate Romulo Tubon. New refrigerator received for crew lounge. Chairman encouraged members to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund) and reminded crew to leave clean rooms and linen for oncoming crew. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. Deck delegate reported beef regarding chief mate and assignment of weekend hours. Members requested a decrease in time needed for retirement and an increase in pension payments. Crew also desires a cost-of-living increase in new contract. POTOMAC EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), April 3 – Chairman Richard Hitchcock, Secretary Armon Bailey, Educational Director Darrell Goggins, Deck Delegate Tyler Peyton, Engine Delegate Kevin Johnson, Steward Delegate Mark Keller. Members reviewed old business and discussed several items relating to OT payments. Crew wants patrolman on board when arriving at the coast and would like to hear about upcoming contract. Union reps are also wanted aboard ship to discuss unresolved issues. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested fans that fasten to the wall in rooms and safety mats outside of bathroom. Help needed in galley. Members would like to see 20 for 30 vacation and wage increases. JOHN PAGE (Sealift Inc.), April 17 – Chairman Ronmel Lopez Miranda, Secretary Aaron HeltonCox, Educational Director Nathan Bryant, Deck Delegate John Wahl Engine Delegate Wayne Linnette, Steward Delegate Cameron Azadi. Captain discussed upcoming crew change. Educational director underscored the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. He reminded members to keep documents up to date. Issues discussed regarding garbage sorting and penalty pay in deck department. Crew asked for clarification on ship restriction. Members read communications. Crew requested DVD players in crew lounge, TVs in every room, repair to sauna, a treadmill in gym and additional bumper plates. Members would like a raise in vacation pay. TAINO (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 24 – Chairman Donley Johnson, Secretary Kimberly Strate, Deck Delegate Rafael Franco, Engine Delegate Shewanna Stephenson, Steward Delegate Digna Castillo. No beefs Aboard New Tug AB Kenneth Bolin (right) and SIU Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick are pictured aboard the new Seabulk hybrid tug Spartan, believed to be the first hybrid vessel in the company’s fleet. or disputed OT reported. Chairman motioned to make changes to contract wording relating to rest periods, emergency duties and drills, and coffee time. ALLIANCE NORFOLK (Maersk Line, Limited), May 13 – Chairman Richard Gathers, Secretary Timothy Dowd, Educational Director Marvin Sacaza, Deck Delegate Ramsey Ingram, Steward Delegate John Ward. Crew reviewed old business, most of which has been completed. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested more food supplies and raises in vacation time. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 19 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Certified Chief Cook July 11 August 12 August 15 September 16 September 19 October 21 October 31 December 2 December 5 January 5 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck August 29 September 16 October 17 November 4 November 28 December 16 Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21 Lifeboat/Water Survival August 1 August 12 August 29 September 9 September 26 October 7 October 24 November 4 November 21 December 2 Fast Rescue Boat August 22 August 26 RFPNW August 1 August 19 September 26 October 14 November 14 December 2 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW July 25 August 19 September 26 October 21 November 14 December 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Steward Department Upgrading Courses ServSafe Management August 8 August 12 September 12 September 16 October 24 October 28 November 28 December 2 Advanced Galley Operations August 15 September 9 October 10 November 4 Chief Steward July 18 August 12 September 12 October 7 November 14 December 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 September 23 Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30 Basic Training August 8 August 12 October 3 October 7 Basic Training Revalidation July 11 July 11 July 15 July 15 August 1 August 1 August 5 August 5 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 September 2 December 12 December 16 Marine Electrician October 31 December 2 Government Vessels July 18 July 22 August 1 August 5 August 15 August 19 August 29 September 2 September 19 September 23 September 26 September 30 October 17 October 21 October 24 October 28 November 7 November 10 December 5 December 9 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 15 August 19 October 31 November 4 FOWT August 29 September 23 October 24 November 18 Junior Engineer July 11 September 2 September 19 November 11 Welding July 11 July 29 September 26 October 14 October 31 November 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 20 October 24 October 28 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 7/22 July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #882 – Graduated May 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Christian Alvarado, Amari Cowell, Jerwin Dela Cruz, Tahtyana Edmond, Omar Fahmie, Tyree Harris, Clayton Laulainen, Christopher Lopez, Joshua Moore, Sherwin Murrell, Kelvin Oliver Jr., Ahmad Quarles Jr., Alexander Reay, Kristian Sims and Michael Wilt. Tank Ship Familiarization DL (Phase III) – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Boothby, Padgett Carpenter, Robert Cruz, Declan Gallagher, Daniel Moran, Travis Morris and Jaime Rios. Important Notice To All Students July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 21 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 21 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated April 29 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Shared Abdulaziz Ahmed, Ronny Arzu Amaya, Andrzej Marek Bronkowski, Latiffe Brooks, Juan Domingo Cardona, Kathy Carter, Carlos Jose Castillo Vidal, Bobby Conner II, George Egbert, Faith Gonse, Paula Minton, Nelson Ilario Ordonez Buelto, Vanessa Louise OsborneBrumsey, Greg Pavlich, Jeffrey Phillips, Anthony Alexander Rivera Jr., Shafreda Short Thigpen, Lisa Sottile, Aldo Thomas, Zachary Vincent, Vincent Vollaro and Shana Zeidenberg. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated April 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Steven Joseph Benavides Jr., John Coleman Jr., Christopher Ferguson, Melvin Hill III, Arabi Nagi Muthala, Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez, Juan Rafael Santiago Robles and Mukhtar Ahmed Mohamed Suwaileh. Water Survival – Two upgraders graduated from this course April 22: Mark Canada (not pictured) and Ryan Chapman (above). Medical Care Provider – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Luke Branko Coffelt, Terrell Cuffee, Cody Fox, Vernon Van Humbles, Jahmal Jones, Christopher Marcani, Michael McGlone, Justin Nicholson and Gajatri Normatova. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 22 July 2022 6/24/22 2:54 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization LG – Graduated May 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Husain Ali Ali, Nasser Abdulla Almansoob, Ronald Burris, Rohmy Butler, Michael Clark, Eugene Edwards, Bakr Saber Moustafa Elbana, Samed Shaif Kassem, Hubert Lawrence, Michael McGlone, Samuel Moore, Gajatri Normatova, Vanessa Osborne-Brumsey, Timothy Paul, Justo David Reyes, Mohsen Mohamed Said, Decontee Saypoh, Ryan Scott, Cynthia Servance, Joesef Moses Shaibi, Apollos Smalls, Benjamin Thuringer, Brandon Urich, Michael John Estavillo Valdez and David Watkins. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Pumpman – Graduated April 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Theodore Gonzales, Leroy Harris, Vernon Van Humbles, Daniel Leon-Bruges, Joshua Mann, George Marcelo Mardones, Wordell Prescott and Lonny Scott. MSC Storekeeper Basic – A pair of upgraders graduated from this course May 20. They are Christopher Marcani (above, left) and Sherron Davita Decoteau. Tankship Familiarization DL – Graduated May 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Ronald Burris, Michael Clark, Lashay Creekmore, Julius Jumangit Dagoldol, Joseph Dupre, George Nier Egbert, Brian Guiry, Ferdinand Gabonada Hullana, Michael McGlone, Gajatri Normatova, Nelson Ilario Ordonez Buelto, Vanessa Osborne-Brumsey, Timothy Paul, Apollos Smalls and Benjamin Thuringer. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated May 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Garry Brandon, Graeme Simbajo Dy, Kim Holliman, William Johnson, Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez and Juan Rafael Santiago Robles. July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 23 Government Vessels (Phase I) – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Alondra Delgado, Kyle Jolivette and Jonathan Slattery. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated May 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Shabrielle Knight, D’Artis Mitchell, Nikia Stripling, Branden Williams and Jonathan Yates. Seafarers LOG 23 6/24/22 2:54 AM �JULY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 7 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 The USNS Patuxent (left) and Maersk Peary conduct one of several UnReps/CONSOL operations. The photo at right shows the Peary alongside the RFA Tidesurge. AB Ed Majesky (left) works the line while Pumpman Pat Montgomery runs the winch. Captain Praises Crew for ‘Amazing Job’ Maersk Peary vessel master Capt. Michele Laycock (an SIU hawsepiper) offered strong words of commendation following recent operations aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel. “The officers and crew alike did an amazing job and I especially want them to know this,” she wrote. “From the middle of April to the middle of May, our vessel conducted several UnReps/ CONSOL operations. The first operation was with USNS Supply…. It was our first two-station UnRep. The only way to make this work on a commercially run vessel is to make this an ‘ALL HANDS’ evolution. In order to run two stations and to keep them safely manned during the evolution, we take on extra crew. Every crew member from every department has to give a little to make this all come together so seamlessly. From the QMED standing by in the steering gear space to the wiper on deck as a signalman, from the steward and chief cook who cover the SA signaling on deck, to the entire deck gang, all have important and integral roles that help to make this happen safely.” Laycock continued, “The crew of the Maersk Peary conducted five evolutions altogether in the covering a month-long period from April into May with Military Sealift Command owned and operated vessels USNS Supply (two altogether), USNS Patuxent and USNS Laramie. In addition to the full UnReps/CONSOLS we also had the privilege of conducting a dry hook-up with RFA Tidesurge (from the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary).” She concluded, “I’m so impressed and in awe of what we’ve accomplished – not because I didn’t think we could do it, but because the crew took this challenge and ran with it! As a crew and as a vessel, we have certainly learned, grown in our flexibility and our overall capabilities. We used every evolution as an opportunity to train and improve and it was apparent in the final results.” In photo above, AB Ben Wilson (left) and Recertified Bosun Ron Paradise connect the span wire. AB Roni Castillo (photo below) maintains manifold watch while alongside the USNS Patuxent. Clockwise beginning from above: Pictured from front to back in this Seafaring selfie are Capt. Michele Laycock and ABs Dave Kennedy and Josh Gail. AB Berard Fedele observes operations from the deck of the Peary while Wiper Abdelhak Moutmir signals for the other vessel to continue slacking their line. Standing by at their respective work stations are Pumpman Pat Montgomery (left) and SA Nisha Jones. 24 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 24 July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2022 Description An account of the resource SHULER, REDMOND ELECTED TO TOP POSTS AT AFL-CIO SIU HELPS OBSERVE NATIONAL MARITIME DAY SHBP SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED MTD CONVENTION COVERAGE ENDURANCE CREW RESCUES CAPTAIN OF BLACK PEARL SENATOR MURKOWSKI RECEIVES SCA MARITIME LEADERSHIP AWARD REP. NORCROSS STRESSES 'BUY AMERICAN' ITF OFFICIAL PRAISES MARITIME LABOR WELLCHECK PROVIDES FAST, CONVENIENT VAX CARD STORAGE MAERSK PEARY CAPTAIN PRAISES CREW FOR 'AMAZING JOB' 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 07/01/2022 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. 84, No. 7 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2a2da3b4f421a27a2ce7d3980c611af4.pdf 968fddf64f3f77362f4609940be0722e PDF Text Text AUGUST 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 8 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Members Vote on Standard Contracts 5-Year Agreements Head Toward Ratification, Feature Many Gains Seafarers are well on their way to overwhelmingly ratifying the new standard freightship and tanker agreements. Voting continued as this edition of the LOG went to press, but by late July it was evident that the proposed five-year contracts had extensive support from rank-and-file members. Among other highlights, the contracts call for wage increases, maintain benefits, help ensure shipboard internet access, and preserve every SIU job. Some of the members who backed the new pacts are pictured at immediate right aboard the Horizon Pacific, below left aboard the USNS Brittin, below right aboard the Cape Inscription and at the bottom of page aboard the Matson Tacoma. Pages 2, 3, 4, 14, 24. NY Waterway Rescue Page 2 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 1 WWII Mariner Shares Memories Pages 12-13 7/26/22 9:57 AM �President’s Report Great Work All Around Congratulations are in order for several recent accomplishments by Seafarers, union officials and staff. Most recently, everyone stepped up during a no-notice turbo activation starting in mid-July. While the timing proved challenging, our rank-and-file members, manpower office and personnel in the hiring halls once again delivered. Your collective efforts – virtually around the clock – were outstanding and aren’t taken for granted. SIU members also were involved in three recent rescues, thereby upholding the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Those stories are reported in this edition and I encourage everyone to read them. These are more examples of jobs well done by Seafarers, and they also underscore the ongoing importance of safety training. Last but definitely not least, I believe our new standard contracts are a source of pride. I’ve been around long enough to know that it’s nearly imMichael Sacco possible to please everyone, but just think about what we achieved with these agreements. We did not lose a single job. We secured significant wage increases while either maintaining or bettering various benefits. We got a firm commitment from the operators to provide shipboard connectivity. And we did all of that at a time when our employers’ costs have increased because of the pandemic. Our benefit plans are in great shape. Our officials and staff are dedicated and they believe in what they’re doing. Our rank-and-file members are second-to-none, and so is our affiliated school. Put that all together and I think we’ve got a lot to look forward to. Jones Act Support Our coverage of the recently concluded AFL-CIO convention included a component that shouldn’t be overlooked. Specifically, the delegates approved a resolution in support of the Jones Act – a law that has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. I am aware that most Seafarers understand the Jones Act. We also have new people regularly entering our industry, so, for those who are unfamiliar, the Jones Act is a section of the 1920 Merchant Marine Act. It simply states that any cargo moved from one American port to another American port must be carried aboard a U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-flagged vessel. The Jones Act helps maintain approximately 650,000 American jobs found across every state and territory. It contributes more than $1 billion each year to our nation’s economy. (For any readers with a background in the building trades, it is the maritime equivalent of Davis-Bacon.) In addition, the Jones Act fleet helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable U.S. citizen mariners available to sail aboard U.S.-flag military support vessels in times of crisis. Even though this law has enjoyed consistent bipartisan backing, it regularly comes under attack from people and organizations who either don’t know any better or who have ulterior motives. That’s why having the AFLCIO stand with us in support of the Jones Act is so important. The federation’s backing means that, when needed, we can speak with 12.5 million voices who recognize that the Jones Act is a solid provider of dependable American jobs. Every United States president has backed it, and President Biden reinforced his longtime support his first week in office. High-ranking U.S. military officers also endorse the law, but we still must educate newcomers in Congress and elsewhere in government about its importance. I recently heard a speech from a member of the Federal Maritime Commission that included this (paraphrased) line: Weakening or eliminating the Jones Act would be like our country handing over Nebraska to a foreign country. Obviously, we’d never do such a thing – and the same inherent logic applies to upholding a law that is more important than ever to the United States. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 8 August 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 2 NY Waterway Crews Rescue Nine Boaters in Hudson River SIU members employed by NY Waterway have a long record of helping people in distress, and they continued the tradition July 12 when they rescued nine individuals whose boat capsized in the Hudson River. Capt. Jason Peters was following his daily route between Manhattan and Weehawken, New Jersey, on the ferry John Stevens when he spotted the overturned boat, changed course and answered the call for help around 3 p.m. “They were waving for help for us to come over,” Peters said. “They were frantic. They were obviously worried about the other people. We were trying to get on as many people as we could. We got eight people out of the water…. We started throwing life jackets, life rings, just to get them out of the water.” The SIU members involved included the crew of the John Stevens – Peters and Deckhands Steven Black and Hector Rabanes – as well as the crew of the Garden State – Capt. Anthony Ryan and Deckhands Abdul Aziz and Luis Vacca. The latter boat rescued one person. All of those Seafarers have completed safety training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. According to news reports, 12 people had been aboard a 27-foot boat that was chartered by a family and friends. Two of them died in the accident, while another was rescued by local authorities. New York City police and fire department personnel recovered the bodies (those of a seven-year-old boy and a 47-year-old woman). Ryan said of the experience, “Of course it’ll stick with me. Anything like this will always stick out in your mind: what happened, how it played out, anything that could have been done better. But I think we did what we were supposed to do and what we’ve been trained to do all the time.” Black recalled, “You’re holding and pulling and holding and pulling, and you really can’t see. We had three people on the Jason’s cradle – that’s 300 pounds.” “Some of the passengers came to help us, too, to keep our balance,” added Rabanes. NY Waterway issued the following statement on Twitter: “We are so proud of the NY Waterway captains and crews that leapt into action today to rescue boaters following the maritime accident in the Hudson. Their training and professionalism saved lives, as they have countless times before…. Our hearts go out to the boat goers lost in today’s tragic accident and those still recovering. We are so grateful for the swift response of the NYPD, FDNY and our Waterway crews during this difficult rescue.” NY Waterway said its crews rushed to help and coor- The SIU-crewed John Stevens helps rescue survivors. dinated with police and fire officials. Ferry service was restored after an initial interruption. “This is a tragic day for New Yorkers,” NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said. “Indeed, it may have well been worse, were it not for the incredible efforts by not only our extraordinary first responders, but also the swift response from the NY Waterway ferries, who rescued nine additional people from the water.” Rabanes also was part of a high-profile rescue on the same river in 2009: the “Miracle on the Hudson,” which occurred after a US Airways flight made an emergency landing on the river. SIU crews rescued nearly 150 people; Rabanes was on the first ferry (the Thomas Jefferson) responding to the scene. Mariners sailing aboard SIU-contracted NY Waterway ferries have performed more than 100 rescues since the company’s founding in 1986. The crews perhaps are best known for their indisputably heroic roles in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when they evacuated upwards of 160,000 people from Manhattan. Capt. Jason Peters (white shirt) and the deckhands of the two ferries (in alphabetical order): Abdul Aziz, Steven Black, Hector Rabanes and Luis Vacca. Capt. Anthony Ryan (right) answers questions about the rescue. (All photos courtesy NY Waterway) Union Crews Save Jet Skier in NY SIU members working aboard the tugboats Richardson Sea and Chabria Sea were involved in a water rescue with a happy ending on June 25 – the International Day of the Seafarer. The two vessels, operated by Centerline Logistics (previously known as Harley Marine), noticed an increase in police activity near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. After speaking with the officers aboard a nearby NYPD vessel, they learned that a jet ski had overturned, and the boater was missing. The tug crews began searching the waters in their immediate area, and spotted a man between the two vessels. According to Brian Moore, Centerline Logistics’ director of U.S. East Coast Operations, “The immediate and professional seamanship actions of the crew is what ultimately saved this man. The crews notified the NYPD via VHF radio, all the while keeping an eye on him. They threw down a life ring to grasp onto and rigged up a mooring line to create a loop around the victim. There was no more than 1-2 feet of space between the vessels for the victim to press up into the turbulent harbor. Within minutes of spotting him, they were hauling him in by hand, safely to the deck.” SIU members then checked the man’s vital signs, and found him to be responsive but exhausted. They hailed the NYPD vessel, who assisted the man and delivered him to emergency services ashore. “Without skipping a beat, the crew knew what they had to do and took immediate action to lend a hand and save a soul from New York Harbor,” said Moore. “I want to make sure everyone knows these names and when you see them, please tell them thank you!” Seafarers involved in the rescue included John Huggins, Corey Harris and Ryan Bradley. August 2022 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Standard Contracts Headed for Ratification Editor’s note: Additional photos of SIU members voting on the new contracts appear on pages 14 and 24. The new SIU Standard Freightship and Tanker Agreements are well on their way to ratification, following robust voting throughout July. The five-year contracts boost wages, maintain benefits and all SIU jobs, add a holiday, and help ensure shipboard internet access for every Seafarer, among other highlights. The agreements also increase pension benefits for many of the more experienced members. Seafarers have voted on the contracts during monthly membership meetings, special meetings at the hiring halls, and aboard ships. Voting continued as this edition of the LOG went to press, but, based on tallies from dozens of Seafarers-crewed vessels and from the aforementioned meetings at the halls, the contracts clearly were headed for ratification. Nearly all of the votes were in favor of the agreements, which take effect retroactively to July 1 of this year and run through June 2027. “I think it’s a great contract for us and our families, and it’s going to help us a lot,” said Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett. “I thank our union leaders for their efforts and support.” Chief Cook Luke Vandegrift stated, “I like the pension improvement, and of course the wage increases. More money is a good thing. I plan on doing this for a long time.” Bosun Joe Bowen said, “These are great contracts and I appreciate all the momentum we have going for us. The officials are really listening to the members and fighting for us.” During the July membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, SIU President Michael Sacco said, “This is one of the best contracts we’ve negotiated in a long time. Input from the membership was very important, and experienced leadership helped.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker negotiated on behalf of the union, beginning in December 2021 and wrapping up in late June. The sessions took place in Florida, New York and Maryland and online, culminating at the union’s headquarters building in Camp Springs. (For these negotiations, the vessel operators work together as members of the American Maritime Association, abbreviated as AMA.) In his monthly membership report, Tricker said that the union wholeheartedly endorses ratification. “As always, the union relied heavily on input from rank-and-file members when approaching negotiations,” he noted. “The final agreements clearly reflect that input, which primarily was received through direct correspondence and shipboard meeting minutes. “These bargaining sessions were more difficult than most,” he added. “They took place against a backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and a manpower shortage that has Bargaining committee members from the SIU and AMA, respectively, gather for a photo at union headquarters shortly after concluding negotiations. Seated from left are SIU VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. Standing from left are Dennis Houghton, Director of Marine Personnel, MLL; Ed Hanley, VP Labor Relations, MLL; Pete Strohla, TOTE VP and Senior Advisor; Capt. Bob Johnston, AMA Chair; Damon Mote, Chief Administrative Officer & Vice President, OSG; and Ira Douglas, VP Labor Relations, Crowley. Participating online (monitor in background) are Eunice Cadorette Young, Director of Ship Management, TOTE; and Ed Washburn, Senior VP of Fleet Operations, Pasha Hawaii. affected almost every industry in the nation. Nevertheless, negotiations resulted in agreements that meet our stated objectives of maintaining benefits, boosting wages, continuing job security, and committing to shipboard internet access for all SIU crew members.” He also included the following contract highlights, among others: n Wage increases for Group 1 ratings are five percent in the first year, followed by four percent, four percent, three percent and three percent (for a total of 19 percent). For Group 2, the yearly increases are eight percent, six percent, four percent, three percent and three percent (for a total of 24 percent). For Group 3, the yearly increases are a freeze in the first year, one percent, two percent, three percent and three percent (for a total of nine percent). Tricker mentioned that the differences in the first few years are “being done largely to narrow some of the separation in total wages that has occurred over the years between the various higher ratings. It’s also being done to encourage members to upgrade.” n Effective June 19, 2023, Juneteenth will be added to the list of contractual holidays. n Members will have the opportunity to qualify for pension benefits sooner and to increase their pension amount. Previously, a member needed 3,000 days of seatime in order to get credit for vacation days and earnings for pension eligibility. That threshold for enhanced benefits is being reduced by one-third, to 2,000 days. This is for wage-related benefits. n In order to remain competitive while protecting the future stability of the contract during extreme negative economic downturns, the parties have agreed to amend the COLA escalation from 6% to 10% effective July 1, 2023. Historically, SIU agreements have almost always outpaced the COLA. n In order to help meet the union’s manpower obligations, a seaman who receives job assignments pursuant to Rule 2.C.(5.) hereof and subsequently rejects or quits the same after 48 hours shall forfeit his shipping registration card for the next 60 days and shall only be able to secure a new shipping registration card after that time. The company for which the seaman receives a job assignment may waive this 60-day forfeiture and allow a seaman to accept a position with their company during this 60-day period. n In order to protect the seniority, benefits and pay of Seafarers who serve in the military, and consistent with the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA), the shipping rules are being thusly modified. In order to qualify as an eligible service member under the Shipping Rules, the seaman must meet all the eligibility requirements of USERRA. Generally, the cumulative length of military service cannot exceed five years. Seafarers must register for employment within 120 days following their separation from service. n All SIU crew members will have bandwidth access to the internet, and all crew will have the same personal internet access. Such access will allow mariners Continued on next page Seafarers are pictured aboard the Maersk Iowa (photo above) and the North Star (photo at immediate right) after voting on the contracts. SIU Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick is at far right in the Maersk Iowa photo. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 3 Seafarers LOG 3 7/26/22 9:54 AM �NASSCO Christens USS John L. Canley Fourth Ship Joins Expeditionary Sea Base Program Fleet More jobs were secured for CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division June 25 when San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO christened the USS John L. Canley. The vessel is the fourth ship for the U.S. Navy’s reclassified Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program. It is named for Medal of Honor recipient, retired Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, who served in the Marine Corps for 28 years. In 2018, Canley was awarded the nation’s highest honor 50 years after he rescued 20 fellow Marines under enemy fire in Vietnam during the Battle of Hue City in 1968. He passed away on May 11, 2022. “New tonnage entering the Americanflag fleet is always welcome news,” said SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona. “I’m confident in the union members who will sail aboard the vessel, and am equally confident in the union members who built it.” Attending the christening were a host of VIPs and guests including the Honorable Meredith Berger, assistant secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment; Lt. Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Marine Forces Command; Vice Adm. Ross Myers, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/10th Fleet; Sgt. Maj. David Wilson, command Sergeant Major, 1st Marine Division; and Thomas Kiss, director, Ship Management, Military Sealift Command. Captain Austin Hanbury, the Canley’s civil service master; Jason Briggs, the Canley’s chief engineer; the ship’s crew; and sailors from the ships pre-commissioning unit also were in attendance as were five Medal of Honor recipients. “Today, we celebrate and honor a true hero, Sgt. Maj. Canley. This ship represents his courage, selflessness, and strength,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO, a union shipyard. “On behalf of the 35-hundred men and women of General Dynamics NASSCO, I am proud to present the USS John L. Canley for christening.” “What we christen today is not just a ship,” Carver continued. “It is the embodiment of American unity and purpose; a beacon of freedom that will carry John Canley’s legacy and the legacy of America to people all over the world.” The official christening moment occurred when the ship’s sponsor, Canley’s daughter Patricia Sargent, broke a bottle of champagne over the ship’s bow with the words, “For the United States of America, I christen you the USS John L. Canley. SIU Government Services Division members will be among the mariners sailing aboard the John L. Canley, pictured at its christening in San Diego. May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.” ESBs are an afloat forward staging basevariant of the mobile landing platform, de- Thomas Kiss, director, Ship Management, Military Sealift Command (above), addresses the crowd during the christening ceremony for the USS John L. Canley. In photo at right, ship sponsor Patricia Sargent christens the vessel. (Photos by Sarah Burford, Military Sealift Command Pacific) Standard Contracts Garner Almost Certain Approval by Members Continued from Page 3 to, at a minimum, perform the following actions: send and receive email and photos (within the company’s data/file size limitations); conduct banking transactions; pay bills online; download documents (within company’s data / file size limitations). Due to bandwidth constrictions, streaming may be limited. All crew scribed as highly flexible platforms used across a broad range of military operations, acting as a mobile sea base to provide critical access infrastructure in support of deployment of forces and supplies. They are operated by the Military Sealift Command with a civilian and military crew. The Canley will be delivered to the MSC fleet later this year, where it will undergo testing and qualifications in preparation for its support of a variety of maritime-based missions. including Special Operations Forces and Airborne Mine Counter Measures support operations, humanitarian and traditional military missions. Once in service, the John L. Canley will primarily support aviation mine countermeasure and special operations force missions. In addition to a 52,000 square-foot flight deck, the 784-foot ship has a hangar with two aviation operating spots capable of handling MH-53E Sea Dragon-equivalent helicopters. The ship will also have accommodations, work spaces, and ordnance storage for an embarked force, enhanced command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence to support embarked force mission planning and execution, and a reconfigurable mission deck area to store equipment including mine sleds and rigid inflatable boats. are required to follow all company internet polices. Tricker’s report also mentioned, “Due to different trade routes, types of ships and equipment, not all companies will meet the internet connectivity requirement in the same manner. In fact, some ships in the same company might meet the requirement differently.” However, the commitment to provide shipboard connectivity is solid, and affordability shall not be an impediment to such access. Seafarers are pictured at the Houston hall after giving the contracts the thumbs up. 4 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 4 August 2022 7/26/22 9:54 AM �New Congressional Report Highlights Economic Benefits of Being Unionized Evidence shows that unionized workers receive higher pay and enjoy better benefits and more flexibility in their work schedules compared to unrepresented workers. Those are among the findings of a new study by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) and the House Committee on Education and Labor. The report, released June 10, analyzes the economic benefits of unions for workers and families. “Actions by Congress and the Biden administration, like enactment of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, have helped protect the right to organize and increased the number of union jobs,” the JEC said in a news release announcing the study. “A series of high-profile unionization drives – including at Amazon, Starbucks and Senate cafeteria workers – have put organized labor back in the national spotlight.” Among the report’s key findings: n Public approval of unions is at a 50year high. n There were 951 unionization elections conducted in 2021, 70% of which resulted in workers choosing union representation – a figure that does not include new unions that were voluntarily recognized by employers. n Unionized workers earn 10.2% more than their non-union peers, while also raising wages and benefits for all workers in their industry. Unionized workers also have better benefits and more say over their work schedule compared to workers who are not in a union. n Unionization increases wages by 17.3% for Black workers and 23.1% for Latino workers and helps narrow racial and gender eco- nomic disparities. n By setting a standard for working conditions, unions generate broader spillover benefits for all workers in industries with high rates of unionization – even if individual workers are not themselves in a union. JEC Chairman Don Beyer (D-Virginia) stated, “Unions are the foundation of America’s middle class. For too long, the wealthy have captured an increasing share of the economic pie. As this report makes clear, unions help address economic inequality and ensure workers actually see the benefits when the economy grows. “Even better, the positive effects of unions extend beyond just those workplaces that have formally organized,” he continued. “By boosting wages industrywide, narrowing the gender and racial wage gaps and improving job quality, unions generate benefits that are economy wide.” Beyer concluded, “Supporting the right to organize puts more money directly into workers’ pockets. That is why I continue to firmly support legislation to strengthen labor protections, including the PRO Act, which passed the House last year and would further strengthen the right of workers to join a union.” House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (DVirginia) said, “Today’s report offers the latest evidence that labor unions are workers’ best tool to access higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. In fact, the benefits of union membership extend even to nonunion members and the children of unionized workers. “The need to protect workers’ right to U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Virginia) U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) organize is greater than ever,” he continued. “While wealthy individuals and the largest corporations continue to boost their profits, workers across the country have been forced to work in unsafe conditions for insufficient pay, because they lacked the ability to stand together and negotiate with their employer…. I am committed to addressing the decades of anti-worker attacks that have eroded workers’ collective bargaining rights. With the release of this report, I once again call on the Senate to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which would take historic steps to strengthen workers’ right to organize, rebuild our middle class, and improve the lives of workers and their families.” Meeting with Rep. DeFazio SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) and ITF Inspector Shwe Aung (left) were part of a larger group that met with U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (center) (D-Oregon) in Houston in late June. The congressman, a longtime champion of the American maritime industry, is working on legislation addressing supply-chain issues. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 5 Biden Awards Posthumous Medal of Freedom to Trumka President Joe Biden presented the nation’s highest civilian honor to the late AFLCIO President Richard Trumka during a White House ceremony on July 7. Trumka’s family received the Medal of Freedom, one of 17 awarded during the event. Trumka served as the head of the national labor federation from 2009 until his unexpected death in August 2021. He had been the federation’s secretarytreasurer from 1995 until his election as the AFL-CIO president in 2009. A native of Pennsylvania, Trumka came from a family of Mine Workers. He was elected president of that union in 1982, at 33 the youngest person to lead it. He served on the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board and was a regular presence at the department’s meetings and conventions. “I can think of no greater tribute for our country to make than for President Biden to recognize Rich with the Medal of Freedom,” declared MTD/ SIU President Michael Sacco, who was Trumka’s friend for decades. “He believed in this country and he believed in and fought for all of America’s workers and their families. I only wish he was with us to receive this personally.” In announcing the presen- Rich Trumka tation, the White House said, “Richard Trumka (d. 2021) was president of the 12.5-millionmember AFL-CIO for more than a decade, president of the United Mine Workers, and secretary-treasurer of the AFLCIO. Throughout his career, he was an outspoken advocate for social and economic justice.” Trumka joins former AFLCIO Presidents Lane Kirkland and John Sweeney as a Medal of Freedom recipient. Seafarers LOG 5 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Additional Contracts Ratified While Others are Extended In addition to presenting details of the new standard freightship and tanker agreements as part of his July report to the membership, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker also provided updates on other pacts. Tentative agreements – which match the work rules and shipping rules of the standard contracts – have been reached as follows: n TOTE Services, Inc. – ARC car carriers. An 18-month agreement through December 31, 2023. Baseline increase of 20% to wages including overtime, for parity with SIU Standard Freightship Agreement. n Chesapeake Crewing – The union and company have agreed to the following changes to wages and benefits for M/V SLNC Corsica: inclusion of Juneteenth as a holiday; two additional vacation days, bringing the total to 14 for 30; a seven percent increase for wages and wage-related items, effective year one. Option years two and three, four precent TLC, respectively, and option years four and five, three percent TLC, respectively. Additionally, the following contracts have been extended due to continued negotiations: n Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning; American Petroleum Tankers; Liberty Maritime (bulk carriers and North Star Shipping’s Liberty Peace); Maersk Line, Limited (heavy lift vessels); Seabulk; Crowley Liner Services (heavy lift and CONRO vessel); Marine Personnel and Provisioning; Waterman Steamship (heavy lift and bulk carriers); Waterman Transport (pure car/pure truck carriers); and Transoceanic Cable. Moreover, SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell recently reported that an agreement has been reached between the union and Key Lakes for a wage and benefit reopener covering the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025. (Key Lakes operates two vessels on the Great Lakes, primarily hauling stone and iron ore.) The agreement provides for wage increases of seven percent in 2022, four percent in 2023 and three percent in 2024. It also calls for for increases to the company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan; and maintains the current top-level Core Plus health benefits and the top-level Seafarers Pension Plan benefits, among other highlights. The SIU negotiating committee consisted of Powell, Port Agent Todd Brdak, Patrolman Tyson Little and Patrolman Ryan Covert. Finally, a new agreement between the SIU and Port City Marine Services, Inc. recently was ratified. (Port City operates three ITBs on the Great Lakes, primarily transporting cement.) The contract took effect June 16, 2022 and lasts through June 30, 2028; it includes a wage and benefit re-opener June 16, 2025. The contract provides for wage increases of seven percent in 2022, four percent in 2023 and three percent in 2024. It calls for increases to the company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, maintains the current top-level Core Plus health benefits and the toplevel Seafarers Pension Plan benefits, among other highlights. The union’s negotiating committee consisted of Powell and Brdak. Temporary Relocation For Norfolk Operations Renovations on the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, were slated to start on August 1. During the numerous repairs and upgrades to the facility, which are expected to take roughly eight months, the Norfolk hall will be temporarily relocated to 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, Virginia, 23323 (right), which is located 14 miles from the current hall. The phone and fax numbers for the hall will remain unchanged. “Renovations to the hall will include repairs to interior and exterior spaces throughout, which includes new wall treatments, restrooms, ceilings, windows, doors and repairs to existing mechanicals,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, who is overseeing the project. For more information, contact the hall. Spotlight on Mariner Health Experts Say People Should Push Back Against Pollen Allergies Editor ’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s Medical Department. Pollen is one of the most common triggers for seasonal allergies. Many people experience them as “hay fever,” formally known as allergic rhinitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, hay fever “causes cold-like signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen (a yellowish powder), dust mites, or tiny flecks of skin and saliva shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander).” For people with pollen allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies the pollen as dangerous. It begins producing chemicals, including histamines, to fight against the pollen. Those allergies can last year-round. During early spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains into the air that find their way into people’s eyes, nasal passages and lungs. Most of the pollen that causes allergic reactions comes from trees, grasses, and weeds. These plants make small, 6 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 6 very light, and dry pollen grains that travel on the wind to fertilize other plants. (Flowering plants that spread their pollen by insects usually do not cause allergies.) A pollen count refers to how much pollen is in the air. A device is used to capture the amount of pollen in that sample to be counted and identified. Diagnosis of pollen allergies can be done by skin testing and certain blood tests, and there are many treatments for allergies. A doctor may tell his or her patient to use over the counter medications at first. If they do not work, a patient may be prescribed nasal corticosteroids sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants. Some may have to see an allergy doctor and take allergy shots in order to get relief. Air purifiers in the home will help to keep the pollen level down inside a house. Wearing a facemask outside while doing chores seemingly helps some individuals. Experts recommend seeing a doctor if an individual cannot find relief from allergic symptoms, or if allergy medications cause side effects. A doctor’s diagnosis also is recommended if a person has another condition that may worsen allergic symptoms, such as nasal polyps, asthma or frequent sinus infections. Healthy Recipe Seafood Diavola Servings: 25 Ingredients 3 pounds shrimp, 16-20 ct. peeled and devined 1 pound crawfish tail, whole, peeled 3 pounds scallop 3 pounds mussel, whole 3/8 cup olive oil 1 1/2 quarts yellow onion, chopped 1/2 cup garlic, minced 2 quarts tomato, fire roasted chopped 1 1/4 cups tomato paste 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon black pepper, ground 3/8 cup basil, fresh chopped 1/4 cup oregano, dry 3 cups white wine 1/2 cup parsley, chopped Preparation Pat the shrimp and scallops dry and season with kosher salt and red pepper flakes. Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Add the shrimp/scallops and cook for 45 seconds to one minute over medium heat. Transfer the shrimp and its juices to a plate for now. In the same skillet, add little olive oil and the onions and garlic. Cook for five minutes over medium heat, tossing regularly, until the onions have softened and turned a light golden brown (manage your heat to make sure the garlic does not burn). Add the white wine and cook until reduced by half. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, the oregano, and the fresh basil. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium low and allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened. Add the shrimp, scallops, crawfish meat, and mussels to the skillet and nestle it into the sauce. Cook for one more minute or until the seafood is fully cooked. Finish with the fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite crusty bread, pasta, or rice. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 262 Calories; 69 Fat (24.1% calories from fat); 31g Protein; 15g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 135mg Cholesterol; 670mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 4 Lean Meat; 2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship August 2022 7/26/22 10:07 AM �WITH BOATMEN ON WEST COAST – SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman (right) wraps up a lunchtime meeting in Port Hueneme, California, with Seafarers from Brusco Tug & Barge. Pictured from left are Jason Diaz, Jorge Gonzalez and Nova Langi. SOLIDARITY IN SUNSHINE STATE – AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left) and SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins are pictured at the Florida AFL-CIO convention in late June. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU A-BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – Three Seafarers recently received their respective A-seniority books at the hiring hall. They are: QMED Christian Bryant (left in photo directly above, with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey); OMU Shewanna Stephenson (left in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman); and Chief Steward Jasmine Garrett (in front of podium in photo at left). KUDOS TO USNS EFFECTIVE CREW – Mariners aboard the Crowley-operated ship display a signed letter of appreciation from U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Richard E. Seif during a recent stop in Pearl Harbor. They were commended for supporting certain missions in the U.S. Seventh Fleet and U.S. Third Fleet areas of operation, respectively. Standing from left to right: 3M William Wood, Capt. Robert Swinburne, 3AE Zackary De St. Germain, Chief Cook Cameron Keating, QMED Michael Smith, QMED Joshua Irvine, QMED Robert Murphy, AB Stanislaw Rusiecki, AB Gregory Sharp, SA Mynisha George, AB Lucas Tiderman, AB Anthoine Nichols, 1AE Donald Harrell, 2AE Aaron Matuszny, 2M Mark Blom and CM Kyle Dupuis. Kneeling from left to right: Chief Steward Delia Peters, Bosun Edgar Elegino, MDR Emiliano Guevara and (near the far right) Chief Engineer Robert Guilmette. Many thanks to MDR Guevara for the photo and caption info. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 7 Seafarers LOG 7 7/22/22 3:03 AM �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU AROUND THE HOUSTON HALL – Two members recently picked up their respective full books in the Lone Star State while another secured his first pension check. The latter Seafarer is Recertified Steward Ronald Davis, who’s in the middle of the photo at left, with his wife (left) and SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. AB Yassid Laboriel Lalin is at left in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel, while MDR Sheena Jumamil is at right in the photo at center, with SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala. GOOD FEEDER – Pictured from left aboard the El Coqui (Crowley) while the vessel was in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are Chief Steward Bryan Alvarez, SA Sonia Pabon and Chief Cook Carlos Colon. B-BOOK IN ALGONAC – STOS Hussei Mohsen (left) displays his newly acquired book at the hiring hall. SIU Patrolman Ryan Covert is at right. A-BOOK IN BALTIMORE – AB Jose Argueta (center) recently came ashore to work as an SIU patrolman and also received his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Baltimore hall with SIU Port Agents John Hoskins (left) and Ray Henderson. A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – AB Rodelo Ayaton (left) displays his newly acquired A-seniority book at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman is at right. ABOARD USNS BUTTON – Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson submitted these photos of the Memorial Day cookout (and cornhole tournament) aboard the Crowley-operated vessel. “It was by far one of the best cookouts we have had aboard this ship,” Jackson noted. “Big shout-out to the steward department, and to the deck gang for helping out.” The galley gang consists of Chief Steward Rio Cuellar, Chief Cook Mary Jean Moelk, and SAs Alphonso Amos, Scarlett Amburgey and Martin Krins. ABOARD TAINO – Electrician Carlos Parrilla is pictured aboard the Crowley vessel, which normally sails in the Jones Act trade between San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Jacksonville, Florida. 8 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 8 ABOARD GREEN COVE – Bosun Jeff Amestoy works aboard the Waterman vessel in southern California. DIFFERENT KIND OF STRIKE – AB Brian Goudy had excellent timing (and a steady hand) when he grabbed this snapshot near the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. Photo was taken aboard the Prentiss Brown (Port City Marine). August 2022 7/22/22 3:03 AM �AT THE SAN JUAN HALL – Jocecil Lugo (photo at left) recently upgraded to chief cook. She’s displaying certificates of completion for the Paul Hall Center’s Certified Chief Cook program and for the school’s DOL-approved apprentice program. Lugo said that during her time in Piney Point, “I felt at home, like being with family.” Making her debut at the San Juan hall (photo second from left) is Emily Luna Vallejo Rivera, daughter of Chief Cook Juan Andres Vallejo and his wife, Angelica Rivera Vallejo. Juan is a second-generation Seafarer. In photo second from right, Seafarer Derick Morales (right) displays his first relief steward card. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo is at left. The remaining photo at right includes longtime Seafarer Luis Perez (left) and Crespo (the two have been friends since childhood). Perez, shown with his first pension check, began sailing with the union in 1996. He spent most of his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation, most recently as an AB. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU FROM ONE UNION RIDE TO ANOTHER – Bosun Kyle Silva rode his union-made Harley Davidson from Houston to San Francisco for a recent MARAD breakout. FAMILY TRADITION – Chief Cook Luke Vandegrift (left) receives his full book while upgrading at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. He’s pictured with his uncle, SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift (who sailed in the deck department). READY TO SHIP OUT – OS Shylah Whirley (left) appears enthused about securing her first job with the union. She’s pictured at the Jacksonville hall with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. ABOARD ISLA BELLA – Pictured aboard the TOTE ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are ABM David Bernstein (left) and Recertified Bosun John Cedeno during deck inspections while prepping for departure to Jacksonville, Florida. Tanker Crew Aids Refugees at Sea Editor’s note: The following write-up and accompanying photo were provided by vessel master Capt. Eric Anderson, a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers. While transiting the Straits of Florida on April 29, the mate on watch on the MT Pennsylvania noticed a small skiff with two white flags around 8 a.m. The Pennsylvania was leaving Port Everglades, Florida, en route to Sabine Pass, Texas. Under closer observation, he noticed that the white flags were being waved. Captain Eric Anderson was called immediately and rescue procedures commenced. According to Third Mate Anthony Franchetti, as the refugees approached the Pennsylvania, it became apparent that the homemade skiff (constructed of roofing tiles and bondo-like material) was heavily overloaded with passengers. The crew of the Pennsylvania motioned to the craft, using hand signals to make it clear that the ship was going to assist them as best they could. As the skiff grew closer, the Pennsylvania crew lowered a bucket with food and water along the port side. This allowed for the best possible lee for the situation. A line was passed so the skiff could remain alongside as the crew continued to pass more provisions. The first round of bottled water was quickly consumed and was not enough for all 29 on board the skiff. The crew quickly mixed up some Gatorade and passed down a water August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 9 cooler and cups to the skiff…. The Pennsylvania crew also provided food for the refugees, including fresh fruit. During this evolution, the bridge team communicated with United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Key West to arrange for USCG assets to travel to the scene. During the exchanges, one of the 29 refugees told the Spanish-speaking crew members of the Pennsylvania that they had been at sea for the past three days, were lost, and were completely out of water. Shortly after this remark, those aboard the skiff became separated on their next step. It appeared that those in the bow wanted to remain tethered to the Pennsylvania while those aft wished to cast off and press on to the United States. The Spanish-speaking crew of the Pennsylvania told the 29 that the Coast Guard was nearby. This caused a panic on the skiff as the refugees thought that this meant Cuban military, not the United States Coast Guard. This was quickly clarified and they were greatly relieved. Around 9:40 a.m., those aboard the skiff decided to cast off their line and press on. Their journey was short-lived as the USCG Cutter Paul Clark and small boat 45654 both crossed the Pennsylvania’s bow and came into contact with the skiff. With the situation now under control and the USCG on scene, the Pennsylvania resumed its voyage to Sabine Pass and the crew members went about their day as normal. The Pennsylvania is owned by Kinder SIU and AMO members are pictured aboard the tanker. Morgan and operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning. Crew members aboard the Pennsylvania during its at sea rescue of an overloaded skiff of refugees included Captain Eric Anderson, Bosun Homar McField, QMED Michael Birke, AB Agustin Miranda, Second Mate Christopher Bell, Third Mate Emmanuel Zamora, Third Mate Anthony Franchetti, Second Assistant Engineer Michael Goins, AB Eddie Ebanks, AB Daniel Caballero, First A.E. Robert Norris, Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, Third A.E. James Lavallee, Chief Engineer David Leddy, Cook/Baker Tamara Russ, Chief Mate Edward Mallon, AB Emilio Gonzalez, AB Mickey Keith, GVA Amer Mousa, Pumpman Tyrone Ellis and SA Francisco Calix. Seafarers LOG 9 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer 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 This month’s questions were answered by Seafarers and apprentices in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: The apprentices (both members of Class 885) were asked, what have been some of the better parts of your training thus far, while the active Seafarers were asked, what are some things you like about your career? Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Tahn Stuart Chief Cook I get to travel the world and see everything for free, and make money at the same time. I joined in 2018. Supattara Inthapanti Chief Cook This union is the best, and so are the instructors here at the school. They train me well so I can do a good job on the ship. I love learning new things every day. Sherron DeCoteau Chief Cook I like the opportunity to be able to help others. I’m a mother first and a very nurturing person. I’ve had careers, primarily working with men, as a police officer and also as a dispatcher with CSX for 15 years prior to sailing. I stay focused on safety but also looking out for somebody’s husband or dad or brother or mother or sister. Being a chief cook, I’ll be able to look out well for my brothers and sisters at sea. Danielle Vidal Apprentice I really like the unity in everything we do together. It shows me to appreciate the little things more – for example, we all watched fireworks together at the pier. I like working together as a team. Nadzeya Kuptsova Chief Cook I love cooking, and I appreciate the schedule. You can work for four months and then be on vacation for four months, and travel. The money is good. You can see your family often, unlike if you work (in an office) every day. Robert Stockbridge Apprentice Everything is new and exciting and informative. This is the beginning of the fourth week. Our vessel familiarization class has been the best part so far. We had a really good teacher who made sure we understood the material. 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 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 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 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 10 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 10 Pics From The Past Pensioner Jesse Chiles submitted these photos from a 1990 trip aboard the William Button in Diego Garcia. Chiles, who sailed as a bosun, is at right in photo inset at right, with the third mate. The photo directly above shows crew members and Navy personnel ashore. 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org August 2022 7/26/22 10:17 AM �Pension Relief Secured For Workers, Retirees Drawing frequent cheers from the capacity, pro-union crowd in Cleveland, President Biden on July 6 touted his administration’s – and the congressional majority’s – success in creating a new structure to rescue financially troubled multi-employer pension plans. The legislation is part of the American Rescue Act and crafted largely by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). It honors the late Teamsters Local 100 pension leader Butch Lewis. And with a lot of union input from an AFL-CIO working group, it sets up a new structure to let those plans get back on their financial feet without cutting pensions of current recipients. (Editor’s note: The Seafarers Pension Plan is fully funded and in excellent shape. The same cannot be said of many other plans outside the Seafarers.) “Two hundred multiemployer pension plans for two to three million workers and retirees were going insolvent,” Biden told the crowd. “What that means is to those two or three million workers: They faced painful cuts to the benefits they counted on and for the dignified security of retirement.” Multi-employer plans cover some 11 million workers – and tens of thousands of retirees – ranging from Seafarers to musicians to grocery store checkers to construction workers. Now the threat some of them would lose their pensions is removed, the president declared. Union leaders lauded the final rule governing the multi-employer plans, which culminates a long fight to save the pensions of retirees and beneficiaries while not penalizing present workers. “Pensions are more than just a vital part of the retirement plans of millions of Americans; they are a promise made to workers by their employers,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “And those pensions should not be ripped away after years or decades of hard work. We will keep fighting to protect that promise.” The troubled plans get 30-year federal loan guarantees, as long as those plans get their reorganization blueprints approved by the Treasury Department and without cutting present recipients’ pensions. In debate over Brown’s bill, Republicans called multi-employer pensions “rat holes” and the rescue structure a “bailout for union bosses.” Every single Republican opposed the new structure for the pension plans, Biden said. “People around the country wake up every day wondering whether they’ve saved enough to provide for themselves and their families before they stop working – work at a job that provides basic dignity, a good middle-class job you can raise a family on, a job that provides a dignified retirement and will give you peace of mind,” Biden told the Ironworkers in Cleveland, who cheered him repeatedly. “Think of all the people…. Many of you went to bed at night putting your head on the pillow and saying, ‘Am I going to be all right? Is my family going to be all right? Is my wife or my husband or my child, are they going to be OK?’ It’s a dignified retirement with your spouse in the home in your community you worked and lived for your whole life. But the reality is for so many people, the goalposts keep moving. Unfortunately, this happens to people who need it most: working people.” He added, “A lot of politicians like to talk about how they’re going to do something about it. Well, I’m here today to say we’ve done something about it” by fixing the problem. In an online press briefing in Washington, D.C., top officials of the Labor Department and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. said the new law already rescued 27 multi-employer plans, with three more applications pending. It’ll keep functioning through 2051. The PBGC steps in when a single-employer or multi-employer plan can’t make payments or when corporate bankruptcy wipes out pensions. Final rules for multi-employer plans take effect August 8. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 16 - July 16. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 16. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C August & September Membership Meetings Piney Point...............Monday: August 8, *Tuesday: September 6 Algonac...................................Friday: August 12, September 9 Baltimore............................Thursday: August 11, September 8 Guam...............................Thursday: August 25, September 22 Honolulu.............................Friday: August 19, September 16 Houston..............................Monday: August 15, September 12 Jacksonville.......................Thursday: August 11, September 8 Joliet..................................Thursday: August 18, September 15 Mobile.........................Wednesday: August 17, September 14 New Orleans........................Tuesday: August 16 , September 13 Jersey City............................Tuesday: August 9 , September 6 Norfolk...............................Friday: August 12, September 9 Oakland.........................Thursday: August 18, September 15 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: August 10, September 7 Port Everglades....................Thursday: August 18, September 15 San Juan....................... ...Thursday: August 11, September 8 St. Louis...............................Friday: August 19, September 16 Tacoma...............................Friday: August 26, September 23 Wilmington....................Monday: August 22, September 19 * Piney Point change in September due to Labor Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 11 Seafarers LOG 11 7/22/22 3:20 AM �‘The Union was Good to Me’ WWII Mariner Abrams Shares Remarkable Memories A t age 96, former Seafarer Lawrence Abrams maintains his sense of humor. Asked recently about his health, he replies, “It’s still here. Some of it.” Abrams sailed with the SIU during World War II before moving to a shoreside career in July 1946. But the U.S. Merchant Marine recently recaptured his attention when war-era mariners collectively received the Congressional Gold Medal (in May 2022). The televised recognition in the U.S. Capitol made national news and gave Abrams a chance to reminisce about his sailing days, which were anything but unremarkable. During the war, the Alabama native sailed to Normandy for D-Day, endured the infamous Murmansk run, helped take 50 Germans prisoner during one voyage, and survived his ship being damaged by a torpedo. Those weren’t his only close calls or noteworthy experiences. After visiting a family member in New York in 1946, he got lost in the subway system and missed his flight. The plane crashed near Richmond, Virginia, and all 27 people aboard perished. Many of them were merchant mariners on the way to southern ports. (Abrams’ family mistakenly had been notified that he died.) Two years earlier, a last-minute, pre-voyage switch from one vessel (the Liberty ship Paul Hamilton) to another kept Abrams from certain doom. The Hamilton was sunk by Germans; none of the nearly 600 people aboard survived. He also has told his family that one of his vessels was sunk by a torpedo. The ship was headed to England; many of the crew members were rescued by a Canadian vessel and returned to New York. Not all of his wartime encounters were quite as dramatic. For instance, he spent a night in jail in Chile in 1945, after making acquaintance with a lady who turned out to be local police chief’s girlfriend. Additionally, in 1943, he and a number of shipmates were allowed to play baseball with locals while docked in Havana, Cuba. The Cubans would leave their equipment at each position on the field, since the mariners didn’t have any such gear on the ship. Humble Beginnings Abrams, one of nine children, felt plenty of patriotism when he signed up for the merchant marine in 1943, at age 17. But he candidly recalls another reason for choosing that path in addition to backing the war effort. “My mother and father were real poor. They were sharecroppers,” he says. “I had been working in a shipyard in Mobile, but it didn’t pay well. So, I joined the union and got on a ship.” He knew about the SIU because of his brother Abner, who sailed with the union for decades, mostly as an electrician. (Abner passed away in 2008, at age 86.) Lawrence Abrams first shipped out in May 1943, as an ordinary seaman aboard the Liberty ship Theodore Foster, which sailed from Mobile to Scotland to New York. He quickly concluded that he’d stick with the industry – but not as a member of the deck department. “It didn’t take me long to find out it’s cold out there on that deck,” he remembers. “I was the lookout. I (later) switched to the engine department because if I was going to die, I wanted to die warm.” He’d suffer no such fate despite the risks endured by the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II – dangers that led to them being recognized as veterans in 1988, and to the Congressional Gold Medal presentation. Official estimates vary, but those mariners suffered a casualty rate that either exceeded any of the armed forces or was second to that of the Marine Corps. They often sailed with minimal or no protection. They were an all-volunteer service. More than 8,000 of them died at sea (including more than 1,200 SIU members); another 11,000 were wounded. Abrams nevertheless found it a decent fit. “The union was good to me,” he says. “My seniority wasn’t great, but I made it. I’d send money home to my mother…. I sailed to South America, France, Scotland and many other countries.” One of those other nations was Russia. In early 1945, the Abrams brothers sailed together on the Grace Abbott (yet another Liberty ship) for a fivemonth voyage that included a stop in Murmansk. Notorious for its threatening conditions, the Murmansk Run partly consisted of a dangerous Arctic Ocean passage from Iceland or Scotland to northern Russia. U.S. vessels joined those convoys beginning in 1942, sending a total of approximately 350 ships during a three-plus-year stretch. Nearly 100 of those vessels were sunk by Germans, and thousands of Americans aboard them lost their lives. Today, Lawrence Abrams mainly recalls two things about his trip to Murmansk: “That’s the coldest place I have ever been, and the people of Russia were very good to me. They had good people there at that time.” Perhaps it speaks to his overall adventures that another component of the voyage is nearly an afterthought: On the return trip, the ship was hit by a torpedo and sustained a hole in its bow. The damaged part of the vessel was quickly closed off to avoid water intake. Abrams suffered burns on his shoulder from being slammed against hot pipes in the engine room. His larger complaint, though, is that the vessel ran so low on stores, they only had beans on the menu until reaching Glasgow for repairs. (Dried beans remain a forbidden item on the Abrams menu today.) Then, as the ship headed back to the U.S., it encountered a U-boat that had surfaced due to a lack of fuel. The U.S.-flag vessel, aided by others, took con- 12 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 12-13 trol of the foreign crew while the submarine was towed to England. Half a year earlier, he sailed to Normandy in support of the D-Day invasion. Abrams and his fellow mariners took a bus to Panama City to join the Waterman vessel SS DeSoto, which initially sailed to Brooklyn to join a convoy. From there, they sailed to Cairo for a partial off-load, then headed to France. At Normandy, the crew waited at sea until the initial attack ended, then docked to unload cargo. Thinking it was safe, some of them then went ashore. “We were stupid,” says Abrams. “The Germans were still fighting our soldiers. A lady in a Red Cross jeep came by and picked us up in a hurry so we could get back to the ship. When our last crane unloaded, the captain said to get the ship out fast. I worked in the boiler room…. He said, ‘Full speed ahead!” and that’s what we did.” Answering a Different Call When Abrams signed off the SS Anson Jones in May 1946, he didn’t know that his maritime career almost had concluded. He took a job as a lineman with Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company that summer and then met his future wife, Hestina Gibson. They would marry just three weeks after meeting, and remained together for 63 years, until her passing in 2009. Abrams was a telephone union member when a strike led him back to sea for one last trip, aboard the SS Oliver Wendell Holmes. “I made more money on that one voyage (which lasted a little less than two months) than I did for a whole year with the phone company,” he remembers. Nevertheless, when the strike ended, he returned ashore and stayed with the phone company for 43 years. He spent most of that time as a supervisor and had to frequently relocate, because his work focused on converting “central offices” to the newest technology. These days, Abrams remains an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time with family members. An Ardmore, Tennessee resident, he’s partial to the University of Alabama football team, but when it comes to sports, “I watch all of them.” As for the recent (many would say long-overdue) presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal, Abrams is matter-of-fact. “Quite a few of our ships were sunk during the war,” he says. “The recognition is well deserved.” Lawrence Abrams (right in photo at right) and his brother Abner (left) stand with a shipmate aboard the Grace Abbott in 1945. Abrams (front, right in photo immediately below) is pictured in November 2021 with daughters Anne Tidwell (directly behind him) and Peggy Sanders (left, rear) and his son, Randy. The photo at center shows Abrams in 1943, the year he joined the SIU. One of his dues receipts from 1943 is captured in the bottom photo at right. August 2022 August 2022 Seafarers LOG 13 7/26/22 11:09 AM �Seafarers Converge at Hiring Halls To Review, Vote on Standard Contracts Throughout July, Seafarers voted on the new standard freightship and tanker agreements. Much of the voting took place during regular membership meetings, while some happened at special meetings (as guided by the union constitution). As reported elsewhere in this issue, the new contracts span five years and feature numerous gains. One of those advancements is a contractual commitment to provide shipboard internet access to all crew members. This was one of the most consistently requested items from members when it came to contract suggestions. Another improvement: Members will have the opportunity to qualify for pension benefits sooner and to increase their pension amount. Previously, a member needed 3,000 days of seatime in order to get credit for vacation days and earnings for pension eligibility. That threshold for enhanced benefits is being reduced by one-third, to 2,000 days. This is for wage-related benefits. Negotiations took place both online and in person, for a period spanning more than six months. The photos on this page were taken at a handful of the hiring halls, either during or shortly after voting occurred. Additional photos will be published in an upcoming edition of the LOG. OAKLAND HALL NEW ORLEANS HALL MOBILE HALL SAN JUAN HALL JACKSONVILLE HALL 14 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 14 August 2022 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 1 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Pedro Castillo, Educational Director Alexander Capellan Almonte, Deck Delegate Damon Johnson. Members requested Wi-Fi access for entire crew. Chairman reminded members to check documents for renewal well in advance. He advised crew to work safely and to look out for one another. Secretary encouraged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members commended steward department for their work in the galley. GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 1 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Grazyna Tomaszewska, Educational Director Alexander Capellan Almonte, Deck Delegate William Johnson, Steward Delegate Medardo Thomas. Chairman encouraged members to keep up the good work and to stay on top of documents. He also encouraged shipmates to upgrade at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was commended for doing a good job. HORIZON PACIFIC (Sunrise Operations), May 1 – Chairman Aristeo Padua, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Thomas Flynn, Deck Delegate Paul Dilbeck, Engine Delegate Larry Calixto, Steward Delegate Su- 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. sano Cortez. Chairman led discussion about the ongoing importance of safety. Secretary reminded everyone to keep coffee station clean and to clean up after themselves. Educational director urged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center to earn a pay raise. Steward and deck departments were thanked for keeping the house clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman reviewed some recent articles from Seafarers LOG, including pieces on full funding for the Maritime Security Program and the new cable security fleet. He also encouraged everyone to remain vigilant with their safety precautions, because COVID is still around. Members would like better Wi-Fi and a salad bar that keeps food cold. Crew requested two additional days of vacation pay. Next port: Oakland, California. LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime Corp.), May 1 – Chairman Val Custis, Secretary Gerald Joseph, Educational Director Jerome Culbreth, Engine Delegate Michael Sabio. Chairman thanked steward department for doing a good job and also discussed current manning. Treadmill was bought with ship treasury and a barbecue pit will be purchased next trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers were encouraged to read the LOG, the union’s official publication, which is available online and in print. Crew requested new mattresses and linens. Mattress toppers were delivered to ship in Beaumont, Texas. Members would like to change sea time required for retirement. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), May 21 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Shari Hardman, Deck Delegate Damon Anderson, Engine Delegate Michael Sabio, Steward Delegate Dominque McLean. Chairman thanked everyone for a good voyage and for keeping the house clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New Wi-Fi antenna will be installed. Crew discussed history of organized labor. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. HORIZON SPIRIT (Sunrise Operations), June 19 – Chairman Rezk Mohamed, Secretary Carlos Sanchez Morales, Educational Director Sixin Ling, Deck Delegate Rene Rafer. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested Wi-Fi at sea. MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), April 24 – Chairman Roy Madrio, Secretary Ronaldo Torres, Deck Delegate James Ruffin, Engine Delegate Domingos Ferreira. Crew requested televisions for each stateroom. They suggested increases to vacation benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), April 30 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Kevin Valentin Rivera, Educational Director Joel Bell. Chairman reported on upcoming arrival in Newark, New Jersey, and related payoff. Educational director recommended upgrading at SIU-affiliated school in Maryland and also reminded fellow members to keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew made requests and suggestions about vacation pay, food budget, medical benefits, and overtime pay. USNS POLLUX (TOTE), May 3, 2022 – Chairman Chris Nagle, Secretary Rogelio Jamora, Educational Director Glenn Snow, Deck Delegate Abad Martinez. Crew discussed various contract suggestions and reported recent experiences about finding COVID testing locations. They made recommendations pertaining to crew size and requested more shipboard visits from the union’s “upper leadership.” MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), May 15 – Chairman Bill Barrett, Educational Director Mark Campbell. Carpet cleaner arrived. Chairman reminded crew to head to the hiring halls for standard-contract voting. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade and be mindful of document expira- tion dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested increases in medical and vacation benefits. They thanked steward department for “outstanding food.” MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line, Limited), May 23 – Chairman Mario Ordonez, Secretary Robert Seim, Educational Director Joel Boyd. Chairman discussed benefits of upgrading at union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Educational director talked about importance of COVID19 vaccinations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew made suggestions pertaining to vacation benefits and physical exams. Votes of thanks extended to engine and steward departments. ARC COMMITMENT (TOTE), June 26 – Chairman Richard Grubbs, Secretary Rosalie Long. Chairman noted vessel heading to East Coast with stops in Savannah, Brunswick, Baltimore and New York. He reported the “great pay increases that are now in effect” as of June 1. “This is a great win and compliment to SIU VP George Tricker and his negotiating team.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Question was asked about holiday pay. Members discussed importance of Jones Act and how its elimination would be “devastating to the industry. The loss of American jobs would be catastrophic. We must support this vital law.” Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 15 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 7/22/22 3:03 AM �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 NICHOLAS AGUILERA Brother Nicholas Aguilera, 65, started his career with the union in 1973. He first shipped on the Saugatuck and sailed in the engine department. Brother Aguilera upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Seabulk Arctic and makes his home in Flagler Beach, Florida. DUANE AKERS Brother Duane Akers, 59, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1997, initially sailing aboard the Little Hales. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped as an MDR. Brother Akers’ final vessel was the SBX. He is a resident of Bonney Lake, Washington. SONNY AUSTRIA Brother Sonny Austria, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1992. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Austria upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center and last sailed on the Horizon Enterprise. He lives in Las Vegas. BERNARD BAKER Brother Bernard Baker, 71, signed on with the SIU in 1993, first sailing aboard the Independence. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Baker most recently sailed on the Ocean Grand. He resides in Salina, Kansas. ALAN BARTLEY Brother Alan Bartley, 62, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1981 when he shipped on the Seattle. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. 16 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 16 Brother Bartley most recently sailed on the Mohawk. He resides in Granbury, Texas. CORNELIO BARTOLOME Brother Cornelio Bartolome, 68, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2005, initially sailing on the Horizon Fairbanks. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Bartolome last shipped on the American Pride and calls San Diego home. FONDA BIAMONTE Sister Fonda Biamonte, 66, joined the SIU in 1998 when she sailed on the USNS Effective. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Sister Biamonte most recently shipped on the Harry Martin and makes her home in Beasley, Texas. JAMES BLITCH Brother James Blitch, 65, signed on with the union in 1979. He first sailed aboard the Lionheart and worked in the deck department. Brother Blitch upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Sunshine State and is a resident of Atlantic Beach, Florida. JOSEPH CASALINO Brother Joseph Casalino, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1988, initially shipping on the Paul Buck. He sailed primarily in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Casalino last shipped aboard the Ocean Freedom. He lives in San Rafael, California. TRACY CRUM Brother Tracy Crum, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in the steward Dixie Carriers and was a deck department member. Brother Domingo last sailed on the Liberty Sea and lives in Prairieville, Louisiana. department. Brother Crum upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Manoa and is a resident of Honolulu. DANIEL DALIGCON Brother Daniel Daligcon, 65, joined the union in 1995 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Daligcon last shipped on the California. He lives in Brentwood, California. DANIEL DAVENPORT Brother Daniel Davenport, 70, began his career with the SIU in 2005. A deck department member, he initially sailed aboard the Jean Anne. Brother Davenport upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the Marjorie C and resides in Liverpool, New York. JOSE DAVID Brother Jose David, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002, first sailing aboard the USNS Watson. Brother David was a steward department member, and he upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He concluded his career on the USNS Pathfinder and makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. RONALD DAVIS Brother Ronald Davis, 71, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Stonewall Jackson. He worked in the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Davis most recently shipped on the Horizon Pacific. He resides in Katy, Texas. FRED DOMINGO Brother Fred Domingo, 68, began sailing with the SIU in 1976. He initially shipped with CYNTHIA ESPINDA Sister Cynthia Espinda, 65, started her career with the Seafarers in 2000 when she sailed aboard the Independence. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Sister Espinda’s final vessel was the SBX. She makes her home in Aiea, Hawaii. partment and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Gianan’s final vessel was the Lightning. He resides in Long Beach, California. WILFREDO GUERRERO Brother Wilfredo Guerrero, 65, starting sailing with the Seafarers in 2005, initially working aboard the Eugene A. Obregon. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2007. Brother Guerrero last shipped on the Liberty Pride. He makes his home in Brandon, Florida. WALTER HARRIS Brother James Gaines, 65, joined the SIU in 1978 and first sailed on the Cove Leader. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Gaines last sailed on the American Condor and makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Walter Harris, 65, joined the union in 1999 when he worked on the Manoa. A steward department member, he upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Harris concluded his career on the Manukai. He lives in Moreno Valley, California. FREDERICK GATHERS JOZEF IGNACZAK Brother Frederick Gathers, 71, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2001. He first shipped on the Chesapeake Bay and sailed in the deck department. Brother Gathers upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Douglas and calls Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, home. Brother Jozef Ignaczak, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2005. He initially sailed on the Liberty Glory and worked in the deck department. Brother Ignaczak last shipped aboard the Overseas Boston and resides in Lakewood, Washington. JAMES GAINES ALI GHALIB Brother Ali Ghalib, 70, began sailing with the SIU in 1990. He sailed primarily in the steward department and first shipped on the Navigator. Brother Ghalib last sailed on the Maunawili and lives in Dearborn, Michigan. GERRY GIANAN Brother Gerry Gianan, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1993, first sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He sailed in the deck de- OSCAR JOHNNY Brother Oscar Johnny, 72, signed on with the union in 2006 when he sailed aboard the Pride of Hawaii. An engine department member, he most recently shipped on the Garden State. Brother Johnny is a resident of Miramar, Florida. DAVID JOHNSON Brother David Johnson, 69, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2001. He was a steward department member and first sailed aboard the Patriot. Brother Continued on next page August 2022 7/26/22 10:45 AM �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. Continued from Page 16 Johnson upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. He last sailed on the Chemical Pioneer and calls Philadelphia home. LOVELL MCELROY Brother Lovell McElroy, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed on the Del Uruguay. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McElroy most recently shipped on the Seabulk Challenge. He makes his home in Bessemer, Alabama. LUCAS MEJIA Brother Lucas Mejia, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1991, initially shipping on the Independence. He sailed primarily in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Mejia’s final vessel was the Colorado Express. He lives in the Bronx, New York. CHARLES PARMAN Brother Charles Parman, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1975 when he worked aboard the Van Defender. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Parman last shipped on the Liberty Star and lives in New Orleans. AMIN SALEH Brother Amin Saleh, 68, joined the SIU in 1998 and first sailed on the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2008 and shipped in the steward department. Brother Saleh concluded his career aboard the John Boland and makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. THOMAS SMITH Brother Thomas Smith, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1981. He first shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation and sailed in the steward department. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 17 Brother Smith upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He concluded his career aboard the American Endurance and calls Jacksonville, Florida, home. MALACHI TANNIS Brother Malachi Tannis, 70, started sailing with the union in 2001. He initially shipped on the Chemical Pioneer and sailed in the engine department. Brother Tannis upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Alliance St. Louis and calls Brooklyn, New York, home. CHARLES VAN DEVENTER Brother Charles Van Deventer, 69, joined the union in 1975, sailing first aboard the Richard J. Reiss. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Van Deventer’s final vessel was the Midnight Sun. He lives in White Salmon, Washington. SCOTT WENNESON Brother Scott Wenneson, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 1976. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped with Hudson Waterways Corporation. Brother Wenneson upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked with McAllister Towing of Baltimore and lives in Parkville, Maryland. ANGELO WILCOX Brother Angelo Wilcox, 56, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1990. A deck department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Wilcox last shipped on the Overseas Martinez. He resides in Durham, North Carolina. ROBERT WOBIL Brother Robert Wobil, 69, signed on with the union in 1994, first sailing aboard the USNS Bellatrix. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Wobil’s final vessel was the Overseas Marilyn. He lives in Gulfport, Mississippi. GREAT LAKES MICHAEL CUSHMAN Brother Michael Cushman, 61, started sailing with the union in 1980, initially shipping on the Adventurer. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Cushman concluded his career aboard the Prentiss Brown and calls Homosassa, Florida, home. ROBERT FITZHUGH Brother Robert Fitzhugh, 65, signed on with the union in 1980. He initially sailed aboard the H. Lee White and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Fitzhugh upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the Bradshaw McKee and is a resident of Benzonia, Michigan. INLAND JIMMY ARDOIN Brother Jimmy Ardoin, 64, donned the SIU colors in 2003. He was a deck department member and first worked for Seabulk Tankers. Brother Ardoin’s final vessel was the Zeus. He is a resident of Port Arthur, Texas. CHARLES BOLES Brother Charles Boles, 70, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1974 when he shipped with Bob-Lo Island. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Boles last shipped on the Cape Canaveral. He makes his home in Livingston, Texas. ROSS BURTON Brother Ross Burton, 66, signed on with the union in 1995. He sailed in the deck department and worked with Higman Barge Lines for the duration of his career. Brother Burton settled in Orange, Texas. GREGORY DIXON Brother Gregory Dixon, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1993 when he sailed with Allied Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Dixon remained with the same company for his entire career. He lives in Supply, North Carolina. JAMES HAUGHEY Brother James Haughey, 67, signed on with the Seafarers in 1980. A deck department member, he first worked for Hvide Marine. Brother Haughey upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career with OSG Ship Management and makes his home in Laurel, Delaware. signed on with the union in 1970. He initially sailed on the Columbia Baron. Brother Lambertson was a deck department member. He was last employed with G&H Towing and makes his home in Greer, South Carolina. TODD MCDONOUGH Brother Todd McDonough, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1985 when he worked for Moran Towing of Texas. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother McDonough concluded his career with Penn Maritime and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. JOHN MEYERS Brother Curtis Hintze, 65, joined the SIU in 1976. He initially shipped with Calmar Steamship Corporation and worked in the deck department. Brother Hintze upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He was last employed with OSG Ship Management and resides in Olney, Maryland. Brother John Meyers, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1998 when he worked on the Padre Island. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Meyers last shipped on the Sugar Island. He makes his home in Big Sandy, Tennessee. RUSSELL KELLEY STEVEN SHEERAN Brother Russell Kelley, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1994 when he worked for G&H Towing. He sailed in the engine department and remained with the same company for his entire career. Brother Kelley is a resident of Galveston, Texas. Brother Steven Sheeran, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996. He worked for Crowley Liner Services on a shore gang for the duration of his career. Brother Sheeran is a Philadelphia resident. CURTIS HINTZE CLIFTON SKINNER Brother Clark King, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978, initially working with H&M Lake Transport. Brother King shipped in both the engine and deck departments. He last worked with OLS Transport and makes his home in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Brother Clifton Skinner, 62, began his career with the union in 1993. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Skinner worked for Allied Transportation for the duration of his career and settled in Belhaven, North Carolina. WARREN KOGUC JEROME THOMAS Brother Warren Koguc, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979. He first sailed with Delaware River Barge and worked in the deck department. Brother Koguc most recently worked for Penn Maritime. He resides in Navarre, Florida. Brother Jerome Thomas, 62, started sailing with the SIU in 1995. He was a steward department member and worked for Delta Queen Steamboat Company for his entire career. Brother Thomas lives in New Orleans. CLARK KING KAMIN LAMBERTSON Brother Kamin Lambertson, 70, Seafarers LOG 17 7/26/22 10:53 AM �Final Departures DEEP SEA EARL BOSTROM Pensioner Earl Bostrom, 74, passed away June 10. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1995 and first shipped on the USNS Algol. Brother Bostrom sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Achiever. He became a pensioner in 2012 and settled in Ocala, Florida. LEROY COPE Pensioner Leroy Cope, 92, died May 28. He donned the SIU colors in 1966 when he sailed aboard the Steel Artisan. Brother Cope was a deck department member and last shipped on the Explorer. He retired in 1994 and resided in San Francisco. ROMULO DALIT Pensioner Romulo Dalit, 73, passed away June 21. He became a member of the SIU in 2004. A deck department member, Brother Dalit first shipped on the Overseas New York. He last sailed aboard the Alaskan Frontier and went on pension in 2014. Brother Dalit called Federal Way, Washington, home. CHRISTOPHER DEVONISH Pensioner Christopher Devonish, 69, died May 21. He signed on with the SIU in 1970 and first sailed aboard the Wacosta. Brother Devonish was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Maersk Missouri before going on pension in 2016. Brother Devonish lived in Jacksonville, Florida. ANDREW DONALDSON Pensioner Andrew Donaldson, 75, passed away June 18. A deck department member, he started sailing with the union in 2001. Brother Donaldson’s first vessel was the Seabulk Challenge; his last, the Horizon Anchorage. He became a pensioner in 2018 and settled in Federal Way, Washington. MILTON FLYNN Pensioner Milton Flynn, 77, 18 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 18 died June 9. He began his career with the Seafarers in 2000. The deck department member’s first vessel was the USNS Dahl. Brother Flynn last shipped on the Calvin P. Titus before retiring in 2010. He resided in Delray Beach, Florida. JOHN HENRY Pensioner John Henry, 75, passed away May 31. He joined the SIU in 2001 and first shipped on the Tonsina. Brother Henry was a member of the engine department and last sailed aboard the Prince William Sound. He became a pensioner in 2011 and settled in Keizer, Oregon. JOHN LEITER Brother John Leiter, 64, has passed away. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1991, initially working with Sealand. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Leiter concluded his career with World Crane Services. He made his home in Toms River, New Jersey. ABRAHAM MURRAY Pensioner Abraham Murray, 80, passed away June 30. He started sailing with the union in 1991 when he worked on the Cape Mendocino. Brother Murray was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Horizon Reliance in 2008. He went on pension the same year and settled in Salmon, Idaho. GEORGE NASON Brother George Nason, 69, died March 28. Born in New York, he embarked on his career with the SIU in 1973. Brother Nason was a deck department member and first sailed aboard the Baltimore. He last shipped on the Patriot State and called Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home. HERMAN RHODES Pensioner Herman Rhodes, 81, passed away April 26. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1999 when he worked on the USNS Sisler. Brother Rhodes sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Watson and retired in 2007. Brother Rhodes lived in Mobile, Alabama. GREAT LAKES FREDERICK GROSBEIER Pensioner Frederick Grosbeier, 79, died July 4. Signing on with the SIU in 1968, he first shipped on the McKee Sons. Brother Grosbeier was a deck department member and last sailed on a Maersk vessel. He went on pension in 2008 and resided in Hollow Rock, Tennessee. INLAND WILMER ADAMS Pensioner Wilmer Adams, 81, passed away June 12. A member of the deck department, he joined the union in 1962. Brother Adams first sailed on the Globe Carrier. He was last employed with Gulf Atlantic Transport and became a pensioner in 2003. Brother Adams made his home in Satsuma, Alabama. BENDERS GOLDEN Pensioner Benders Golden, 78, died May 21. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1970, initially working with Plymouth Towing. A member of the deck department, Brother Golden concluded his career with Interstate Oil. He went on pension in 2006 and was a resident of Grantsboro, North Carolina. BENJIMAN HALLMARK Pensioner Benjiman Hallmark, 82, passed away June 22. He became an SIU member in 1978. A deck department member, Brother Hallmark sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He retired in 2011 and called Sil- ver Creek, Washington, home. GARY JARVIS Pensioner Gary Jarvis, 78, died May 15. He joined the Seafarers in 1965 and first sailed on the Alcoa Master. Brother Jarvis was a member of the engine department. He concluded his career with G&H Towing and retired in 2005. Brother Jarvis resided in Henderson, Texas. JOHNNY JOHNSTON Pensioner Johnny Johnston, 75, passed away May 25. He began sailing with the SIU in 1988. Brother Johnston was employed by Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Mount Vernon, Alabama. LOWELL JONES Pensioner Lowell Jones, 76, died June 24. A deck department member, he started sailing with the SIU in 1965. Brother Jones was first employed with Coyle Lines Inc. He last worked for G&H Towing before retiring in 2007. Brother Jones was a resident of Milton, Florida. DOUGLAS KELLUP Pensioner Douglas Kellup, 66, passed away April 29. He signed on with the union in 1979, initially working with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Brother Kellup sailed in the engine department and concluded his career with American West Steamboat Company in 2006. He retired in 2017 and made his home in New Orleans. ANTHONY MYKLICH Pensioner Anthony Myklich, 65, died June 3. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1989. A deck depart- ment member, Brother Myklich worked for OSG Ship Management until 1999. He went on pension in 2018 and resided in Glassboro, New Jersey. WOODROW STOKLEY Pensioner Woodrow Stokley, 83, passed away June 21. He donned the SIU colors in 1972 and sailed in both the steward and engine departments. Brother Stokley worked for Allied Transportation until his retirement in 1995. He lived in Portsmouth, Virginia. NMU ANTONIO BEOF Pensioner Antonio Beof, 83, died April 17. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with the SIU. Brother Beof was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the Patriot before becoming a pensioner in 2006. Brother Beof was a San Diego resident. THOMAS FORD Pensioner Thomas Ford, 78, passed away July 3. He joined the union in 2001 during the NMU/SIU merger and sailed in all three departments. Brother Ford’s first vessel was the Marine Chemist; his last, the Cape Hudson. He went on pension in 2005 and resided in Los Angeles. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Camillo, Leonard 92 Funchess, Joe 82 Garcia, Jose 90 Garcia, Raymundo 95 Jacobson, Maurice 89 Kozak, Joseph 93 Mendes, Albertina 92 Parsons, Locksley 85 Picou, Alonzo 94 Russell, Sonny 92 Tucker, William 101 Varona Toledo, Carmen 89 Vindel, Jose 86 Watkins, Jess 77 Wilson, Clyde 77 DOD 05/23/2022 06/12/2022 05/29/2022 06/01/2022 06/09/2022 05/24/2022 05/24/2022 05/23/2022 06/29/2022 05/25/2022 05/21/2022 05/22/2022 06/11/2022 05/05/2022 05/14/2022 August 2022 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Advanced Galley Operations August 15 September 9 October 10 November 4 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck August 29 September 16 October 17 November 4 November 28 December 16 Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21 Lifeboat/Water Survival August 29 September 9 September 26 October 7 October 24 November 4 November 21 December 2 Fast Rescue Boat August 22 August 26 RFPNW September 26 October 14 November 14 December 2 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW September 26 October 21 November 14 December 9 FOWT August 29 September 23 October 24 November 18 Junior Engineer September 19 November 11 Marine Electrician October 31 December 2 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 Welding September 5 September 23 October 31 November 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook August 15 September 16 September 19 October 21 October 31 December 2 December 5 January 5 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 19 Steward Department Upgrading Courses ServSafe Management September 12 September 16 October 24 October 28 November 28 December 2 Chief Steward September 12 October 7 November 14 December 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 September 23 Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30 Basic Training October 3 October 7 Basic Training Revalidation September 9 September 9 October 7 October 7 October 21 October 21 November 14 November 14 December 2 December 2 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 September 2 December 12 December 16 Government Vessels August 15 August 19 August 29 September 2 September 19 September 23 September 26 September 30 October 17 October 21 October 24 October 28 November 7 November 10 December 5 December 9 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 15 August 19 October 31 November 4 Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 8/22 Seafarers LOG 19 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes 883 Apprentice Water Survival Class #883 – Graduated June 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Hayes Bouchey, Gianni Ellis, Christian Felton, Shelly Ford, Nicholas Fortney, Nicholas Gianna, Nohea Kahoohalahala-Salgado, Cody Miranda, Carl Piercy, Karrington Plummer Jr., Ethan Sahagon, Preston Stine, Antjuan Webb Jr., Robert White and Chandler Williams. RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated May 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Padgett Carpenter, Robert Cruz, Declan Gallagher, Daniel Moran, Travis Morris and Jaime Rios. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Class instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right. Important Notice To All Students 20 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 20 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. August 2022 7/29/22 1:05 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization LG – Graduated May 27 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Armon Bailey, Mark Billiot, Patrick Brill, Yamira Colon Del Moral, Joseph Dupre, Mohamed Sam Kassem, Nasser Saleh Kassim, Tousif Ahmed Khan, Yassid Jean Laboriel Lalin, Nagi Ahmed Mihakel, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Jody Owens, Muammer Saleh Qusiem, Abdul Ali Qwfan, Christopher Rosado Mercado, Luis Alberto Sepulveda, Rafiq Yusuf Small, Isaiah Zed Thomas, Joseph Toth, Michael Wees, Khaled Mohamed Yahia and Michael Zabielski. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated May 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Saif Al Tamimi, Mohamed Saeed Alahmadi, Hermogenes Reyes Aquino Jr., Lashay Creekmore, Joseph Durst, Omar Allan Santos Espinosa, Japerobin Saturinas Geonzon, Brian Guiry, Christopher Hatzidakis, Albino Joseph Lotukoi, Anthony Lamonte McAfee Sr., Kenjuan McBride, Shaka Balaan Merrell, Juan Pastor Norales, Samuel Dain Pinnock, Anthony Simon, Marilou Dumlao Toledo, Richard Salazar Torres, Randy Estepa Wurr and Khaled Mohamed Yahia. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding – Upgrader Kelly Percy (above, left) completed his requirements for graduation in this course May 13. Helping him celebrate his accomplishment is his instructor, Chris Raley, right. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 21 RFPEW (Phase III) – Phase III Apprentice Alexander Boothby (above left), graduated from this course May 20. Upon the completion of his training, Boothby plans to work in the engine department aboard vessels contracted by the SIU. Joining him to mark his achievement is his instructor, John Wiegman III, right. Seafarers LOG 21 7/26/22 10:58 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPEW – Graduated May 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Lance Gibson, Ernest Alfego Grant Jr., King Haber, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Christopher Skinner and Michael Zabielski. Their instructor, John Wiegman III, is at the far right. Marine Refrigeration Tech – Graduated May 13 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Kwasi Alexander, Angel Ivan Colon Cintron, Francois Emmanuel Doucet III, James Anthony Costales Fells, Kabir Garcia Santiago, Jeffrey Hamer, Arvin Tarroza Heras, Thedford Jones Jr., Tousif Ahmed Khan and Ethan Love. Their instructor, Christopher Morgan, is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated July 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Taquisha Breathwaite, Brandon Camenzuli, John Chaney, Nikia Cooper, Donita Dowdell, Daniel Gilbert, Olivia Gross, Darryl McCray, Richard Owusu, Randy Slue, Paulette Thompson, Gary Torres and Kimberly Vargas. 22 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 22 August 2022 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated July 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdullsatar Hassen Ahmed, Brandy Baker, Khaleel Boatner, Melgar Dadivas Daguio, Jeramil Ogoc Dela Pena, Robert Greenwood, James Gregory, Jeffery Griffin, Darius Harley, Sterling Kirk, Yassid Jean Laboriel Lalin, Kenneth Ledeoux, Alex Adelmir Oliva, Adam Petrucci, Marcos Antonio Rivera-Baez, Anquette Lachelle Smith and Leanne Smith. Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Francia Helena Alvarez, Crystal Cobbs, Christopher Dhanoolal, Jose Benjie Santos, Tinesha Travis and Victor Janell Valentin-Delgado. Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Olivia Gross, Paulette Thompson and Kimberly Vargas. Chief Steward – Graduated June 3 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): George Nier Egbert, Katrina Jones, Rashaad Jalloud Mangram, Alan Jared Squier and Craig Wooten. Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 23 Seafarers LOG 23 7/22/22 3:03 AM �AUGUST 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 8 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 20-23 Seafarers Vote on Standard Contracts ‘Ayes Have It’ Pictured on this page are Seafarers on vessels and at hiring halls voting in favor of the new standard contracts (or shown shortly after doing so). Additional related content appears on pages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 14 and also will be published in an upcoming issue of the LOG. Pending final ratification, the new agreements take effect July 1 and last through June 2027. Voting was still underway at press time but the contracts were well on their way to overwhelming ratification. PINEY POINT BRENTON REEF ISLA BELLA NORFOLK HALL INDEPENDENCE MAUNAWILI USNS ALGOL 24 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 24 MOKIHANA USNS JOHN GLENN August 2022 7/26/22 11:02 AM � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2022 Description An account of the resource MEMBERS VOTE ON STANDARD CONTRACTS NY WATERWAY CREWS RESCUE NINE BOATERS IN HUDSON HARLEY MARINE CREWS RESCUE INDIVIDUAL NASSCO CHRISTENS USS JOHN L. CANLEY CONGRESSIONAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF BEING UNIONIZED BIDEN AWARDS POSTHUMOUS MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO TRUMKA ADDITIONAL CONTRACTS RATIFIED WHILE OTHERS ARE EXTENDED TEMPORARY RELOCATION FOR NORFOLK OPERATIONS TANKER CREW AIDS REFUGEES AT SEA WWII MARINER ABRAMS SHARES REMARKABLE MEMORIES 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 08/01/2022 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. 84, No. 8 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e987a181291a45e3847249dd0c62a57a.pdf 494213d10aef08a1070cefaa64f24490 PDF Text Text SEPTEMBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 9 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O LNG-Fueled George III Delivered Pasha Hawaii Vessel Signals New Jobs for Seafarers SIU members are sailing aboard Pasha Hawaii’s new containership George III. The company took delivery of the 774-foot Jones Act vessel in late July. A sister ship is scheduled for delivery by the end of the year. Page 3. Seafarers ‘Paint Tacoma’ Again Following a two-year pause caused by the pandemic, SIU members pitched in for the resumption of Paint TacomaPierce Beautiful, a philanthropic outreach guided by Associated Ministries in the Pacific Northwest. This year’s SIU team included AB Samed Kassem (photo below); the volunteers prepped and repainted the house of a local resident. Pages 12-13. Six SIU Stewards Complete Recertification Training at Piney Point-Based Paul Hall Center Following the August membership meeting at the union-affiliated school in southern Maryland, graduates of the steward recertification class are pictured with SIU officials. From left in photo above are SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, SIU VP Tom Orzechowski, Recertified Stewards Sajid Foster, Alexander Cordero and Bryan Alvarez, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Recertified Stewards Bruce Johnson, Abraham Mills and Marlon Brown, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Page 7. Rescue at Sea Page 4 Standard Contracts Ratified Pages 8, 9, 10, 24 �President’s Report Perspective and Civility “What is wrong with him?!” “How can she believe such a thing?!” “Why in the world would they support that kind of candidate?!” These sorts of sentiments are all too common nowadays, as many people retreat to their social-media silos and their television “news” equivalents. With Election Day on the horizon, this is a perfect time to politely encourage our members, retirees, officials and staff to take a deep breath, focus specifically on issues, and try to give people the benefit of the doubt. Such an approach will be good for one’s blood pressure, if nothing else. Polarization in the U.S. has reached alarming levels, and that belief is backed Michael Sacco up not only by data but also by daily anecdotal evidence in all of our lives. Our path to this regrettable destination partly took root in local news deserts – as legitimate journalism dried up, it was replaced by digital imposters cleverly masquerading as authentic outlets. There are many hundreds of such online entities across the country, most of them driven not by a desire to inform and provide balanced reporting, but rather by the political agendas of their big-money founders. The New York Times did a breathtaking, in-depth report on this situation a few years ago; there is no end in sight. When you combine the dwindling state of the true news media with the proliferation of social media, it’s not pretty. Navigating the murky waters of social media can be challenging, particularly when it comes to politics. But one indisputable truth is that whatever you click on, you get more of. As one researcher put it, the concept of confirmation bias is nothing new. “But in social media, this bias is propagated simply by reading, liking, and sharing content that acts to support those convictions we already hold, while avoiding content that challenges our beliefs. Essentially, we begin to isolate ourselves from those opposing opinions until we’re surrounded with people who agree with us.” Unlike traditional media outlets, social media at best has very loose rules governing the truthfulness of its content. Even when crackdowns occur, they’re often sporadic, tardy and not fully effective. The lack of accountability corresponds with a lack of accuracy. Finally, we’d all do well to remember that in an age when so many social media, traditional media and other outlets make their living from online ad revenue, their respective content is usually designed to agitate – and to keep you clicking and tapping and watching. This doesn’t just apply to Newsmax or MSNBC or CNN. Pay attention to your local weather forecast and you’ll often hear words like “damaging, destructive” and “severe,” even if those are just slim possibilities for later in the week or in another region. Behind the algorithm are equations that have figured out how to keep us engaged. Particularly with the November elections looming, I encourage everyone to pay attention to issues rather than personalities, and remember that the vast majority of people want what is best for our country, even if we sometimes have different ideas about how to achieve those goals. And, as always, be assured that the SIU will support candidates who support our industry and workers’ rights, regardless of political party. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 9 September 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Pictured aboard the new passenger ferry Arthur E. Imperatore are (from left) NY Waterway Vessel Project Manager Joe Carson, Port Captain Vincent Lombardi, Vice President of Operations Alan Warren and Maintenance/Operations Coordinator Donald Montemarano. (Photo courtesy NY Waterway) NY Waterway Expands Fleet, Refits Ferries with ‘Greener’ Engines SIU-contracted NY Waterway is in the midst of a busy and productive stretch. The company unveiled the first of six planned retrofitted ferries on July 26, with the reintroduction of the M/V Hoboken. The vessel, which is crewed by SIU members, is now powered by two brand new engines, which use 25% less fuel and cut emissions by 80%. “Every ferry takes dozens – sometimes hundreds – of cars off the region’s roadways. They’re already a clean and sustainable way to commute, and now they’ll be even greener. It’s our mission to be a good steward of the harbor, and we’re so thrilled to see the Hoboken reenter service with cleaner engines, room for more passengers and lower fuel use on every trip,” said Armand Pohan, president, CEO and chairman of NY Waterway. “We are so grateful to our partners at NJ Transit, the FTA (Federal Transit Administration) as well as Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) for this program.” The old engines, four 600-horsepower EPA Tier 1 engines, have been replaced by two 900-horsepower EPT Tier 3 engines. This has also allowed for an increase in passenger capacity, from 149 to 247. The upgrades were made possible by a $12 million federal grant, along with the assistance of state-owned NJ Transit. The expected delivery date of the sixth retrofitted ferry will be in 2023. In addition to the retrofitted ferries, NY Waterway has taken delivery of two new 500-passenger boats, the Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Arthur E. Imperatore – the latter of which is named after the late founder of the company. Those vessels are likely to be placed into service in the fall, according to NY Waterway. Imperatore, a visionary entrepreneur who helped create the modern commuter ferry system, died in November 2020 at age 95. He founded NY Waterway in 1986 in Weehawken, New Jersey, and built it into a mass transit system which has transported approximately 300 million people. Additionally, and as previously reported, Seafarers aboard NY Waterway vessels on July 12 rescued nine individuals whose boat capsized in the Hudson River. Crew of Maersk Peary Receives Commendation for Rescue at Sea Seafarers and officers from the Mearsk Peary recently received a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Appreciation for their work in rescuing an otherwise doomed sailor in December 2021. U.S. Navy Capt. Ken Bridgewater presented the crew with the certificate while the ship was at anchor in Honolulu on July 8, in a ceremony also attended by SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. As part of a much larger rescue effort, Seafarers sailing aboard the Maersk Peary pulled a man from the Aegean Sea on Dec. 22. The SIU crew aboard the Peary, which was en route to deliver vital fuel and supplies to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, included: Bosun Damon Zschoche; ABs Marie Acosta, Roni Castillo, Joshua Gail, Edward Majesky and Derek Willis; QE3 Lateef Sanusi; QEP Rickey Yancey; GSTU Lakeeba Bazemore; Wiper Ali Laith; Recertified Steward Tony Spain; and Chief Cooks Osmar Ramos and Randy Hampton. The ship’s officers are represented by the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers. “It is a pleasure to present this award on behalf of the Coast Guard,” said Bridgewater. “The efforts of the merchant mariners often go unnoticed, but Maersk Peary’s participation in this multi-agency rescue mission is an example of this community’s professionalism, dedication to duty and ability to answer the call to a fellow mariner in distress. This particular mission highlights their ability to support a wide variety of missions that comes their way. Bravo Zulu to the entire crew for an outstanding effort!” The rescue saw the crew work as part of a larger operation, searching in a grid pattern for migrants adrift at sea following three separate accidents over the course of a weekend. They discovered a drowning man clinging to a boat fender, and pulled him aboard in the middle of the night. The crew then transferred the man, who was shivering but conscious, to the Greek Coast Guard and resumed their grid search. The Maersk Peary was then relieved of their search and rescue duties four hours later, and returned to their original course. After the rescue, vessel master Capt. Everett Hatton said, “I am very fortunate for SIU to step up and provide a top-notch crew on very short time as we rushed the vessel from load port Greece just prior to the holidays. This current crew proved to be well qualified and trained when the alarms rang to turn to for a search and rescue during the dark of the night. Without a hesitation, when called to assist, all were there and added helping hands. For the Maersk Peary crew, it was an outstanding effort for everyone to be involved in this recovery.” In that rescue operation, at least 30 migrants died in three separate incidents in the same area, with more than 160 rescued. The combined rescue efforts saw at least four Greek Coast Guard vessels, a Greek naval frigate, eight merchant ships, three private vessels, three military helicopters and a military transport plane all pitch in to save as many lives as possible. Pictured from left to right at the recognition ceremony are Bosun Damon Zschoche, AB Benjamin Wilson, AB Marie Acosta and SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. September 2022 �SIU Members Sail on New Containership LNG-Powered George III Delivered to Pasha Hawaii Following several pandemic-related delays, SIU-contracted Pasha Hawaii in late July took delivery of the MV George III, which the company described as “the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel to fuel on the West Coast and the first to serve Hawaii.” The 774-foot containership is the first of two new Ohana Class vessels to join Pasha Hawaii’s fleet, serving the Hawaii/mainland trade lane as part of the Jones Act fleet. The second ship, the Janet Marie, is slated for delivery by the end of this year. Texas-based Keppel AmFELS is responsible for the construction of both vessels. Recertified Bosun Kissinfor Taylor, part of the first crew aboard the George III after delivery, said the ship made a good first impression. “Things are going very well,” Taylor stated. “The delivery was delayed for almost two years, so it’s good to finally be aboard. The vessel itself reminds me of the new Matson ships. The only big difference is this one is LNG-powered. But we’re all working hard, and I’ve sailed with most of the guys on here for years.” In announcing the delivery, Pasha Hawaii stated, “Operating fully on natural gas from day one, the new Jones Act vessel surpasses the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2030 emission standards for ocean vessels, representing the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly vessel to serve Hawaii. Energy efficiencies are also achieved with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller.” The Ohana Class vessels are named in honor of George Pasha III and Janet SIU crew members are pictured aboard the newly delivered George III with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (fifth from left). Marie, the late parents of The Pasha Group President and CEO George Pasha IV, signifying three generations of service to Hawaii. “Today marks a moment in time that will be remembered by many of us, including my family and our incredible team members at Pasha Hawaii who worked tirelessly to bring MV George III to life,” said George Pasha IV. “As we welcome the new MV George III to the Pasha Hawaii fleet, we stand incredibly proud of the perseverance and commitment of our partners at Keppel AmFELS, and the skilled men and women at the shipyard on this tremendous accomplishment. We look Union Jobs Secure Aboard Six Prepositioning Ships Seafarers-contracted Crowley in mid-August was awarded a new Defense Department contract for operation of six prepositioning vessels: the USNS John Bobo, USNS William Button, USNS Baldomero Lopez, USNS Jack Lummus, USNS Fred Stockham and USNS Dewayne Williams. Crowley already had been operating those vessels, based on a previous award. The new agreement is expected to last through September 2027. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Stockham is 907 feet long, has a 105-foot beam and can sail at 24 knots, while the remaining ships are each 673 feet long, with 105-foot beams and sailing speeds of up to 17.7 knots. MSC describes its prepositioning program as “an essential element in the U.S. military’s readiness strategy. Afloat prepositioning strategically places military equipment and supplies aboard ships located in key ocean areas to ensure rapid availability during a major theater war, a humanitarian operation or other domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. This law always has enjoyed bipartisan political support in addition to receiving strong backing from top U.S. military leaders. Among other benefits, the Jones Act – which helps contribute billions of dollars each year to the national economy – helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S.-citizen mariners who would be available to sail aboard military support ships in times of need. More than 90 countries around the world maintain some form of cabotage law. Talking Maritime with U.S. Senator contingency. MSC’s seventeen prepositioning ships support the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Defense Logistics Agency.” The agency further notes, “Prepositioning ships provide quick and efficient movement of military gear between operating areas without reliance on other nations’ transportation networks. These ships give U.S. regional combatant commanders the assurance that they will have what they need to quickly respond in a crisis – anywhere, anytime. During a contingency, troops are flown into a theater of operations to rapidly employ the cargo from these ships. Many of MSC’s prepositioning ships are able to discharge liquid, containerized or motorized cargo both pier side or while anchored offshore by using floating hoses and shallow-draft watercraft, called lighterage, that are carried aboard. This allows cargo to be ferried to shore in areas where ports are non-existent or in poor condition and gives the nation’s military forces the ability to operate in both developed and undeveloped areas of the world.” The SIU-crewed USNS John Bobo, shown in a file photo, is part of a program described by the Military Sealift Command as “an essential element in the U.S. military’s readiness strategy.” (Photo by Cpl. James Gulliver) September 2022 forward to beginning service to Hawaii in August and taking delivery of the Janet Marie later this year.” In addition to Taylor, SIU members who helped crew up the ship in July included ABs Gerardo Arroyo, Bobby Belches, David Connelly, Yassid Laboriel Lalin and Andrei Tretyak, QMEDs Benjamin Scott and Tousif Khan, Steward/Baker Bryan Nystrom, Chief Cook Hussein Hussein and SA Abdullah Alasfor. The Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. It requires that cargo moving between SIU VP Gulf Cost Dean Corgey (left) and U.S. Sen. Ben Lujan (D-New Mexico) are pictured in late July at a campaign event in Houston. Corgey thanked the senator for his support of the Jones Act and the entire U.S. Merchant Marine. They also discussed the apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Seafarers LOG 3 �Students line up to receive their free books and backpacks. Volunteers and local government officials are pictured at the giveaway in San Juan. SIU Pitches in During Distribution Effort Coalition Brings Books, Backpacks to Puerto Rico From July 27-29, the SIU helped distribute educational books and backpacks to students in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of the League of United Latin American Citizen’s (LULAC) Convention, which took place July 25-30. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left) reads aloud to children gathered on stage at the convention. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Asociacion de Maestros de Puerto Rico (AMPR) and LULAC partnered with the SIU, the Transportation Institute (TI), and SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime to ship 10,000 books to the island, as well as thousands of backpacks, for distribution among the children living in Puerto Rico. According to TI Vice President of Government Affairs Sara Fuentes, “AFT was a big sponsor of the conference and was going to send some books down as part of their ‘Reading Opens the World’ program. (SIU Assistant Vice President) Amancio (Crespo) heard about it at the AFL meeting, and called Crowley and got them to ship the books down for free, and AFT asked TI to buy backpacks. We gave out 10,000 books to about 1,200 students there, with the leftover books going to children in housing projects on the island.” “Every child must have the opportunity to recover and thrive, and reading is a foundational skill necessary for virtually everything we learn and do – and reading well is an essential pathway to opportunity,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Kids long for something that’s theirs – to explore faraway places or learn about a great leader that looks like them, and these books are fulfilling that dream.” Crespo stated, “It’s definitely a team effort, and we’re honored to be a part of it. I was also chosen to read a book aloud to the kids at the convention, and naturally I chose ‘El Coqui,’ which shares a name with the Crowley vessel that shipped the books to Puerto Rico.” AFT’s “Reading Opens the World” program is similar in nature to the SIU-affiliated “BookWaves” program that began in 2020, and saw more than 100,000 books donated to children in Puerto Rico with the help of industry partners and union labor. Pacific Tracker Crew Helps Save a Life at Sea The SIU-crewed Pacific Tracker recently aided a boater who’d suffered an unusual ailment that started as a nuisance and eventually became an emergency: a nosebleed that lasted four days. Mariners from the TOTE-operated ship rendered assistance July 10-11 off the California coast. They picked up the distressed boater and transported him to a Coast Guard helicopter near San Francisco. According to Chief Mate A.J. Quinn, a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers, the Pacific Tracker had concluded a government mission when the ship received a communication from the Coast Guard. The agency explained the emergency and said the individual in question has been participating in a yacht race between Hawaii and California. A doctor who’d been consulted about the situation informed the Coast Guard that the injured person needed to get to a hospital as soon as possible, Quinn said. The Pacific Tracker sailed approximately 200 miles to the boater’s location in the Pacific, picked him up in a fast rescue boat and brought him aboard the parent ship. Vessel master Capt. Jeff Royer arranged to meet a Coast Guard helicopter off the coast of San Francisco, 570 miles east of the rescue location. According to Quinn, the voyage took more than a day to complete even at full speed and in favorable sea conditions. Once the Pacific Tracker reached the rendezvous point for the Coast Guard helicopter, the captain maneuvered the vessel to 4 Seafarers LOG comply with instructions from the helicopter crew. The helicopter then deployed a rescue swimmer onto the deck of the Pacific Tracker with the helicopter rescue winch; the patient was transferred safely. The Pacific Tracker is a government-owned tracking and telemetry Personnel from the Pacific Tracker use a fast rescue boat during a recent mobilization to assist a distressed boater. ship in service for the Missile Defense Agency. SIU members aboard the ship during the rescue included Bosun Kevin Kellum, ABs Kennard Latson Graham and Joey Benosa, OS Sameer Ahmed, QMEDs Roberto Borras Valencia, James Ross, Marion Collins Jr. and David Kelch, MDR Sheena Jumamil, Oilers Samuel Fagerness and Fredrick Hall, Wiper Jesse Kleinfelter, GUDE Dionesio Monteclaro Jr., GVA Micah Wideman, Chief Cooks Brittany Williams and Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez, and SAs Kion Miller, Dan Monteclaro, James Petite, Michael Stroud, Rasha Warthem and Lisa Wert. Rear Adm. Doug Williams of the Missile Defense Agency sent a congratulatory letter to the Pacific Tracker’s captain and crew. “Thanks to your actions, this sailor received the medical attention he urgently required, Williams wrote. “As a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, I am well aware of the time-critical response desperately required for a sailor in need, particularly in open ocean waters. Your actions, along with the efforts of the crew members onboard the SS Pacific Tracker, made a difference in that sailor’s life, and demonstrated the values that we hold dear in the Navy and by the Missile Defense Agency…. Please accept my sincere appreciation for your support of the search and rescue efforts, and pass on a hearty ‘Bravo Zulu’ to your crew…. We are proud and honored by your service to our program and to our country.” September 2022 �U.S. House Votes to Support Workers Legislators Turn Back Latest Attack on Davis-Bacon Congressional representatives recently upheld a law that’s crucial for helping maintain good wages in the construction industry. On July 19, House members voted 264165 to maintain the Davis-Bacon Act. All 223 voting Democrats opposed the move to repeal the law, and thereby supported workers, as did 41 Republicans. Davis-Bacon, enacted in 1931 in the depths of the Great Depression, helps ensure decent wages for construction workers who labor on federally funded projects (such as highways, subways, bridges, airport runways and, now, installing broadband). It mandates those workers be paid a minimum of the locally prevailing wage in their area and for their craft. Labor Department surveys of workers and employers set those minimums, which vary state by state, metro area by metro area, and trade by trade. Supporters have explained that such an arrangement means Davis-Bacon ensures cut-rate construction contractors can’t low-ball workers on federally funded projects. “Davis-Bacon requires workers on federally funded construction projects be paid no less than the wages paid in the community for similar work,” House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) told her colleagues. The Davis-Bacon skirmish occurred during a session on the spend- ing bill for the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Transportation for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. DeLauro added, “The House has taken numerous votes on this issue, and on every vote … has voted to maintain Davis-Bacon requirements. We should not be attacking working-class people, men and women who work every single day for a decent paycheck, and their wages haven’t been increased with the cost of inflation.” “Dozens of studies over decades have shown prevailing wages increase productivity, raise wages, help local contractors and promote high-quality apprenticeship programs,” said U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey), an Electrical Worker. “Prevailing wage laws increase productivity by attracting higher-quality general contractors and subcontractors to bid on public works; it levels the playing field. As a result, public projects cut down on change orders and finish projects with greater efficiency.” Concerning arguments against the law, Norcross said, “I find it absolutely unbelievable that … each and every time” Davis-Bacon foes are “saying ‘I am fighting to lower wages in my district. This is what my people want, they want to be paid less.’ Not a word on what the contractor/owners can make…. This is insane. I would call it dumb, but I want to be kinder. Let’s just call it wrong, Notice/Reminder Norfolk Hall Temporarily Relocates The union has relocated its Norfolk, Virginia, operations while the old hiring hall undergoes extensive renovations. The current address: 111 Mill Creek Parkway Suite 100 Chesapeake, VA 23323 The phone and fax numbers for the hall are unchanged. The temporary hall is located 14 miles from the old one. Renovations at the old facility (115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510-1002) are expected to last at least eight months. The temporary hall in Chesapeake, Virginia Notice SHBP Conducting Annual Verification of Dependents In order to better serve all Plan participants, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is updating its records regarding eligible individuals. Seafarers are scheduled to receive a letter from the Plan in early September, along with a dependent verification form. The purpose of the form is to help ensure that the Plan’s records regarding eligible family members are accurate. Eligible individuals must fill out and return the dependent verification form to the Plan by October 30, 2022, by email, mail or fax. If the Plan doesn’t receive the form by that date, your dependents’ benefits will be suspended until the form is received. If you are on a vessel and cannot return the form in time, please contact MAP at (800) 252-4674 (Option 2), or at map@ seafarers.org. September 2022 U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) hateful, misappropriated.” He also pointed out repealing DavisBacon can backfire. States have their own Davis-Bacon laws, governing their construction projects. After Republicans took total control of West Virginia’s legislature, they repealed the Mountaineer State’s law in 2015, Norcross said. They confidently predicted doing so would cut construction costs so much the state could build five new schools for the price of four. It didn’t work, he added. Studies showed “no savings from repeal, but massive decreases in wages,” plus the hiring of “out-of-town contractors” and declining apprenticeships, Norcross said. Repeal also removed well-paying construction jobs from native West Virginians in one of the nation’s poorest states. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel Jennifer A. Abruzzo and the Justice Department’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter on July 26 signed a new memorandum of understanding creating a formal partnership between the two agencies “to better protect free and fair labor markets and ensure that workers can freely exercise their rights under the National Labor Relations Act,” the organizations said in a joint announcement. The DOJ and the NLRB “share an interest in promoting the free flow of commerce and fair competition in labor markets, including through protecting American workers from collusive or anti-competitive employer practices and unlawful interference with employees’ right to organize,” they said in the written statement. “The agencies’ collaboration will focus on protecting workers who have been harmed or may be at risk of being harmed as a result of conduct designed to evade legal obligation and accountability (such as misclassifying employees or fissuring workplaces); interference with the rights of workers to obtain fair market compensation and collectively bargain (through labor market concentration/labor monopsony or other anti-competitive practices); and the imposition of restrictive agreements or workplace rules, such as non-compete, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure provisions.” Through greater coordination in information sharing, enforcement activity and training, the agencies aim to “maximize the enforcement of federal laws, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), under the NLRB’s jurisdiction and the antitrust laws enforced by the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. In particular, this memorandum will allow the agencies to refer cases of potentially illegal activity to each other, as appropriate, and to coordi- nate on enforcement,” they said. “Under the NLRA, workers have the right to organize to improve their pay and working conditions,” said Abruzzo. “When businesses interfere with worker organizing, either through creating structures designed to evade labor law or through anticompetitive practices, it hinders our economy and our democracy. This memorandum will strengthen the federal government’s ability to effectively stop this kind of unlawful activity, and therefore to better protect workers’ right to freely associate with one another to improve their wages and working conditions and to collectively bargain through freely chosen representatives.” Kanter stated, “Protecting competition in labor markets is fundamental to the ability of workers to earn just rewards for their work, to live out the American dream, and to provide for their families. By cooperating more closely with our colleagues in the NLRB, we can share information on potential violations of the antitrust and labor laws, collaborate on new policies, and ensure that workers are protected from collusion and unlawful employer behavior. As the Department noted in the amicus brief we submitted in the NLRB’s recent Atlanta Opera matter, we support the Board’s ongoing efforts to update its guidance to ensure that workers are properly classified under the labor laws. Protecting the right of workers to earn a fair wage is core to the work of both our agencies, and it will continue to receive extraordinary vigilance from the Antitrust Division.” In February, Abruzzo issued a memorandum to all field offices, committing to working closely with other federal agencies to ensure the government is “co-functioning and co-enforcing all related laws in the most effective and efficient way to ensure workers are fully protected, while minimizing employers’ compliance burdens.” DOJ, NLRB Form Alliance To Protect Labor Markets Seafarers LOG 5 �‘Time is Now for Fixing Broken Labor Laws’ Editor’s note: During the AFL-CIO convention earlier this year, delegates approved the following resolution, titled “The Time is Now for Fixing America’s Broken Labor Laws.” All across America, working people are rediscovering the value of unions. From nurses to videogame developers to graduate teaching assistants, workers are organizing in record numbers. Public support for unions is the highest it has been in 50 years. A majority of Americans supports unions, and the strongest support is among workers between the ages of 18 and 34. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has shed new light on the importance of workers having a voice at work. Belonging to a union can literally be a matter of life and death at countless workplaces in America where workers are exposed to the risk of sickness and death every day of the week. The pandemic has also highlighted deep structural imbalances of power in our economy, as the wealth of billionaires has grown by 70% during the pandemic. Today, 716 billionaires have more wealth than the entire bottom half of the population – or 165 million people. Although the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining is a fundamental right guaranteed by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935, the desire of millions of workers to join a union has been frustrated by unchecked corporate power and our broken and outdated labor laws. Even the right to strike, which should be a universal right, has become meaningless with the widespread use of permanent replacements. In the public sector, only half the states recognize workers’ freedom to engage in collective bargaining, and public employees’ right to bargain is under persistent attack from anti-worker politicians. While polls show increasing numbers of Americans would join a union if they could, union density continues to slide as corporations and their allies in Congress work side by side to erect barriers to organizing and bargaining. From Amazon to Google to DoorDash, massive corporations are using their wealth and power to deny workers our fundamental rights. Corporate front groups are also using their money and influence at the state level to undermine collective bargaining rights for public employees. Workers at these companies are not the only ones who suffer from corporate greed. Entire communities are held back as low wages undermine education budgets, health care and other basic public services. In 26 “right to work” states, more workers are stuck in low-wage jobs than in non-right to work states. There is a growing consensus among economists that unions are the cornerstone of a robust and sustainable economy. Unions raise wages, reduce income inequality, promote workplace safety, negotiate retirement security and health benefits, and ensure fairness and dignity for millions of workers. Public sector unions support quality public services, and seek to maintain safe and supportive communities. Unions also strengthen our democracy and help bridge the racial divide. When greedy corporations exploit our broken labor laws to keep workers down and frustrate union organizing, the result is that our economy is weaker, we are less globally competitive and income inequality continues to explode. The need to modernize and strengthen our labor laws has never been more compelling, and today the AFLCIO commits to keeping labor law reform at the top of our agenda until we succeed. In 2019, the AFL-CIO began a campaign to build support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The PRO Act would modernize the NLRA to give working people a voice on the job so we can negotiate for higher wages, better benefits, a more secure retirement and a safer workplace. It would impose financial penalties on companies and individual corporate officers who violate the law. It also would override state right to work laws, prohibit companies from holding captive-audience meetings during organizing campaigns, ban the use of permanent replacements during strikes and remove the ban on secondary picketing. The PRO Act would ensure that all workers have the right to join a union by cracking down on employers who misclassify their workers as independent contractors. Finally, it would establish a process for mediation and arbitration to help employers and unions reach a first contract. Majorities in Congress agree that the NLRA needs to be updated and strength- ened. The PRO Act passed the House of Representatives in 2019 and 2021 with bipartisan majorities. President Biden has called on Congress to send the PRO Act to his desk. It is now up to the Senate to debate and pass the PRO Act. The AFL-CIO has also strongly advocated for the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act (PSFNA) so that all public employees have a right to bargain collectively. The PSFNA gives states the flexibility to write their own collective bargaining laws for public employees subject to minimum standards, including allowing public service workers to join together and have a voice on the job to improve wages, working conditions and the delivery of public services in their communities. We stand with public sector workers – nurses, teachers, EMS workers, custodians, corrections officers, child care providers and so many more – who have stood courageously on the front lines of the fight against the pandemic to keep their communities safe, healthy and strong while putting their lives on the line. By standing together, union members can demand workplace protections and safety standards and the ability to use paid leave, as well as stay connected to their jobs during these uncertain times. It is now time to pass the PSFNA. We reaffirm our commitment, which we first made at the 2017 AFL-CIO Convention, that no candidate or elected official who fails to endorse and fight for these fundamental reforms should receive the support of working people. Spotlight on Mariner Health How to Identify and Avoid Monkeypox Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Monkeypox is a disease caused by an infection with a virus: the monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but are milder, and monkeypox rarely causes death. Monkeypox cases have been confirmed in many countries, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 23 to designate monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern. (The other diseases with this designation are COVID and polio.) Among other considerations, this means shore leave may be affected in some countries. More than 99% of people who get this form of the virus are likely to survive. Those at higher risk of serious illness or death are people with weakened immune systems, children under age eight, people with history of eczema (a skin condition) and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Risk in the U.S. is low, although cases are increasing. Monkeypox does not spread easily and the risk of spread occurs only from people who have symptoms (unlike COVID, where people without symptoms can spread the disease). Close contact is believed to be necessary to spread the disease. Direct contact with someone with the rash or scabs or contact with body fluids from someone with the disease can spread it. Touching objects, fabrics (towels, clothing, bedding) and surfaces may spread it. Monkeypox can spread through sex and by hugging, massage, prolonged face-toface contact and touching fabrics or objects used during sex. Symptoms include a rash that looks like pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of body such as hands, feet, chest or genitals. Flu-like symptoms also have been reported in association with monkeypox (fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches and back ache, and swollen lymph nodes). The rash can start first or follow the flu-like symptoms by a few days. Symptoms usually appear within three 6 Seafarers LOG weeks of close contact with someone with monkeypox. If you think you may have monkeypox symptoms (you notice a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms) or if you have been in contact with someone with who has monkeypox, take the following steps: n See a healthcare provider or contact your local health department n Remind the healthcare provider that monkeypox is circulating n Avoid close contact (including intimate contact) with others until a healthcare provider examines you n Avoid close contact with pets or other animals until a healthcare provider examines you n If you are waiting on test results, follow the same precautions n If your test is positive, stay isolated (in another area of your house from others and pets) until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed. Use a separate bathroom if possible – otherwise clean surfaces frequently. Wear a well-fitting mask when around others in your home, especially if you are coughing or have sores in your mouth. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks. There are vaccines which may be recommended after exposure/before symptoms develop. Reporting possible exposure as soon as possible is important. Getting the vaccine early after exposure appears to be more effective in preventing infection. There are medications that were developed for smallpox which appear to work with monkeypox. People at higher risk for serious illness are candidates for these treatments. Preventive steps include: do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox; do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with a person with monkeypox (it is not known whether a condom can prevent monkeypox); do not share utensils (fork/knife/spoon) or cups with a person with monkeypox; do not handle or otherwise touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox; wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer; in Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that may spread monkeypox, usually rodents and monkeys. Healthy Recipe Honey Mustard Garlic Shrimp Servings: 24 Ingredients 6 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined (21-25 count) 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 cup garlic, minced fine Kosher salt Black pepper, ground Honey Mustard Sauce 1 cup Dijon mustard 1 cup honey 1/4 cup white vinegar 3 teaspoons granulated garlic 1-1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Preparation Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and place them in a small bowl. Toss them in 1 tbsp olive oil and a bit of salt and pepper. Set aside. Make honey mustard sauce by whisking together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside. Note that the cayenne pepper adds some spice to this recipe. On the stove, heat a pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot (a splash of water should sizzle on it), place the shrimp on the pan. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, then remove and set aside in a bowl. They’ll be opaque, pink, and slightly browned when done. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss with the honey mustard sauce. Remove from heat and serve. Garnish with black pepper and a sprinkle of parsley. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 96 Calories; 5g Fat (43.6% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0 mg Cholesterol; 127mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1 Fat; 1 other Carbohydrates. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship September 2022 �Six Stewards Secure Recertified Status Six SIU members recently registered ground-breaking achievements in their respective careers by ascending to the highest rung of the steward department’s upgrade training ladder. Each carved their names in the chronicles of SIU history August 8 during the union’s monthly membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, when they graduated from the Paul Hall Center’s (PHC) Steward Recertification Program. Completing the two-week course, which is regarded as the school’s top steward department curriculum, were: Bryan Alvarez, Marlon Brown, Alexander Cordero, Sajid Foster, Bruce Johnson and Abraham Mills. During their training, each received instruction in a wide range of disciplines including computer technology, social responsibilities, leadership, Coast Guard updates, baking skills and other department-specific workshops on sanitation, nutrition and more. The course also offered insights on collective bargaining agreements, functions of the various departments within both the SIU and the Seafarers Plans, and the union’s affiliations with the Maritime Trades Department and its parent group, the AFL-CIO. In keeping with tradition, each of the newly minted recertified stewards addressed those in attendance at the membership meeting. During their presentations, they discussed their respective careers and offered valuable insights to the apprentices. They also expressed 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 union brothers and sisters aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Collectively, they also thanked the union leadership for its continued support, and the PHC vocational and hotel staffs for providing excellent instruction and accommodations, respectively. Sajid Foster Foster was the first to take the podium. He sails out of the Port of Wilmington, California, and launched his SIU career in the Crescent City. “I started my career with the SIU in 1996 in New Orleans; I was 18 years old, fresh out of high school,” he said. The initial portion of Foster’s career was spent in the inland division, followed by his transition into deep-sea sailing. Throughout his career, the union “gave me many opportunities” the Louisiana native told those in attendance. “And after all of those, the SIU is still in my corner, still providing me with even more opportunities. I stand before you today as a living embodiment of the fact that hard work does pay off.” Foster told the trainees that they had the whole world before them: the opportunity to excel and have rewarding careers. “Stay strong and soak up everything that you have learned here at the school and that you will learn once aboard vessels at sea. The sky is the limit,” he said.” Foster advised all rank-and-file members to donate to SPAD, the SIU’s voluntary political action fund, so that the union’s leadership will have the resources they require in order to work on behalf of the membership’s best interests. Alexander Cordero Recertified Steward September 2022 Sajid Foster Recertified Steward Abraham Mills Recertified Steward Marlon Brown Recertified Steward Abraham Mills Mills signed on with the union in 1999. He currently ships out of the Port of Houston. “On my first ship, I sailed as a GVA (general vessel assistant),” he told the audience. “But in 2000, I came to the school here in Piney Point for galley operations.” From then until now, it’s been one positive after another for Mills, who hails originally from Sekondi Essikdu, Ghana. “The union has been a very important part of my life and benefitted me greatly,” he said. “Thanks to the SIU, I have been able to provide a great quality of life for my family.” Sending a shout-out to the union leadership, Mills thanked SIU President Michael Sacco, the regional vice presidents and the Paul Hall Center staff for the opportunity to enhance his kills in the Steward Recertification Program. He also expressed his appreciation to the union’s contracts department for successfully negotiating “good standard contract agreements.” To the trainees, he said; “Nobody is telling you that the road will be easy, but I do not believe that the union brought you this far just to leave you, so always do your best. Payday is coming.” the quality of life for me as well as that of my family.” He credited the union’s officials for providing and protecting jobs for members as well as the PHC instructors and staff for vocational training opportunities. Brown encouraged fellow members to back SPAD and also to exercise their right to vote during all elections. “To the trainees, please work hard while you are here,” he said. “And when you get out there aboard vessels, I advise you to keep your ears open and your mouths shut.” Bruce Johnson Johnson, whose home port also is Jacksonville, was the veteran of his class, having initially sailed aboard SIU-contracted vessels once in 1980 and again in1981 before returning to the SIU for the long hall in 1994. “I joined the SIU when I was 21 and have been sailing for 28 years,” he said. “I was here at Piney Point in Trainee Class 315.” Since becoming a Seafarer, Johnson said he has sailed the world as a chief steward. “The union has been instrumental in my life because it gave me what I was lacking: opportunity,” he said, “One which I have taken full advantage of.” Reflecting on his return to the PHC for recertification training, Johnson said: “I could not help but notice the amazing upgrades that I have now seen firsthand. When I started here, there were bungalows instead of this spectacular hotel … and look at the beautiful media center.” He thanked the PHC instructors for the knowledge they imparted on him and his classmates and the staff for providing outstanding accommodations. “The union leadership needs our help when it comes to protecting our industry and jobs,” he said in closing. “We need to always do our best on the job. We need to upgrade our skills and recognize that SPAD helps to hold all of us together.” Marlon Brown Brown joined the SIU ranks in 2000 and is home-ported in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. “It’s my distinct honor to be here today,” he told his peers upon taking the podium. “Likewise, I am thrilled to have this opportunity (to complete the PHC’s top steward department curriculum).” Brown acknowledged the major role the union has played in enhancing the quality of his life and also the positive impact that being a Seafarer has had on his family. “The union has been extremely important to me and my loved ones,” he said. “I can’t thank the SIU enough for all it has done to improve Alexander Cordero Cordero sails out of the Port of Jacksonville, Florida. Born in the Republic of the Philippines, he joined the union in 2003. Since joining the SIU, “I have substantially improved the quality of my life and that of my family as well,” he said. “I have also learned and experienced many positive things that helped me excel in my chosen career. “But my main goal really was to become a recertified steward,” he continued, “And thanks to the help of the SIU, that has been achieved today.” Cordero described his recertification training as a valuable commodity, noting “it opened my eyes on how the union operates. The information I received on contracts, medical benefits, pensions and the money purchase plan will prove invaluable when I return to work on the ship and interact with my co-workers and shipmates.” He added that he had experienced and seen firsthand the unmatched dedication exhibited by union leadership in looking out for the good of the rank-and-file. In closing, Cordero shared his belief that “it is through hard work and diligence that one may advance and improve in life and on the job.” In that spirit, he encouraged the trainees to do the same. “Never give up, never quit learning and work hard,” he said. Bruce Johnson Recertified Steward Bryan Alvarez Recertified Steward Bryan Alvarez Alvarez sails out of the Port of San Juan and has been an SIU member for 13 years. “I was a member of PHC Trainee Class 713 back in 2008 and was only 19 years old at the time,” he said. “I already had knowledge about the maritime industry because of my father, Bosun Julio Cesar Alvarez. That makes me a second-generation Seafarer and a legacy in the flesh thanks to the SIU.” Alvarez told the audience he has sailed aboard a variety of vessels while working for many different companies. “I did 232 days straight on the Noble Star, my first ship,” he said. “That vessel no longer exists, but the experience I gained on it while working with great shipmates from this union improved my skills significantly.” To continue honing and expanding his skills, Alvarez returns to the PHC every other year for upgrade training. “Consistency is key to success,” he told the trainees. “Remember, never settle for less when you can be so much more. “Amongst you are the future leaders for this industry,” he continued. “Waste no time and be as professional as you can be from day one…. Upgrading is a must.” Alvarez thanked everyone who played a role in making his steward recertification training possible, including union officials and his wife, Rubi Pacheco. “She worked with and supported me every step along the way,” he said. “I’m a father of three beautiful kids; thanks to her and the SIU, I have been able to provide them a good education and a good lifestyle.” In closing, Alvarez encouraged his brothers and sisters to support SPAD to ensure that the union leadership will continue to have the resources it requires to continue promoting and protecting the membership’s interests. “The SIU changes lives every day,” he said, “I am proof of that!” Seafarers LOG 7 �HONOLULU HALL Members Approve 5-Year Standard Contracts New Agreements Increase Wages, Maintain Benefits and Jobs By an overwhelming majority, SIU members have approved the new standard freightship and tanker agreements, details of which were reported in last month’s LOG. The five-year contracts feature wage increases and maintain benefits. They mandate shipboard internet access for all Seafarers; increase pension benefits for some of the more-experienced members; and preserve all existing SIU jobs. Pictured on this page and the two that follow are photos of members voting in favor of the contracts aboard ship and in the hiring halls (or shown shortly before or after doing so). SIU officials also appear in some of the photos. OREGON MAERSK KINLOSS MAERSK PEARY MARJORIE C 8 Seafarers LOG September 2022 �OHIO MAUNALEI OCEAN GRAND AMERICAN FREEDOM ARC COMMITMENT TACOMA HALL MISSOURI EXPRESS September 2022 Seafarers LOG 9 �RRF CREWS FROM CAPE ISLAND, CAPE INTREPID EMPIRE STATE EL COQUI MONTFORD POINT JERSEY CITY HALL OVERSEAS LOS ANGELES KEYSTONE STATE OVERSEAS BOSTON 10 Seafarers LOG USNS JOHN GLENN September 2022 �KUDOS TO CAPE INTREPID CREW – The SIU crew of the Ocean Duchess-operated ship recently received congratulations for a job well done during an activation. They got a letter from the Maritime Administration calling the sea trial “a great success due to a prime example of TEAMWORK…. Congratulations to all of you.” Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa added his kudos to everyone aboard during the mid-July operation and also thanked the Honolulu and Tacoma halls for filling the jobs. Pictured from left to right are (back row) SA Talama Moega, SA Rene Caballero, GVA Kassem Saleh, GUDE Israel Serrano, AB Nigel Williams, Electrician Phillip Greenwell, (front) Chief Cook Saleh Ahmed, GUDE Charles Bishop, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, AB Raul Molina and OS Nick Sabuco. MSC DIRECTOR TOURS SCHOOL – The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) recently hosted a high-ranking official from the U.S. Military Sealift Command. MSC Director of Total Force Management Gregg Pelowski (second from left) is pictured at the Piney Point, Maryland, facility with (from left) SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona, PHC VP Tom Orzechowski, PHC Director of Vocational Training and Education Priscilla Labanowski and PHC Instructor Wayne Johnson. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS CURTISS – Former Piney Point classmates Bosun Bryan Hayden (left) and SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman are pictured aboard the Crowley-operated vessel following a review and vote on the new standard contracts. They are graduates of apprentice Class 679, back in 2006. WELCOME ASHORE IN MOBILE – Bosun Cleveland West (center) is pictured at the hall with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) and SIU Port Agent Jimmy White. West sailed with the union for 31 years. SPRUCING UP IN SAN JUAN – Local Seafarers recently pitched in for some routine maintenance and cleaning at the hiring hall. QMED Richard Vega (left in photo at left) is pictured setting up for patio maintenance with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (standing). Pictured from left in the other photo are Crespo, Chief Cook Yoaquin Gonzalez and AB Edwin Pagan. September 2022 WELCOME ASHORE IN NORFOLK – Longtime Seafarer Tony Spain (left), a recertified steward, picks up his first pension check at the union’s temporary quarters in Virginia. SIU Government Services Division Representative Sam Spain is at right. Tony sailed with the SIU for 44 years. WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – OMU Medardo Valerio (right) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. ABOARD SEA POWER – SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (right) and AB Doug Crawford are pictured aboard the Eco-Tankers ATB in early August. Seafarers LOG 11 �Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta, SIU Administrative Assistant Joni Bradley, ABM Samed Kassem, SIU Patrolman George Owen, Bosun Francis Miller, ABG Obaid Ali, GUDE Abdulsalam Mohamed and Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla. ‘Paint Tacoma’ Project Returns with Flourish AB Mohamed Haruna Seafarers Help Brighten Community in Pacific Northwest A tradition in Tacoma, Washington, resumed this year after a two-year break, as SIU members and their families pitched in for a worthy cause. “After a two-year, COVID-19-induced hiatus, the Port of Tacoma was back, repainting a house for a local resident in need as part of the Associated Ministries program Paint Tacoma Beautiful,” said SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, who led the union’s effort. The program selects homeowners in the Greater Tacoma area (normally once per year), and sends volunteers to prep, power wash and repaint their respective homes, all free of charge. This year, the SIU members repainted the home of Crystal Jordan. “I received a postcard from the Associated Ministries, and I got in contact with them,” Jordan said. “They sent me an application, and after that I was put in contact with the SIU. “The whole experience was pretty nice,” she added. “The weather was cooperative, though after they did the pressure wash, there was a heat wave, which wasn’t their fault. The house is absolutely gorgeous now. The colors I chose were very, very pretty, and I’m very happy with it.” “This year definitely felt more important than past years, in helping us find a back-to-normal feeling as we see a way through the pandemic,” said Asp. “The membership here was like we never skipped a beat, including one member’s girlfriend that wanted to be involved in the program. As is customary for our members, across departments and cultures, port staff and active mariners, we had a total of 14 volunteers, who worked for four days and 103 total work hours.” The SIU volunteers included Asp, Safety Director Duane Akers, Patrolman George Owen, Port Administrative Assistant Joni Bradley, Recertified Bosuns Sanjay Gupta and Thomas MacGregor, Bosun Francis Miller (and his girlfriend, Candace Parlier), ABM Samed Kassem, AB Mohamed Haruna, ABG Obaid Ali, GUDE Abdulsalam Mohamed, Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla and SA Javier Wurttele. Asp added, “I would like to give a special shout out to Samed Kassem, whose family has been in the union for decades. He was involved for the entire evolution, from pressure washing to final painting. He gave ‘everything in the tank’ this year. The port has no plans of slowing, and looks forward to painting another house in 2023 and beyond.” “I’ve been involved multiple years, since probably 2016,” said Miller. “This year, I brought my girlfriend with me to help. On the second or third day, there was rain, but I went on the first day, and the weather was super hot and beautiful out. I’ve never seen a home get painted so fast; we were almost 50% done after the first day. “The homeowner was very nice, very pleasant when she met with us,” Miller continued. “I think she was really happy with the color she chose; it matched the colors of her plants and the surrounding greenery. I was responsible for the trim, stripping it down, scaling it and painting the trim all along the doors and windows.” When asked if he would volunteer for the next Paint Tacoma project, he replied, “If I’m home, they know they can call me and I’ll happily help out with this every year. I hope they invite more family members to help out next year, and really turn Paint Tacoma into a family affair.” 12 Seafarers LOG SIU Safety Director Duane Akers Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta (left) and Bosun Francis Miller SIU Patrolman George Owen is pictured above while the photo at immediate left shows GUDE Abdulsalam Mohamed (left) and ABG Obaid Ali. Homeowner Crystal Jordan (left) and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp September 2022 SA Javier Wurttele September 2022 Seafarers LOG 13 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), June 22 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Gerald Kirtsey, Educational Director Jonathan Collier, Deck Delegate Russell Hayden, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Steward Delegate Keith Hall. New Wi-Fi system to be installed soon. Standard tanker agreement is almost complete. Secretary thanked crew for help with recent stores. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship to receive new recliners for lounges and cabins. Copies of new contracts were requested by bosun. Members requested increases in vacation and pension benefits and for physicals to be required annually. Steward department was thanked for great meals. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. LOUISIANA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), July 5 – Chairman Kennard Campbell, Secretary Benjamin Piker, Educational Director Kevin Hall, Engine Delegate Stephen Jenkins, Steward Delegate Bernard Lawes. Chairman advised crew to get physicals as soon as possible after signing off. New contract for standard shipping is out as of July 1. Educational director reminded members to keep documents up to date and to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Wi-Fi needed on ship. Crew discussed issues with job reliefs being filled on time. Members requested more vacation time and for retirement to be based on base wage of rating. Next port: Anacortes, Washington. MATSON TACOMA (Horizon Lines, LLC), July 8 – Chairman Alfie Cicat, Secretary Lovie Perez, Educational Director Jason Powell, Steward Delegate Nasser 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. Ahmed. Chairman recapped the new contract. He urged crew to pay dues on time and to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). Secretary directed members to the SIU online portal for updates to documents, direct deposit of vacation checks, etc. Educational director advised members to obtain substantial wage increases by upgrading often at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested an increase in pension. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), July 10 – Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Ronald Byrd, Educational Director Jeffrey Thrash, Deck Delegate Samuel Pedrosa, Engine Delegate Jason Fuller, Steward Delegate Julian De Los Santos. Chairman reviewed ship fund and asked for a round of applause to steward department for a job well done. He reported a great trip despite hot weather during shipyard period. Secretary advised members to stay on top of all documents. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Converter boxes/transformers needed in each stateroom. Members requested new mattresses, pillows and linens. Crew asked for wage and vacation increases and would like medical to be added to retirement. Members expressed frustration with CHS not handling physicals fast enough. The need for high-speed internet was mentioned as well as the ability to bid for jobs online. PELICAN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), July 10 – Chairman Brandon Albro, Secretary Josue Iglesia, Educational Director David Garrett, Engine Delegate Mathew Palmer, Steward Delegate John Noel. New contract should be coming soon as well as Wi-Fi. Secretary reminded members to renew documents in advance. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and to donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed several proposals for new five-year standard freightship and tanker agreements. Topics included pay increases, Wi-Fi access aboard all vessels, more vacation days, and updates to permanent and/or rotary job calls for trip tour reliefs. Members suggested splitting Gulf Coast job board equally between Florida hiring halls and asked to access all contracts via the membership portal. MAERSK PEARY (Maersk Line, Limited), July 13 – Chairman Ronald Paradise, Secretary Jorge Roman Feliciano. Ship crew awarded MSC plaque for excellent work during past underway replenishments. Members received a nice pay raise thanks to the new contract. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. He informed members that passports can be expedited by filling out a special union-provided form. New microwave and electric smoker can be purchased in the near future per ship treasurer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Many underway replenishments to come in Hawaii. Crew requested better Wi-Fi, TVs and refrigerators in all rooms, and power converters. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), July 16 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate John Worae, Engine Delegate Ian Jordan. Chairman thanked steward department for a job well done. He recommended members to Aboard USNS Button Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson (left) submitted this photo from the Crowley-operated ship along with kudos for AB Octavio Henriques (center) and Second Mate Joseph Fiore. upgrade at the Piney Point school and to check credentials. Secretary reminded crew about new policy regarding returning jobs. New fans needed for crew. Members requested additional vacation pay and medical benefits. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), July 17 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Ahmed Al-Arashi, Engine Delegate Charles Walker, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. Chairman encouraged crew to vote on proposed contract. Members shared bad experiences with CHS medical and voiced their opinions of new contract. Secretary reminded crew to keep mess hall and laundry room clean. Educational director advised members to attend upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Better Wi-Fi service needed as well as new TVs in some rooms. Members suggested several improvements to health and vacation benefits and requested an increase in vacation days. Crew would like the ability to file for vacation after 30 days of employment and for an equal pay scale across all entry level positions. Next port: Cherry Point, Washington. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt 14 Seafarers LOG requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 September 2022 �Notice/Reminder: USCG Positive Drug Test Advisory Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from July 15 - August 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of August 15. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C The U.S. Coast Guard first issued the following advisory in 2020. It remains current and is reprinted here as a reminder. Potential for Positive Drug Test Result From Use of Hemp-Plant Products This Marine Safety Advisory is to ensure that mariners, marine employers, and sponsoring organizations are aware that some products marketed as hemp or cannabidiol (CBD) may contain enough tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cause a positive drug test. In accordance with 46 CFR 16.201(c), an individual who fails a chemical test for dangerous drugs must be removed from duties directly affecting the safe operation of the vessel, and is subject to suspension and revocation proceedings against his or her credential under 46 CFR part 5. Use of hemp or CBD products is not accepted as an affirmative defense (acceptable excuse) against a THC-positive drug test result. For these reasons, mariners wishing to avoid a positive THC drug test result should exercise extreme caution when considering the use of any hemp or CBD product because such use could result in the loss of their merchant mariner credential and immediate removal from safety sensitive duties aboard a vessel. This warning applies to hemp and CBD products in any form, including those that are taken by mouth and those that are applied to the skin. THC is the primary psychoactive component of the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp and marijuana are different strains of the Cannabis sativa plant and both contain varying concentrations of THC and CBD. THC is considered a dangerous drug because it produces an intoxicating effect on the user and poses safety-risks to vessel operations. The U.S. Coast Guard prohibits THC use by mariners because of its known debilitating effects, and all U.S. Coast Guardrequired drug tests screen mariners for use of THC. Recent changes to Federal and State laws have resulted in a surge in the availability of over-the-counter hemp products and CBD products throughout the United States. Hemp products and CBD products are marketed to the general public in several forms such as food and medicinal products, dietary supplements, oils, cosmetics, and hair products. In some cases, product manufacturers market these products as low in THC, or THC-free. Mariners should be aware that over-the-counter hemp products and CBD products have not been approved as medications by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, users lack federal assurances of their ingredients, THC-content, quality, effectiveness, or safe use. As a result, mariners using these products put themselves at risk of having a THC-positive drug test result. It remains unacceptable for any U.S Coast Guard credentialed mariner or other safety-sensitive worker working aboard a vessel that is subject to U.S Coast Guard drug testing regulations to use THC. Claimed use of hemp products or CBD products is not an acceptable defense for a THC-positive drug test result. To learn more about the risks of hemp and CBD products visit the FDA website at https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-needknow-and-what-were-working-find-outabout-products-containingcannabis-or-cannabis. This Safety Advisory was developed by the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Investigations and Analysis. Questions or comments should be sent to: DAPI@uscg.mil. September & October Membership Meetings Piney Point...............*Tuesday: September 6, Monday: October 3 Algonac...................................Friday: September 9, October 7 Baltimore............................Thursday: September 8, October 6 Guam...............................Thursday: September 22, October 20 Honolulu.............................Friday: September 16, October 14 Houston...............Monday: September 12, *Tuesday: October 11 Jacksonville.......................Thursday: September 8, October 6 Joliet..................................Thursday: September 15, October 13 Mobile.........................Wednesday: September 14, October 12 New Orleans........................Tuesday: September 13, October 11 Jersey City............................Tuesday: September 6, October 4 Norfolk..................................Friday: September 9, October 7 Oakland..............................Thursday: September 15 , October 13 Philadelphia........................Wednesday: September 7, October 5 Port Everglades..................Thursday: September 15, October 13 San Juan..............................Thursday: September 8, October 6 St. Louis...............................Friday: September 16, October 14 Tacoma...............................Friday: September 23, October 21 Wilmington....................Monday: September 19, October 17 * Piney Point change in September due to Labor Day observance * Houston change in October due to Columbus Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m September 2022 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer 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 This month’s question was answered by Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What’s something you experienced on a ship that you weren’t expecting? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive 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 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 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 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 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 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 Kobe Cisero Chief Cook The different types of people and cultures you meet on a ship. I like it, though. It’s fascinating learning about those cultures from the people themselves both on a ship and ashore in a foreign country. Dominic Jones Wiper Being away from my son is way harder than I thought it would be. You have to grow up quick when you join the Seafarers. But it makes my time at home that much more important to me. Quinsha Davis Chief Cook The job is harder than it looks! Working in the steward department isn’t just throwing stuff together, it’s a whole job. It requires a lot of skill and training to do the job properly. Jared Johnson Oiler I don’t stress on ships. I take it one day at a time, and don’t worry about it. It helps to always keep a positive mental attitude, and keep your head up. Daniel Ursitti GUDE When things go awry, or there’s an emergency in the engine room, everything gets pushed to the side. All your interpersonal issues don’t matter anymore, and everyone bands together to fix the issue. Nothing else matters but the task at hand. Ashley Grahm Chief Cook I was pleasantly surprised to find I had so much free time. I was able to travel and see all kinds of places and try new things. Plus, the bragging rights over all the places you’ve been aren’t bad. But as long as you can maintain your drive, this career can really take care of you for life. William McIntyre AB A lot is different. Standing watch, tying knots, all of that is important – but you also have to be a good crew. You have to help out your fellow mariners, and do your duty, and the rest will take care of itself. Leanne Smith Chief Steward I went on the ship alone, and I came back with close friends. You spend enough time on the same ship, with the same crew, and they become family. But it’s still important to come back and upgrade your skills, and when you’re on a ship, help out your fellow sailor. Pics From The Past PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG Billed as “the largest ship ever built in the Western Hemisphere,” the SIU-crewed U.S.T. Atlantic (above, right) formally was christened in February 1979 at Newport News (Virginia) Shipbuilding. The LOG’s coverage of the ceremony noted the ship “has an overall length of 1,187 feet and a beam of 228 feet)…. She is 95 feet from keel to main deck and will have a draft of over 70 feet when fully loaded.” The crude carrier, built for U.S. Trust and leased to Shell, was operated by Interocean Management Corp. and carried an unlicensed crew of 32. Elizabeth Kemp Renner, wife of Shell Oil board of directors member William Renner, is pictured christening the ship (photo at left). 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org September 2022 �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 ABDOULLA ALSSOUDI Brother Abdoulla Alssoudi, 65, started his career with the union in 1999 when he shipped on the USNS Silas Bent. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Alssoudi most recently sailed on the William R. Button. He makes his home in Brooklyn, New York. WILLIAM BELCHER Brother William Belcher, 65, joined the SIU in 1981, when he sailed aboard the Benjamin Harrison. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Belcher last worked on the Padre Island. He is a resident of Norfolk, Virginia. MICHAEL BRISCOE Brother Michael Briscoe, 66, began sailing with the union in 1992, initially on the Independence. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Briscoe most recently sailed on the USNS Watkins. He lives in Thayne, Wyoming. ALLEN COOPER Brother Allen Cooper, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1973 when he sailed aboard the Fort Hoskins. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Cooper last sailed on the Eugene A. Obregon. He resides in Wesley Chapel, Florida. ISMAEL GAMBOA Brother Ismael Gamboa, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2009. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Observation Island. Brother Gamboa’s final vessel was the USNS Denebola. He resides in Newport News, Virginia. DIANA HOUSE Sister Diana House, 65, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 2001 and initially sailed on the Quality. She was a member of the steward department and upgraded September 2022 at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Sister House most recently shipped on the Liberty Promise and lives in Houston. ment. Brother Miller upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the Global Mariner and is a Baltimore resident. WILLIAM MOGG RAFAEL LEON ORTIZ Brother Rafael Leon Ortiz, 67, began sailing with the union in 2009 when he shipped on the Sam Laud. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Leon Ortiz last sailed on the Isla Bella. He lives in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. MOSTAFA LOUMRHARI Brother Mostafa Loumrhari, 70, joined the SIU in 1990 when he sailed on the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Loumrhari concluded his career on the Manukai and makes his home in Las Vegas. GAMAL MEAWAD Brother Gamal Meawad, 65, signed on with the union in 2009. He first sailed aboard the President Adams and worked in the steward department. Brother Meawad upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Memphis and is a resident of Brooklyn, New York. MICHAEL MERRELL Brother Michael Merrell, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990, initially shipping aboard the Courier. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Merrell last shipped aboard the Maersk Idaho. He lives in Oklahoma City. STEVEN MILLER Brother Steven Miller, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1977. He first sailed aboard the Overseas Alaska and worked in the engine depart- Brother William Mogg, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1989. An engine department member, he initially sailed with Inland Lakes Management. Brother Mogg upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the North Star and resides in University Place, Washington. MICHAEL NOVAK Brother Michael Novak, 65, started sailing with the union in 1985, initially shipping on the USNS Stalwart. He sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Bold. Brother Novak makes his home in Bellevue, Washington. PAUL PAGANO Brother Paul Pagano, 61, joined the union in 1991 and first sailed aboard the Libra. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Pagano last shipped aboard the Alliance Fairfax. He lives in Palm Coast, Florida. JESSIE PARENTE Brother Jessie Parente, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2003. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the engine department. Brother Parente’s first vessel was the Buffalo; his last, the Ocean Glory. He makes his home in La Grange Park, Illinois. RUBEN RIVERA Brother Ruben Rivera, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2006, initially sailing aboard the Westward Venture. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Rivera’s final vessel was the Maersk Chicago. He resides in Flushing, New York. TONY SPAIN Brother Tony Spain, 63, signed on with the SIU in 1978. He initially shipped with Inland Tugs and was a steward department member. Brother Spain upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Peary and resides in Chesapeake, Virginia. BOYD SPIVEY Brother Boyd Spivey, 66, started his career with the Seafarers in 2003 and first sailed aboard the Cape Texas. A deck department member, Brother Spivey upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He last shipped on the Missouri Express and makes his home in Houston. LARRY STEVENS Brother Larry Stevens, 68, signed on with the union in 1987. He initially sailed aboard the William Baugh and worked in the deck department. Brother Stevens upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2002. He concluded his career aboard the Ocean Giant and settled in Lynn Haven, Florida. GERMAN VALERIO Brother German Valerio, 65, joined the SIU in 1984 and first sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in engine department. Brother Valerio last sailed on the Overseas Philadelphia and makes his home in Houston. INLAND ROMOLO DICESARE Brother Romolo Dicesare, 62, donned the SIU colors in 2014. A deck department member, he was employed by Harley Marine for the duration of his career. Brother Dicesare is a resident of Wallingford, Connecticut. DENNIS GASKILL Brother Dennis Gaskill, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafar- ers in 1992 when he shipped with CG Willis, Inc. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Gaskill was last employed by Express Marine. He makes his home in Bayboro, North Carolina. RUDOLPH HOUDEK Brother Rudolph Houdek, 64, signed on with the union in 1981. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership and sailed in the engine department. Brother Houdek was employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He lives in Bayport, New York. RANDY ISENHART Brother Randy Isenhart, 61, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1989. He was a member of the deck department and first sailed with OSG Ship Management. Brother Isenhart upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He was most recently employed by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning and lives in West Cape May, New Jersey. DAVID KANE Brother David Kane, 59, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1996. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Kane worked for Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He resides in Knotts Island, North Carolina. LUIS PEREZ MENENDEZ Brother Luis Perez Menendez, 62, signed on with the union in 1996. He first sailed with Crowley Puerto Rico Services and was a member of the deck department. Brother Menendez upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and makes his home in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. GARY PIERCE Brother Gary Pierce, 65, joined the SIU in 1975. He was first employed by Allied Transportation and sailed in the deck department. Brother Pierce upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1977. He concluded his career with OSG Ship Management and resides in Chesapeake, Virginia. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA HANS EKROTH Pensioner Hans Ekroth, 93, passed away July 16. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1952. Initially sailing aboard the Longview Victory, Brother Ekroth was an engine department member. He last shipped aboard the Gem State and went on pension in 1991. Brother Ekroth was a resident of Lynnwood, Washington. JERRY FRIZZELL Pensioner Jerry Frizzell, 81, died June 27. He donned the SIU colors in 1990 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Frizzell’s first vessel was the Cleveland; his last, the Buffalo Soldier. He became a pensioner in 2004 and settled in Lake Charles, Louisiana. MARVIN JAMES Brother Marvin James, 54, has passed away. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1987 when he shipped on the USNS Kane. Brother James worked in the steward department and most recently sailed on the Independence. He lived in Jacksonville, Florida. ANTONIO MARTES Pensioner Antonio Martes, 80, died August 8. Brother Martes became a member of the SIU in 1967, initially sailing aboard the Steel Scientist. He was an engine department member and concluded his career aboard the Sealand Express. Brother Martes retired in 2007 and called Brooklyn, New York, home. JACKIE MCDANIEL Pensioner Jackie McDaniel, 82, passed away August 8. He embarked on his career with the union in 1961 when he worked with Moore-McCormack Lines. A deck department member, Brother McDaniel last shipped 18 Seafarers LOG on the Quality in 1998. He went on pension the same year and lived in Angleton, Texas. CELSO ORDONEZ Pensioner Celso Ordonez, 68, died June 14. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1998 and first shipped on the Cape Florida. Brother Ordonez primarily sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Freedom in 2008. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Miami. VAN PHAN Pensioner Van Phan, 83, passed away July 13. He signed on with the SIU in 1981, initially working with Sealand. Brother Phan sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He concluded his career with World Crane Services and retired in 2002. He made his home in Long Beach, California. KARL MAYHEW Brother Karl Mayhew, 62, died June 19. He became a member of the SIU in 2001. A deck department member, Brother Mayhew first shipped on the Cape Juby. He most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Columbus and resided in Ogdensburg, New York. ROBERT VAZQUEZ Pensioner Robert Vazquez, 61, passed away August 2. He began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1989 when he shipped on the Rover. Brother Vazquez was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the Maersk Yorktown and went on pension in 2020. Brother Vazquez was a New York City resident. JERRY WOOD Pensioner Jerry Wood, 90, passed away May 7. He signed on with the SIU in 1951 and first sailed aboard the Louis Emery Jr. Brother Wood was a steward department member. He last shipped on the Stephen W. Pless before going on pension in 1995. Brother Wood lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. GREAT LAKES RONALD DEROUIN Pensioner Ronald Derouin, 69, died July 13. He joined the SIU in 1998. For the majority of his career, Brother Derouin sailed with Upper Lakes Towing. He retired in 2016 and resided in Gladstone, Michigan. JOHN KRUSE Pensioner John Kruse, 93, passed away August 9. Brother Kruse signed on with the union in 1960. He first sailed with American Steamship and was a steward department member. Brother Kruse was last employed by Great Lakes Associates and retired in 1988. He made his home in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. DAWN WEYMOUTH Sister Dawn Weymouth, 75, died July 19. She started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. Sister Weymouth was a steward department member. Her first vessel was the Southdown Challenger; her last, the American Mariner. Sister Weymouth resided in Inverness, Florida. INLAND ROBERT CUOCO Pensioner Robert Cuoco, 68, passed away July 15. He joined the SIU in 1990 and first shipped on the Cove Liberty. Brother Cuoco worked in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Northerly Island and went on pension in 2015. Brother Cuoco lived in Tamworth, New Hampshire. BRUCE GOUGH Pensioner Bruce Gough, 83, died July 15. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1989 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Gough worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2001 and was a Las Vegas resident. LAURIE JACKSON Brother Laurie Jackson, 63, passed away June 4. He became an SIU member in 2007 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Jackson sailed with Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He called Laurel, Mississippi, home. WILLIE MCCARDLE Pensioner Willie McCardle, 94, died June 30. A member of the deck department, he joined the union in 1962. Brother McCardle sailed with National Marine Service for most of his career. He became a pensioner in 1985 and settled in Metairie, Louisiana. GERALD SHARP Pensioner Gerald Sharp, 89, passed away July 2. Brother Sharp joined the Seafarers in 1972 when he worked with Pudget Sound. He sailed in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Rover. Brother Sharp became a pensioner in 1996 and resided in Avon Park, Florida. DONALD TODD Pensioner Donald Todd, 78, died July 4. He embarked on his career with the union in 1975. An engine department member, Brother Todd worked for Cape Fear Towing for the duration of his career. He retired in 2006 and settled in Wilmington, North Carolina. NMU EDWARD GAILLARD Pensioner Edward Gaillard, 77, died July 5. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with the SIU. Brother Gaillard was a steward department member. He last sailed aboard the Navigator and retired in 2009. Brother Gaillard resided in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Guidry, Horace Hidalgo, Adam Hopkins, Harold Jackson, Anthony Jawad, Muhanna Jones, Victor Martinez, Genaro Pokorski, Lavern Rivers, William Smith, Charles Stuart, Richard Vazquez, Efrain AGE 81 101 74 94 84 101 90 97 87 79 96 98 DOD 07/09/2022 07/16/2022 07/22/2022 07/27/2022 11/07/2021 05/25/2022 07/08/2022 06/28/2022 07/24/2022 06/25/2022 07/02/2022 07/29/2022 Have You Missed An Issue of the Log? PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website. September 2022 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30 Basic Training October 3 October 7 Date of Completion Basic Training Revalidation October 7 October 21 November 14 December 2 October 7 October 21 November 14 December 2 October 17 November 28 November 4 December 16 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation December 12 December 16 Government Vessels Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 26 October 24 November 21 October 7 November 4 December 2 September 19 September 26 October 17 October 24 November 7 December 5 September 23 September 30 October 21 October 28 November 10 December 9 RFPNW September 26 November 14 October 14 December 2 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 24 October 28 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Tank Ship Familiarization LG October 31 November 4 Title of Course Start Date Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW September 26 November 14 October 21 December 9 FOWT October 24 November 18 Junior Engineer September 19 November 11 Marine Electrician October 31 December 2 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 Welding October 31 November 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook September 19 October 31 December 5 October 21 December 2 January 5 ServSafe Management September 12 October 24 November 28 September 16 October 28 December 2 Advanced Galley Operations October 10 November 4 Chief Steward September 12 November 14 October 7 December 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places September 23 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. September 2022 Important Notice To All Students COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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, or 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. 9/22 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #884 – Graduated July 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Jevon David, Da’Shon Hagans, Bryan Halista, Raheem Harris-Stewart, Christian Marty, Evan Murff, Malik Perez, Timothy Resultan, Masaddiq Walton and Faith Wood. UA to Able Seaman-Deck – Graduated July 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Georgia Bussink, Paul Calcaterra, Jaquaz Del Vako Javon Jenkins, Martin Roi Briones Morales, Christopher Nicolosi, Anoalo Tuimanua Stanley and Garrett Williams. 20 Seafarers LOG September 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seafarer Deck – Graduated June 10 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Ryan Chapman, Lynne Hazelip, Christian Ivezic and Sarah Wilson. Their instructor, Dominic Hix, is at the far right. Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places Marine Electrician – Graduated June 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Kwasi Alexander, Angel Ivan Colon Cintron, Francois Emmanuel Doucet III, James Fells, Kabir Garcia Santiago, Jeffrey Hamer, Thedford Jones Jr., and Ethan Love. Class instructor Roy Graham is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Fast Rescue Boat – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Kenneth Ledeoux, Christopher Marcani and Scott Salo. Class instructor Thomas Truitt is at the far left. Zachary Parker (second from right) assisted Truitt with this class. September 2022 Water Survival (Upgraders) – A pair of upgraders recently completed their requirements in this course. Graduating June 17 were D’mitri Hill (left) and Darius Harley. Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated June 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Seth Duke Alejandro Alonzo, Darrol Bates, Khaleel Boatner, Ray Fugit, Malcolm Haynes Jr., Keesha Holloway, Yassid Jean Laboriel Lalin, Kenneth Ledeoux, Cleon McBride, Jody Owens, Levon Prophet, Sabbah Kassim Shaibi, Isaiah Thomas, Tyequan Thompson, Bernard Wade II, Mackenzie Wincelowicz and Richard Wythe Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Small Arms – Graduated June 23 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): William Dowzicky III, Richard Owusu, Harry Phillip, Levon Prophet, Gary Torres and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places Basic Training – Graduated June 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Thomas Burch, Olivia Gross and Kimberly Vargas. 22 Seafarers LOG MSC Supply Configuration Management – Daniel Edward Fields (above) recently completed his requirements in this course. A member of the deck department, he graduated June 3. September 2022 �Advanced Refer Container Maintenance – Graduated July 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Derek Chestnut, Jerome Culbreth Jr., Kabir Garcia Santiago, Thedford Jones Jr., Justin Nicholson, James Pascocello, Cesar Arnaldo Rivera Polanco and Devin Sem. Class instructor Mike Fay is at the far right while Ben Hernandez, service manager, Maersk Container Industry, is at the far left. UA to FOWT – Graduated July 8 (above, in alphabetical order):Johnathan Bumgarner, Jose Enrique Carrasquillo, Cristian Curet-Lara, Nikita Featherston, Lance Gibson, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Aaron Juan Moore Jr., Ryan Rendell Velez Sotomayor and Michael Zabielski. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated July 15 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Sherron Davita Decoteau, Alexander Marcelino Dominguez, Supattara Inthapanti, Nadzeya Mikhailovna Kuptsova, Vanessa Louise Osborne-Brumsey and Luke Vandegrift. Instructor Christina Hurry is second from the right. Important Notice To All 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 can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places September 2022 Seafarers LOG 23 �SEPTEMBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 9 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 20-23 SUNSHINE STATE Majority Approves Standard Contracts An overwhelming majority of Seafarers have given the “thumbs up” for the new standard freightship and tanker contracts which among other significant features include wage increases. Photos on this page, as well as others on Pages 8-10 show members voting in favor of the new accords while aboard ship and in union hiring halls. In addition to rank-and-file members, some of the photos also include union officials. TS GOLDEN BEAR OVERSEAS NEW YORK WASHINGTON � 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 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond 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 2022 Description An account of the resource NY WATERWAY EXPANDS FLEET, REFITS FERRIES WITH 'GREENER' ENGINES CREW OF MAERSK PEARY RECEIVES COMMENDATION FOR RESCUE AT SEA SIU MEMBERS SAIL ON NEW CONTAINERSHIP UNION JOBS SECURE ABOARD SIX PREPOSITIONING SHIPS COALITION BRINGS BOOKS, BACKPACKS TO PUERTO RICO PACIFIC TRACKER CREW HELPS SAVE A LIFE AT SEA US HOUSE VOTES TO SUPPORT WORKERS DOJ , NLRB FORM ALLIANCE TO PROTECT LABOR MARKETS SHBP CONDUCTING ANNUAL VERIFICATION OF DEPENDENTS 'TIME IS NOW FOR FIXING BROKEN LABOR LAWS' SIX STEWARDS SECURE RECERTIFIED STATUS MEMBERS APPROVE 5-YEAR STANDARD CONTRACTS 'PAINT TACOMA' PROJECT RETURNS WITH FLOURISH NOTICE/REMINDER: USCG POSITIVE DRUG TEST ADVISORY MAJORITY APPROVES STANDARD CONTRACTS 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 09/01/2022 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. 84, NO. 9 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log